Disney’s Hollywood Studios is heading into a huge weekend for Star Wars fans. While much of the attention is focused on The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026) arriving in theaters, Disney is also preparing to roll out one of the biggest updates Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run has seen since the attraction first opened.
The new version officially launches May 22, but early previews already suggest Disney did far more than simply add a few new scenes tied to Mando and Grogu. The attraction now includes expanded mission paths, upgraded interactive elements, and several reasons for guests to keep riding multiple times.
For years, Smugglers Run sat in an odd spot at Hollywood Studios. Fans loved stepping inside the Millennium Falcon itself, but many also felt the ride lost some replay value after the first experience. Disney appears determined to change that.
How the Attraction Works
When Smugglers Run debuted alongside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019, Disney introduced something very different from a traditional simulator attraction. Guests do not just sit and watch a story unfold. Instead, they become part of the Falcon’s crew.
Each cockpit holds six riders. Two guests work as pilots and control the Falcon throughout the mission. Two others become gunners responsible for attacking enemies and targets. The final pair operates as engineers, helping repair the ship during the chaos.
That setup means every ride can play out differently depending on how well the crew works together. Great pilots can make the mission feel smooth and controlled. Less experienced crews usually end up smashing the Falcon into nearly everything possible.
Still, one criticism followed the attraction for years. Many fans felt the engineer position lacked the excitement of the other jobs.
That may no longer be the case.
Mando and Grogu Bring New Energy
The arrival of Din Djarin and Grogu instantly changes the atmosphere of the ride. Ever since The Mandalorian premiered on Disney+ in 2019, the duo has become one of the most recognizable parts of modern Star Wars.
Fans have wanted Disney Parks to do more with those characters, and Smugglers Run is now becoming the centerpiece of that push.
Rather than adding a single new sequence, Disney expanded the attraction with multiple mission paths and destinations tied to The Mandalorian & Grogu. That dramatically increases the ride’s replay value.
Previously, many guests experienced Smugglers Run once and moved on to other attractions at Hollywood Studios. Now, though, visitors trying to see every variation of the mission may end up riding several times during the same trip.
The update also arrives at the perfect time for Disney. With The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026) opening this weekend, Galaxy’s Edge suddenly feels more connected to the current direction of the franchise than ever before.
Engineers Suddenly Have the Best Seat
Early reactions suggest the biggest improvement may actually involve the engineer role.
Disney reportedly added a new “Grogu cam” feature that allows engineers to interact directly with Grogu during the mission through extra screens and comm systems. Engineers also help determine which destinations the Falcon visits throughout the experience.
That completely changes how the role feels during the ride.
Instead of only reacting to blinking repair buttons, engineers now spend much of the mission following Grogu’s reactions alongside Mando. Guests have already described several playful moments where Grogu panics, gets tossed around, or grabs onto Mando during stressful situations.
Apparently, so much is happening beside the engineer station that some riders may struggle to pay attention to the main action on the front screens.
Every rider still gets to see Grogu throughout the attraction, but engineers receive the most direct interaction. That instantly transforms the role from the least desirable seat into one many guests may actively fight over.
Hollywood Studios Keeps Expanding
The Smugglers Run overhaul is only one part of a larger evolution happening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer.
Disney recently opened the new Walt Disney Studios Lot area ahead of the May 26 debut of Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! The refreshed courtyard already includes animated character details featuring Thumper from Bambi (1942) and Pua from Moana (2016).
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! officially debuts May 26, while the Once Upon a Studio Theater opens later this summer with enhanced effects tied to the Once Upon a Studio short film.
The biggest addition, still on the way, is The Magic of Disney Animation in the former Star Wars Launch Bay space. The experience will feature character encounters, an Alice in Wonderland playground inspired by Mary Blair’s artwork, and Olaf Draws!, an animation experience hosted by Olaf himself.
Disney has not yet revealed an opening date, but the project is already one of the park’s most anticipated additions.
