The all-new 'Star Wars' hotel: A 45-year dream come true for this travel enthusiast

Warning: Plot spoilers ahead. If you prefer to discover the surprises for yourself during your galactic voyage, these details may not be for you.

Describing the newly opened Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel as 'out of this world' doesn’t even begin to cover it. From the Disney cast members who stayed in character the entire time to the technology that made me feel like I was truly flying through space, the meticulous attention to detail and immersive storytelling made me forget I was in Orlando, and instead, I felt as though I was soaring through hyperspace.

At 14, I became a Star Wars fan after the first film's release in 1977. Now, 45 years later, I was one of the fortunate 200 guests invited for a sneak preview of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which will officially open its doors on March 1.

Every detail was carefully crafted in this interactive hotel adventure. The seamless blend of Disney magic, Lucasfilm history, and cutting-edge storytelling technology from Industrial Light & Magic made this an experience I will never forget.

While words barely capture the experience, here’s my best attempt at sharing the highlights of my adventure aboard the Halcyon starcruiser.

Life aboard the Galactic Starcruiser

From the moment I boarded, I was instantly transported to a galaxy far, far away.

After stepping into the starcruiser, I received a briefing for my voyage before heading to the launch pod deck to 'take off' to my 'ship.' When I arrived at the two-story atrium on Deck 6, the crew greeted me with a warm 'good journey.' And indeed, it would be an unforgettable one.

As I journeyed through 'a galaxy far, far away,' I discovered fascinating stories about the origins of various crew members.

It was incredible to hear them share the histories of their home planets, from Bespin (Cloud City’s home) to Tatooine (Luke Skywalker's birthplace), Jakku (Rey's home), and Naboo (the home of Senator Padmé Amidala and Emperor Palpatine), each with remarkable detail.

When I unlocked the door to my cabin with the special-edition "Star Wars" MagicBand, I was greeted by a stunning view of space, where I, along with my two friends, would spend our time on this galactic adventure.

The cabin wasn't particularly spacious, but its breathtaking views more than made up for what it lacked in size.

The room featured a bathroom with separate sections for the sink, shower, and toilet. While the sliding doors had privacy latches, they were a bit tricky to open and close, especially if you have long nails or smaller hands.

Much like an airplane, you can track your ship's journey on a map — but with way more exciting destinations. If you're in your cabin during a battle, look out the window to witness First Order TIE fighters and feel the jolt of torpedo impacts, plus experience the jump to lightspeed.

A complete list of on-board activities

This isn't the place to kick back and nap by the pool, or to take a break from activities for a trip to Tosche Station. You're not here to rest and visit other Disney World parks during the day — this is an immersive experience where you'll be fully engaged around the clock.

Every day of my stay was packed with activities, and I had a list of tasks assigned to me to complete.

One moment, I was learning how to operate the ship's navigation, shields, controls, loaders, and weapons in bridge training. The next, I was scrambling to follow the captain's orders as we found ourselves in a 'battle' against the First Order. It felt so real, I could literally feel my heart racing.

I even had the chance to train with a lightsaber instructor. Yes, a lightsaber. This was such an incredible experience, and the 14-year-old version of me would never have believed this was happening in real life.

The skills I learned from the instructor on how to expertly wield my lightsaber proved invaluable later when I was engaged in a battle with TIE fighters while assisting Rey to safely board the Halcyon.

Just like on Earth, even in space, you need to rest — and eat. So, I kicked back and enjoyed some well-earned drinks and snacks in the Sublight Lounge. I sipped on a Mandalorian Sling (essentially a galactic Manhattan) and savored a cheese platter that was dramatically served under a smoke-filled cloche.

For dinner, we headed to our 8 p.m. reservation at the Crown of Corellia dining room, where we were treated to a selection of mouthwatering dishes from across the galaxy.

We tried everything, but the standout for me was the bantha beef tenderloin with a tamarind glaze. I never would have imagined what the giant, fur-covered, tusked creatures from the 1977 film tasted like, but paired with crushed moon rock potatoes, they were absolutely delicious.

The evening entertainment was equally impressive, keeping me fully immersed in the galaxy George Lucas first imagined and Disney has now brought to life.

Exploring beyond the ship

But my adventure wasn't confined to just the ship; there was much more to experience.

On the second day of my two-night adventure, I was "transported" to the planet Batuu, aka Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, at Disney's Hollywood Studios, aboard the Batuu Transport.

Though there were no exclusive activities planned for our arrival, we had access to the Lightning Lanes, conveniently preloaded onto our MagicBands, which helped us skip the longer lines at popular attractions. In the few hours I had there, I made the most of everything the park's Star Wars area had to offer.

This included thrilling rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, plus a visit to Oga's Cantina for an intergalactic drink.

From the attractions to the themed environments and even the lip-numbing Fuzzy Tauntaun cocktails, everything was already hitting the mark.

However, the high-tech features of the rides and the detailed park designs weren't even the best part of the experience. The true highlight came when a little African American girl rushed up to me, screamed "Princess Leia!" and gave me a big, heartwarming hug.

It may have been the side buns, combined with the immersive galactic atmosphere, but that moment was truly special—far beyond just lightsabers and special effects.

Meeting my all-time favorite characters

By now, you’ve probably realized this isn't just another space-themed hotel or dinner theater where you're merely an observer. This is an immersive experience where you live alongside the characters.

While my encounters with the crew, officers, and stormtroopers were exciting, it was only when some of my beloved characters showed up that I truly felt like I was a part of the "Star Wars" universe.

I even spotted one of my all-time favorites, Chewbacca, roaming the halls—just as towering in real life as he was in the films.

Chewbacca, a stowaway aboard the Halcyon, needed my assistance. We had to keep him hidden, so after snapping a selfie with the most famous of the Wookiees, I helped ensure his safety by sneaking him up the elevator.

He reappeared later when I was tasked with aiding Rey in her secretive boarding of the ship. (Sneaking around is a common theme in the "Star Wars" universe.) After ensuring her safe arrival, I was amazed as I watched Rey take on Kylo Ren in a spectacularly choreographed duel. Ultimately, Rey triumphed over him and the First Order.

What a way to end my adventure – exhausting, yet absolutely thrilling.

Final thoughts

My "Star Wars" journey exceeded all expectations. As a kid, I never could have dreamed of a vacation so immersive and life-altering. Yet, against all odds, Disney turned that dream into a reality.

"Star Wars" fans are a passionate group, constantly seeking authenticity in everything related to the franchise. They demand meticulous detail in every aspect of the galaxy. Somehow, Disney has managed to meet, if not exceed, those high expectations.

I was in awe of how real the world felt while staying at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Even now, part of me still can't quite believe it happened. And even if you're not a "Star Wars" enthusiast like me, the sheer immersion of the experience will leave you awestruck—provided the hefty price tag doesn’t knock you out first.

Someone pinch me, because this feels too surreal to be anything but a dream.