Part 7/9:
The Galactic Star Cruiser's downfall illustrates a broader problem: Disney's repeated disconnect from its core audience. Instead of listening to fans' desires for authentic storytelling and traditional Star Wars lore, the company doubled down on superficial experiences and franchise marketing that didn't align with fan interests.
Furthermore, the massive investment—estimated to be in the billions—was squandered on a concept that fundamentally did not meet expectations. Despite the high praise from a handful of influencers and media outlets, general public interest failed to materialize. The product was overhyped and underdelivered, leading to canceled reservations, negative reviews, and ultimately, closure.