Taking the Kids: And blasting off while on Earth

Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Content Agency on Mar 31, 2022

With the Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration (#Disneyworld50) in the parks, the much anticipated immersive two-night experience has opened. It enables guests to live their own “Star Wars” adventures aboard Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, complete with views of space, galactic cuisine, and a musical appearance by a galactic superstar.

Think multicolored smoking drinks at dinner and blue milk at breakfast as you journey into your own Star Wars adventure. You’ll have the power to choose your path. Will you follow the rule of the First Order or join the Resistance in a secret plot? Strike a bargain with a gang of smugglers or sit back, sip a cocktail and watch it all from a safe distance?

(Despite the high-ticket price — $4,809 for two guests sharing a cabin; $5,999 for four guests — there is hardly any availability until mid-July.

The kid-friendly Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a Marvel themed first of its kind attraction will debut this summer at EPCOT, complete with the first “other world” showcase pavilion. The “Galaxarium,” a planetarium-like exhibition will explore the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar.

The idea is that the Nova Corps have arrived on Earth and want guests to learn more about their advanced technologies.

There will be immersive opportunities aboard the new Disney Cruise Line’s ship Wish too, when it sets sail this summer for adults as well as kids. Adult fans aboard Disney Wish will love a space-jumping tour of the Star Wars galaxy at the adults-only Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, a high-end bar styled as a luxurious yacht-class spaceship.

“When we started this seven years ago, space tourism wasn’t even a reality,” said Tom Fitzgerald, a Disney Imagineer who helped oversee the EPCOT project. “We’re giving guests a taste of future space tourism.”

That’s not so far-fetched. A Stargarita, please!

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid’s Guide to Philadelphia, the 13th in the kid’s guide series, was published in 2020, with The Kid’s Guide to Camping coming in 2021.)