by Joe Tracy, editor of Theme Park Magazine
A new documentary titled Halcyon Daze: The Final Voyages of Disney’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is currently in post-production, aiming to preserve the story of one of Disney’s most ambitious yet short-lived immersive experiences. The documentary team, led by Director Carrie Coaplen and Executive Producer Ben Daughtrey, has launched a Kickstarter campaign (See “Explore More: Resources” at end of article) seeking $50,000 to fund the final stages of production.
Capturing a Unique Moment in Theme Park History
The filmmakers gathered over 100 hours of footage, including material shot during the third-to-last voyage of the Galactic Starcruiser before its closure. With more than 50 interviews completed, the documentary features perspectives from former passengers, cast members, and experts in immersive entertainment, game design, fandom, and interactive storytelling.
“I now understand how transformative a shared immersive art experience can become. Even more, I am now a creator because of this community,” Coaplen tells Theme Park Magazine. “What I’ve learned for myself is how a positive, healthy community supports more of the same through more art.”
The documentary team includes a mix of experienced filmmakers and subject matter experts. Executive Producer Ben Daughtrey brings significant industry experience, having worked on films selected for the Sundance Film Festival and receiving three Emmy nominations for editing. Director Carrie Coaplen contributes her background in creative nonfiction writing, while Producer and Lead Researcher Carly Kocurek adds her expertise in games and play research.
Beyond Just a “Star Wars Hotel”
A central goal of the documentary is to correct misconceptions about what the Galactic Starcruiser actually was. Many dismissed it simply as an overpriced hotel, missing the complex, immersive experience it offered.
“Disney has a long tradition of breaking the rules and inventing new ways to entertain the public – the modern theme park being chief among these accomplishments,” Daughtrey tells Theme Park Magazine. “The advertising and publicity couldn’t possibly describe what the Star Cruiser really was. No one, including me, could possibly understand that this was a one of a kind, completely novel, new form of entertainment.”
The documentary examines both the technological achievements and the emotional impact of the experience. While acknowledging the business challenges that led to its closure, the documentary focuses significantly on the communities formed among guests and cast members.
Human Connections at the Heart of the Story
What surprised the filmmakers most was the deep emotional connections formed during the Starcruiser experience. Daughtrey shared a particularly moving story with Theme Park Magazine about a father and daughter who reconnected after years of estrangement through their shared Starcruiser voyage.
“On our cruise, we met a father and his young adult daughter in matching T-shirts. They both immediately opened up to us and through tears, explained that they had been estranged for many years,” says Daughtrey. “He told me that, ‘I would have paid any amount, damn near sacrificed everything, to have this now, and I’m so glad that we did’.”
The documentary also explores the psychology behind why the experience resonated so deeply with participants. Coaplen notes, “A really fun surprise is that I’ve learned how much psychology is baked into the experience. For example, during the experience, using our group’s shared phrases, and engaging in crucial ‘missions,’ and even enjoying super fancy food…all of that fires off feel good hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. Ergo, we all wanted MORE. We got a bit addicted!”
The Rise of Immersive Entertainment
As Producer and Lead Researcher on the documentary, Carly Kocurek brings her extensive experience in games and play research to the project. With over 15 years of interviewing experience and multiple published books on gaming and digital culture, Kocurek provides valuable context for understanding the Starcruiser phenomenon.
“Documenting the Starcruiser is a unique opportunity to explore the history and rise of immersive entertainment,” Kocurek tells Theme Park Magazine. “I’m excited to bring insights from researchers and experts I really respect to a broader audience.”
From Post-Production to Film Festivals: What’s Next for ‘Halcyon Daze
The team plans to submit Halcyon Daze to film festivals beginning in late summer and early fall of 2026. While specific festivals remain under wraps, they’re targeting major festivals that showcase documentaries related to fandom, science fiction, and pop culture.
If the Kickstarter exceeds its goals, the additional funds will support festival submissions, travel expenses, and potentially enhanced features for backers such as additional interview footage as special features on physical copies.
“I hope that people take away how important it is to be playful. And how important it is to connect,” Coaplen tells Theme Park Magazine. “Over and over, fellow passengers, the crew, actors, and designers emphasized that the experienced was designed for positive culture change.”
For fans of immersive entertainment, theme parks, or those simply curious about this unique chapter in Disney’s history, Halcyon Daze promises a thoughtful look at what made the Galactic Starcruiser special—and what its legacy might be for future entertainment experiences.
To learn more about the film or support the Kickstarter campaign, visit the project’s crowdfunding page via the link in “Explore More: Resources” below.
Explore More: Videos
Halcyon Daze Promo
Halcyon Daze Clip of Super Fan Natasha Simons
i am GEEK podcast (no video) on Halcyon Daze Documentary
Explore More: Resources
The magic of themed experiences is meant to be shared, explored, and preserved. Theme Park Magazine is dedicated to doing just that, free from distractions and advertising. We rely on the passion of our readers to keep this mission alive. Your donation is a direct investment in the stories that inspire and transport us. Help us keep the focus on the wonder, not the ads. Support us directly via PayPal today. Your generosity fuels our passion. – Joe Tracy, Editor of Theme Park Magazine
About Joe Tracy
Joe Tracy, the creator, and editor of Theme Park Magazine, is a lifetime enthusiast of theme parks and immersive experiences. The publication was launched under his leadership on June 1, 2021, as a manifestation of his deep-seated love for all things themed. Joe has amassed over 20 years of expertise in both traditional print and online publishing.
