Best Destinations for Star Wars Fans

Ever since George Lucas released his first film in 1977, Star Wars has become something of a cultural phenomenon. The Star Wars franchise has had a tremendous impact on pop culture and this trend continues today more than ever. As new generations are mesmerized by the fantasy worlds of a galaxy far, far away, some Star Wars enthusiasts are seeking ways to celebrate their fandom. So whether it’s filming locations, theme park attractions, conventions, or museums, there are plenty of places to check out. Here’s our list of the 11 best destinations for Star Wars fans.

Top 11 Destinations for Star Wars Fans

There are many ways to immerse yourselves in Star Wars storylines right here on Planet Earth. From theme parks to film locations to social events, here are 11 of the best destinations for Star Wars fans.

1. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser – Disney World

CLOSING PERMANENTLY 

Disney has announced that Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be closing permanently (though there are hints that “something” will be done with the location). For now — in its current version, at least — the last voyage will take place September 28-30, 2023. Remaining voyages are generally sold out, but individual cabins may occasionally become available. To check for availability or discuss other travel options, contact The Vacationeer.

The moment it opened at Disney World in 2022, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser quickly skyrocketed to the top of our list as the best destination for Star Wars fans.  Why?  It’s really hard to quantify just how mind-blowing and immersive this experience is for Star Wars fans.

Let’s start with a basic explanation of what Galactic Starcruiser is.  You’ve no doubt heard some people refer to it as a “Star Wars Hotel,” but that is a woefully inadequate description.  Instead, think more along the lines of what you might experience on a cruise ship.  Galactic Starcruiser is a fixed-length adventure which includes your accommodations, meals, activities, and entertainment – all firmly entrenched in Star Wars lore.  Feel free to dress in your best Star Wars garb (just be sure to follow the costume guidelines). 

Your home base for this adventure is the Halcyon, a 100-cabin Corellian MPO-1400 model starcruiser that’s considered to be the jewel of the Chandrila Star Line.  Over the next two nights, you’ll find yourself eating exotic meals at the Crown of Corellia Dining Room, perhaps enjoying a cocktail at Sublight Lounge, spending a bit of time playing Sabacc, undergoing lightsaber training, and of course having a few adventures.

Your trip includes time on the surface of Batuu (see #2 below), and you might just find yourself on a smuggler’s mission or being asked to hide a stowaway.  Just make sure you meet your objectives – how well things go on Batuu just might affect how easy it is to get back onboard the Halcyon!  Luckily, you’ll have your trusty Datapad by your side to help you chart your entire adventure.  Your experience ends with an epic finale that could only happen in the Star Wars universe.

To see more about what you’ll experience onboard, check out our in-depth Starcruiser itinerary and the official Galactic Starcruiser site.

The price tag is steep – starting at $4809 for a party of two or $5,999 for a family of four – but you’ll recoup a bit of the cost in having all your meals included.  And since most of us will have to be content with watching a rocket launch rather than actually riding on one, Galactic Starcruiser is the next best thing for Star Wars fans.  It’s worth saving up for and splurging on — it’s a true bucket list item for lovers of Star Wars and the ultimate Star Wars destination.

Related articles: How to Book Disney’s Star Wars Hotel, How Much Does Disney’s Star Wars Hotel Cost?, and Discounts for Disney Star Wars Hotel

2. Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – Disney World and Disneyland

Many of us may never have the credits required for a voyage onboard the Halycon (see # 1 above).  But there’s no need for despair — Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort are outstanding destinations for Star Wars fans.

Galaxy’s Edge is where you can live out your own Star Wars story. Both locations have over 14 acres of Star Wars-themed attractions, rides, shops, restaurants, event spaces, and more.

Jump aboard the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction and experience an interactive smuggling mission with thrills at every turn. Afterward, head over to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction and join the Resistance in an epic battle against the First Order.

Once you have experienced the attractions, then check out the rest of the outpost.

Guests can customize their own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop and design and activate a droid at the Droid Depot. Hungry?  Grab a bite at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo or enjoy a libation at Oga’s Cantina.  There’s plenty of shopping to be had at the Black Spire Outpost Shops, especially if you’re looking to dress the part.

Galaxy’s Edge offers Star Wars fans plenty to see and do.  The scenery is out of this world and the attractions are some of Disney’s best.

This is definitely a top destination for any Star Wars fan!

3. Star Wars Celebration – Location Varies

Star Wars Celebration is LucasFilm’s official Star Wars fan event and the ultimate fan experience.

Fans of all ages and all galaxies far, far away converge each year to celebrate the Star Wars cultural phenomenon. The event focuses on new movies, tv shows, comics, books, and the history of the Star Wars universe. There are usually some major announcements as well as immersive exhibits, screenings, celebrity guests, exclusive merchandise, panels, autographs, activities, costumes, etc.

The next event will be held April 18-20, 2025 at Makuhari Messe near Tokyo, Japan. You can find out more by visiting StarWarsCelebration.com.

5. Star Tours – Disney World and Disneyland

We’re heading back to Disney for the next attraction on our list: Star Tours.

Like Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Tours attraction is located at both of Disney’s US locations – Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios theme park and at California’s Disneyland Park.

7. Tozeur, Tunisia

Lucas shot footage for the film The Phantom Menace in the north African country of Tunisia. If you’ve seen the movie, you probably remember the city of Mos Espa on Tatooine as the home of young Anakin Skywalker.

The fictional city of Mos Espa was filmed in the desert near Tozeur. The set was built from scratch and you can still visit these locations today.

After you leave Tozeur, and while you are still in Tunisia, head over to the Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmatat-Al-Qadimal.  The hotel was used as the filming location for the interior scenes of Luke Skywalker’s home (the Lars homestead) in A New Hope. It remains a functioning hotel today and has been restored to look the way it did in the movie.

10. Finse, Norway

If you’ve ever wished you could visit Hoth – the snowy planet from The Empire Strikes Back – now is your chance! Just head to the tiny village of Finse, Norway and you’re there. Well, kind of…

No, you won’t see Luke Skywalker and the Rebel Alliance battle against the Imperial soldiers. However, you will see the filming location for Hoth.

Finse has a serene beauty with wide expanses of sun-soaked powdery snow cover.  The village is easily accessible by train between Bergen and Oslo so you won’t need a snowmobile to visit this isolated village.

11. Death Valley National Park – California and Nevada

Lucas filmed most of Tatooine in Tunisia, but some footage was shot in Death Valley National Park. For example, you might remember when Luke Skywalker meets Obi-Wan Kenobi in A New Hope. That was filmed here.

How about when Jawas takes R2D2 to their Sandcrawler? That, too, was filmed in Death Valley, as were a few scenes from Return of the Jedi.

Be sure to check out Artist’s Drive, Dante’s View, Desolation Canyon, Golden Canyon, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Another filming location to check out while you’re in California is the Redwood Forests. Take a walk through the redwood trees and you’ll be transported to the Battle of Endor, the climax scene in the 1983 film Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. 

Another place to check out while you in California is the Redwood Forests. Take a walk through the redwood trees and you’ll be transported to the Battle of Endor.

Here are a few more Stars Wars destinations you might want to check out:

Thanks for reading our Best Destinations for Star Wars fans article. I hope you found some places to go see for yourself!