Massive Disney Overhaul: New Characters and Surprising Interactive Elements Join Fan-Favorite ‘Star Wars’ Ride
A lot of eyes are on Disney’s Hollywood Studios right now, and not just because The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026) arrives in theaters this weekend. Over inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney is preparing to officially debut a major overhaul of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run on May 22.
At first, fans thought the update would simply add a single tie-in mission featuring Mando and Grogu. Instead, Disney appears to have rebuilt major portions of the experience with expanded story paths and brand-new interactive elements.
The result could completely change how guests look at Smugglers Run moving forward.
Inside the Millennium Falcon
When Smugglers Run opened in 2019, Disney marketed the attraction as a chance for guests to live out their own Star Wars adventure aboard the Millennium Falcon.
Unlike most Disney attractions, riders actively participate throughout the mission. Every cockpit includes six crew members, divided into three droles
Pilots steer the Falcon. Gunners attack incoming enemies. Engineers repair damage and manage onboard systems during the mission.
That system created an experience where no two rides felt exactly alike. One crew might glide through the mission with minimal damage, while another might crash into nearly every wall possible.
Still, not every position became equally popular. Pilots quickly turned into the most requested role, while engineers often felt like an afterthought for many guests.
Disney’s newest update seems designed to fix that problem directly.
More Missions Mean More Re-Rides
The biggest attraction update revolves around Din Djarin and Grogu joining the adventure.
Since The Mandalorian launched on Disney+ in 2019, the pair has become one of the franchise’s most successful additions in years. Disney clearly understands how popular the characters have become, especially with families visiting the parks.
Rather than adding one quick overlay, Disney expanded Smugglers Run with multiple mission routes and destinations inspired by The Mandalorian & Grogu. That means guests now have several possible experiences depending on how the mission unfolds.
That extra variety could significantly increase wait time, in the future, as many guests will likely want to experience every version.
Previously, Smugglers Run sometimes struggled to compete with attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance for repeat rides. This update may finally change that dynamic inside Galaxy’s Edge.
The Engineer Role Gets a Huge Upgrade
The surprise standout of the overhaul appears to be the engineer position.
For years, engineers mainly reacted to damage alerts while pilots and gunners controlled most of the action. Now, Disney has reportedly added a much larger interactive component centered around Grogu.
Engineers can now interact with Grogu using additional onboard screens and communication systems during the mission. The role also helps influence which locations the Falcon travels to throughout the attraction.
Fans are already describing it as a completely different experience compared to the original version of the ride.
Several moments throughout the mission reportedly focus on Grogu reacting to danger around him. He gets frightened, moves around the cockpit, and interacts with Mando during stressful moments throughout the adventure.
Some preview riders even suggested that engineers may become distracted from the main ride screens because there is so much happening through the new side interactions.
That is a major shift for a role many guests once avoided.
Hollywood Studios Has More on the Way
Disney is not stopping with Galaxy’s Edge this summer.
Hollywood Studios recently opened the new Walt Disney Studios Lot courtyard area ahead of the May 26 premiere of Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Guests visiting the area can already spot animated character details featuring Thumper from Bambi (1942) and Pua from Moana (2016).
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! officially opens May 26, while the Once Upon a Studio Theater arrives later this summer with enhanced effects inspired by the Emmy Award-winning short film.
Meanwhile, The Magic of Disney Animation continues moving toward its summer opening inside the former Star Wars Launch Bay building. Disney plans to include character meet-and-greets, interactive areas inspired by Alice in Wonderland, and Olaf Draws!, featuring an audio-animatronic Olaf leading animation experiences.
Taken together, the additions signal a much larger shift across Hollywood Studios as Disney continues to refresh major areas of the park.
