A trip to Disney World in May is starting to look very different from what it did just a few months ago. Across the parks, Disney continues rolling out new shows, refreshed experiences, and attraction changes as the resort moves closer to the busy summer travel season.
Hollywood Studios has especially become the center of many of Disney’s latest announcements. Between major entertainment additions and evolving themed areas, the park feels like it is entering another growth period. Now, Star Wars fans are about to see one of the biggest updates yet arrive inside Galaxy’s Edge.
Galaxy’s Edge Continues Expanding Beyond Opening Day
When Disney first opened Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019, the land completely reshaped Hollywood Studios. Instead of focusing only on rides, Disney built an entire environment around storytelling and immersion.
Guests could suddenly explore Batuu, pilot the Millennium Falcon, meet roaming characters, and visit locations that looked as if they had been pulled directly from the Star Wars universe.
Rise of the Resistance quickly became one of Disney’s most ambitious attractions ever created, and the ride still pulls some of the highest wait times anywhere at Walt Disney World.
But Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run remains one of the land’s most important experiences because it places guests directly inside the cockpit of the iconic ship.
For years, though, the attraction’s mission stayed mostly unchanged. That finally changes this month.
Disney Confirms New Character Arrivals
Disney officially announced that Din Djarin and Grogu will join Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run beginning May 22.
The update launches alongside The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026), creating a major crossover moment between Disney’s theatrical releases and its theme park experiences.
Disney has shared only limited details about the storyline so far. Still, guests will board the Millennium Falcon and take part in a completely new mission featuring the two popular characters.
The addition instantly refreshes Smugglers Run for returning guests who may have already experienced the attraction multiple times since opening.
It also makes sense strategically for Disney. Grogu remains one of the company’s most recognizable characters right now, and The Mandalorian helped reignite excitement around Star Wars for many fans.
Disney clearly wants Galaxy’s Edge to continue evolving instead of remaining frozen in time.
Disney World Has a Packed Month Ahead
The new Star Wars mission is arriving during one of Disney World’s busiest stretches of updates in years.
Hollywood Studios is also preparing for the eventual arrival of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets as Disney leans further into the franchise across the park.
The park will also debut Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, while the new Walt Disney Studios Courtyard replaces Animation Courtyard as part of a broader refresh.
Meanwhile, EPCOT brings back Soarin’ Across America beginning May 26 for a limited run tied to America 250 celebrations.
Animal Kingdom also joins the summer rollout with Bluey’s Wild World, another addition aimed at families visiting during school break season.
Disney appears focused on making sure every park offers something fresh heading into summer crowds.
More Changes Could Still Be Coming
The new Smugglers Run storyline may end up being more important than it initially seems.
Disney has spent years experimenting with ways to make attractions feel more repeatable and flexible. If guests respond well to the Mandalorian update, Disney could eventually continue rotating missions and destinations inside Smugglers Run much more frequently.
That would help Galaxy’s Edge feel more alive over time while giving guests new reasons to revisit the attraction.
For now, though, Star Wars fans only have days left before the next major chapter officially arrives at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
