A few observations/experiences from our trip.
July 23-25
5 adults, 2 kids (13, 11)
2 standard cabins
Pre GS arrival
We booked a one night stay at AK Kidani. Arrived at the resort late in the evening. There was already a message waiting for us that as a CSL traveler we were granted a complimentary late check out at 12pm.
Took our time in the morning watching the animals, had breakfast then got renoady. Remember the late check out? Well, nobody conveyed that message to housekeeping because they knocked on our door every hour on the dot starting at 9am.
The valet arranged for a taxi for the ride to the GS. We left AKL at 12:20pm.
GS arrival
Arrived at the GS guard shack at 12:35pm. Checked ID then waited there until the cars ahead cleared. There was already a crowd waiting to board. A GS crew member met us with our personalized M Bands, took all our bags and provided the taxi a voucher for payment. We took pictures and waited to board. They started letting guests board at 12:50pm. Our luggage was delivered directly to the room by passenger services.
Cabins
Our 2 cabins were next to each other on deck 5, one half floor below the atrium. 4 in one room, 3 in another. Size wise I think it would be tight at max capacity of 5 people. In our room alone the luggage was in the way. We had 2 carry on size bags on each stool and 2 larger bags on the fold down bed.
The shower was big enough for two people and had shampoo/conditioner/body wash pump dispensers.
Food
Loved and tried everything. No complaints. There was always something available whether it was a meal, snacks or options in the lounge. My plan to try everything was a disaster because there was so many options. Serving sizes were smaller, like tapas, so you had the option to try more selections.
Costumes
While we were dressed up we were not as dressed as some people or have multiple changes. The costumes didn't aid or lack of costumes did not distract from the experience. The staff interacted with all guests regardless of their clothing/allegiance/back story/etc. If having the right accessories, boots, jewelry are important to you then go for it but not having them will not lessen the experience.
Sublight lounge
This was a nice place to take a break and have a drink or snack. It is very easy to rack up a bar tab with drinks. There were 5 adults drinking in my party and drinks at lunch/dinner/lounge added up.
There is only 1 Sabacc table in the lounge. I never saw an empty seat or had an opportunity to participate. There was one guest who was a permanent fixture at the table the entire time. He was over the top trash talking everyone and I found it off putting.
Storyline
Your participation storyline is up to you. You are provided prompts via the datapad and your responses dictate the next task. You can stay true to the side you have chosen or flip flop back and forth. Keep in mind that your responses may have an affect on future events.
Kids
Most were well behaved but there were some who weren't. I witnessed crewmembers asking kids to stop running in the bridge and put away their built lightsabers that were in the atrium. I was the nearest adult in the atrium at the time and the CM mistook me for the parent, "Not my circus, not my monkey." I feel for them having to provide direction to keep the kids in check. Since the ship is secure you really can let your kids loose without fear of them walking out of the resort.
Bridge training
It's like one big video game. Not at all what I was expecting but it IS training that will come in handy so don't miss it.
Batuu
Took the earliest shuttle we could after breakfast. This was the first visit to Batuu for two in our party. We had a reservation for Oga's and a lightsaber reservation. We rode Rise of the Resistance first, lightsaber build, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run then Oga's. Took some pictures then left. It was really too hot and we wanted to make sure we had time to have lunch before our lightsaber training at 1:45pm.
Lightsaber Training
Lightsabers are provided that interact with the training. You may not use your own. You need to be somewhat coordinated to participate. I wouldn't do this in heels to lessen the chance of tripping. This training reminded me I need to do more cardio!
Photo session
Our session was 2:30pm on day 2. Booked this time because 2 of our party built lightsabers during the Batuu excursion. Pictures taken in the sublight lounge, atrium, cargo hold hallway, foyer of the dining room, hallway to the climate simulator. The pictures are already in
MDE. They are OK, on par with photopass. No special effects, filters or editing.
Meal credits
Only 1 of our party used credits on Batuu. We used some on check out day at EPCOT. You must use mobile order for the credits to be available to be applied to your order.
Check out
Check out was an organized mess. Luggage tags are delivered to your room on day 2. Use them! We packed up everything and then left our bags outside the room. Our bags were picked up while having breakfast. After breakfast Passenger Services arranged a taxi & voucher to take us to Old Key West. We had time to shop the exterior gift shop while we waited for our taxi.
Gift shops
The inside gift shop is open day 1 at 1pm-day 2 at 11pm. The inside is only CLS themed merchandise. NO mention of Star Wars.
The outside gift shop is only open on day 3 until 10am SHARP. The outside is themed Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser merchandise. No mention of CSL
I had been stalking the
Shop Disney website for weeks checking on the Grey Star Wars GS shirt but it was only available on XXL. I was glad to see all sizes available at the outside gift shop.
Time
We were busy the whole time and had very little down time. Both nights were late. Take the time to relax for a moment and take as many pictures/videos as your can.
I had been working on this trip since March and I am ready for a break. From planning the announcement to my littles, costumes, making all kinds of projects and various other things I am exhausted and ready for a Star Wars break.