There’s always something new happening at Walt Disney World. New lands, new shows, new ride updates—it’s part of what keeps fans coming back. But every now and then, those changes come with an unspoken trade-off.
Something old has to go.
Right now, that reality is setting in for one of the most popular attractions in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run isn’t closing, but the version guests have been riding for years is about to change in a major way.
And whether you realize it or not, the clock is already ticking.
The Final Full Month Has Arrived
Disney has effectively set the timeline. The current Smugglers Run experience will only remain in place through this final full month before a major update takes over.
That means guests visiting right now are among the last to experience the original mission—the one that’s been running since the land first opened.
For many visitors, that mission has become a staple. It’s the ride you jump on when you want something interactive, something you can control, something that feels a little different each time depending on your crew.
But that version is about to become a memory.
A New Mission Is Taking Over
On May 22, 2026, everything changes.
That’s when Disney introduces a brand-new Smugglers Run mission centered around The Mandalorian and Grogu, timed to launch alongside The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026). It’s not just a coincidence—it’s a clear signal that this update is part of a much larger push to connect the parks with Disney’s latest storytelling.
And from what’s been revealed, the new mission will take guests through entirely different locations, with a new narrative guiding the experience.
In other words, this isn’t a small refresh. It’s a full transformation.
What Happens to the Current Version?
This is where things get interesting.
Disney hasn’t said the original mission will remain as an option, and based on how similar updates have worked in the past, it’s unlikely to stick around in any meaningful way.
Once the new version launches, it becomes the default experience. The current mission—the one guests have spent years mastering—fades out without much fanfare.
That makes this moment feel a little different. There’s no official “last ride” date being promoted, but the reality is the same.
The end is here.
Why Fans Should Pay Attention
It’s easy to assume you’ll always have another chance to ride something at Disney. After all, Smugglers Run isn’t going anywhere physically.
But the experience itself is what’s changing.
And for fans who appreciate the original version, that distinction matters. The missions, the dialogue, the flow of the ride—it’s all part of what made Smugglers Run feel the way it does today.
Once the update rolls out, that exact experience won’t exist anymore.
Disney’s New Approach to Attractions
This shift also reflects a bigger trend across Disney parks.
Attractions are no longer static. They’re evolving alongside the stories Disney is telling across movies and streaming. That keeps things fresh, but it also means experiences can change faster than they used to.
In this case, The Mandalorian has become a centerpiece of modern Star Wars, and Disney is bringing that story directly into the parks.
It’s exciting, but it also marks the end of something that’s been part of Galaxy’s Edge since the beginning.
One More Flight on the Falcon
If there’s ever been a time to prioritize Smugglers Run, it’s now.
This final stretch isn’t being treated like a major event, which makes it easy to overlook. But for longtime fans, it’s a rare opportunity to experience a version of a ride that’s about to disappear.
Soon, the cockpit will feel different. The mission will feel different. The story will feel different.
And while the Millennium Falcon will still be there, the experience inside it won’t be the one you remember.
Sometimes, the biggest changes at Disney don’t come with fireworks or announcements.
They just happen quietly.
And by the time most people notice, it’s already too late.
