Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run to Feature New Mandalorian Adventure and Expanded Gameplay Options!

Disney has announced exciting updates for the iconic Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, set to debut on May 22, 2026, coinciding with the release of the new movie 'The Mandalorian and Grogu.' The revamp includes the ability for guests to choose their destinations—Tatooine, Bespin, Endor, or Coruscant—adding a significant layer of interactivity and engagement previously unseen in the attraction. During a recent panel at Star Wars Celebration Japan, featuring Disney executives and Imagineers, it was revealed that guests would join the beloved characters Mandalorian and Grogu in a thrilling high-stakes mission. They will collaborate with Hondo Ohnaka to track down a bounty involving former Imperial officers and pirates. The Engineer role, often regarded as the least exciting, will undergo dramatic changes, now allowing them to not only control the ship's destination but also interact with Grogu, popularly known as Baby Yoda. This enhancement aims to make the Engineer position more desirable, as guests will now feel more involved in the experience. The updates are being facilitated by advanced technology from Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) along with Unreal Engine 5, which is also used for the Disney+ series. Overall, the news is being met with excitement, suggesting a fresh take on the Smugglers Run experience that aligns with the broader expansion of Star Wars-themed attractions at Disney Parks. The move to allow guests more agency in their adventure is seen as an effort to correct past criticisms regarding the attraction's interactivity. The reveal has ignited enthusiasm among fans, anticipating greater engagement and a more exhilarating ride experience than ever before. This revamp appears to be a strategic pivot for Disney, aiming to address user feedback and enhance their Star Wars-themed offerings, which have sometimes underdelivered on the immersive experience fans expect from such a prominent franchise. Optimization of gameplay mechanics suggests that Disney is keenly aware of guest experiences and open to evolution based on said feedback. With the integral connection between the park and the future storyline in film, Disney seems to be not just marketing the film but creating a cohesive universe that intertwines attractions with narratives, fundamentally enhancing visitor engagement on multiple fronts.