3. The Bad: It is not an ideal experience for casual visitors

One of the biggest questions raised about Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser has been is the high price point worth it for something so niche? After all, despite praise from Star Wars enthusiasts, some guests chafed at the “immersive” elements of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge early on, even at simple things like cast members always being in character.

If you are looking for a calm, relaxing Disney vacation with some Star Wars flavor, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will not be your cup of tea. It’s not even ideal for those looking for a standard Disney vacation with a little Star Wars fun on the side.

A common point raised by guests visiting Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is that you will be kept busy—there is a lot for guests to do and experience in a very short time, and those who want to experience it all may not have much in the way of downtime. Your personal itinerary will include a full range of scheduled entertainments, choose-your-adventure style story missions, cruise-style activities, an excursion to Batuu, meals… you get the picture.

Some of the biggest negative points we saw from media reviewers surrounded things that casual visitors are likely to look for in a normal Disney resort. You will not find a pool at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. The rooms are on the small side (more on that later). In order to maintain the illusion of a space-cruise, some found the more intimate size of the resort and the use of space-simulation windows a bit on the claustrophobic side.

In short, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is probably not going to be an ideal experience for casual visitors or those looking for a standard Disney vacation.

4. Insider Tip: Engaging with the story is key

Another common thread we noticed among guests who experienced Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was a piece of advice: actively engage in the story as much as possible.

This can sound intimidating to those who aren’t extroverts or longtime role-players, but there is plenty of room for a more “take me along on the adventure” approach on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser if you choose. The cast and crew go above and beyond to help guests engage. The thing is, you do have to make the choice to engage and participate on some level.

It is entirely possible to fill your visit to Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser with activities that seem like the type of things you’d do on a Star Wars cruise—playing Sabaac, dance lessons, lightsaber training (which some loved and some thought fell a little flat). However, these experiences are just auxiliary fun meant to fill in gaps in your time and open up opportunities.

The real magic of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser happens following story paths. You can do this two important ways. The first is through using your Datapad (currently via a smart device loaned to you by Disney, though eventually you will be able to use your phone). Similar to the Datapad game in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the Datapad provides a source of story information and interactivity for missions throughout your voyage.

Fans emphasized that while you should utilize Datapad, don’t over-rely on it. The best way, hands-down, to get the most out of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser’s rich stories is to engage with the cast members from day one.

5. The Good: The cast makes the experience truly magical

Even the sourest reviews we found for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser all agreed on one thing—the cast Disney has put together for this singular experience go above and beyond anything you can imagine. They take an experience that could have been nothing more than Star Wars dinner theater and turn it into an ever-changing adventure rich with magic and hospitality.

Every member of the Halcyon cast and crew plays a role in your experience at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, and guests emphasized it is well worth getting to know them throughout your journey. We saw so many accounts of guests who planned to take a very passive approach to their visit but ended up captivated by the depth of the characters aboard the Halcyon. If you engage, it’s very easy to get caught up in the stories taking place all around you.

The cast of Galactic Starcruiser includes a full range of characters who all play some role in the story and all tie to some sort of allegiance. You will have a choice to aid the Resistance, the First Order, or to pursue the path of a smuggler or scoundrel—sticking mostly to one path will provide the most story opportunities. Familiar faces like Rey, Kylo Ren, and Chewbacca all make appearances, and fans particularly raved about incredible performances from the enchanting singer Gaya and the ever-pleased-to-insult-you Lieutenant Croy.

What do guests think about the rooms?