The Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction at Disney Parks is about to get the biggest update in its history. Starting May 22, 2026 — the same day The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters — both Disneyland and Walt Disney World guests will experience an entirely new mission aboard the legendary Corellian freighter.
This update, which introduces an original storyline, destination selection, and an expanded interactive role for guests, brings a welcome jolt of energy to a ride that’s been flying a little under the radar in recent years.
New Story. New Worlds. New Reasons to Ride Again.
Smugglers Run opened with high expectations in 2019, but has since slipped into the shadows of its more complex neighbor, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. While it still draws fans of the Falcon and first-timers, the standby wait times have often dropped to levels unheard of for a Disney headliner.
That might all change.
Guests will now help Hondo Ohnaka track down a group of shady ex-Imperials and pirates in a bounty mission that spans multiple planets. Joining the journey are none other than Din Djarin and Grogu, marking the first time the duo appears in a Disney Parks ride in such a central role. The mission is completely new and doesn’t connect to the plot of the 2026 film — it’s a standalone Star Wars tale with high stakes and familiar faces.
Choose Your Planet
One of the most exciting new additions is that guests will no longer be limited to a single destination. You’ll get to select where you’re headed — from the floating gas giant of Bespin, to the haunting wreckage of the Death Star above Endor, or even the bustling metropolis of Coruscant.
That added variety means more re-ride value, something this attraction has long needed to stay relevant against newer park offerings.
Reporter Scott Gustin shared the recent news, as well as new concept art, “NEW: Starting on May 22, 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will introduce a new storyline featuring Mando and Grogu – and guests will be in control. After taking off from Batuu and visiting Tatooine, the crew will CHOOSE their next destination: Bespin, Endor, or Coruscant.”
NEW: Starting on May 22, 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will introduce a new storyline featuring Mando and Grogu – and guests will be in control. After taking off from Batuu and visiting Tatooine, the crew will CHOOSE their next destination: Bespin, Endor, or Coruscant. pic.twitter.com/5v7mcZ6iVa
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 20, 2025
Engineers Finally Get Their Moment
Let’s be honest — being the engineer was always the least exciting part of the Smugglers Run experience. But that changes in this new version. The engineer role will now include direct interaction with Grogu, unlocking custom story paths depending on how you handle your tasks. It’s a smart update that gives every seat something special to do.
Built on the Same Tech as The Mandalorian
This revamp was developed with the help of Epic Games and Industrial Light & Magic, and it runs on Unreal Engine 5 — the same tech used to shoot The Mandalorian. That means improved visuals, real-time rendering, and dynamically shifting story elements based on your actions.
Expect stunning new visuals and the most immersive Smugglers Run yet.
What This Means for Star Wars Fans
As Disney continues to expand the Star Wars universe through film and streaming, the parks are evolving alongside it. Galaxy’s Edge was designed to be modular, and this overhaul proves it. By tying ride content to current characters like Mando and Grogu — and offering multiple worlds to visit — Disney can keep the experience fresh without building something entirely new.
Whether you’re a long-time Star Wars fanatic or a casual viewer who just wants to hang with Grogu, this update will bring something new to the table. And with interest in Smugglers Run on the decline in recent years, this upgrade might be the spark the ride needs to shine again.
May 2026 can’t come fast enough.
