For many fans, stepping into the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon has felt like a rite of passage. The buzz of the engines, the thrill of grabbing the pilot’s controls, and the chaos of Hondo Ohnaka’s missions have made this Star Wars adventure one of the most reliable draws in Galaxy’s Edge. It became the “you have to do this at least once” experience for families, newcomers, and seasoned fans who know exactly where to sit for the best run.
But even the most dependable Disney attractions eventually face a turning point, and this one has reached its moment. Over the past few months, subtle signs pointed to something bigger brewing behind the scenes—quiet tech updates, new equipment, and Imagineering hints that a shift in storytelling was on the horizon. What nobody expected was a full sunset of the mission fans have known since opening day.
Disney has now confirmed that the original storyline on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is officially nearing its end. The ride isn’t closing, but the experience fans have spent six years mastering—the Hondo heist, the coaxium chase, the crew roles as we currently know them—will soon be retired to make way for a brand-new mission featuring Mando and Grogu. In other words, the attraction is staying, but the version guests know is living out its final days.
A Transformation Driven by Technology
What’s triggering such a dramatic change? Disney shared that every cockpit has been upgraded with new graphics hardware capable of rendering the ride’s visuals in real time. Instead of relying on sequences that were pre-rendered years ago, the attraction now runs on the same advanced engine used for The Mandalorian. This opens the door for a new level of detail, better responsiveness, and a smoother experience for every crew position.
Because the technology shift is so extensive, Imagineering can’t simply add a few new scenes and call it a day. The Hondo storyline was designed for a very different platform, and the upgrades have pushed the attraction into a new era—one that demands a completely rebuilt mission from top to bottom.
Flying With Mando and Grogu
When the new version launches in 2026, guests will join Mando and Grogu on an entirely new pursuit that spans multiple planets. Pilots will handle expanded controls, gunners will see stronger feedback from their targeting systems, and engineers will have more meaningful tasks—including interacting directly with Grogu during key moments. The ride’s updated visuals also promise to match the quality and look of the shows themselves, thanks to shared assets straight from Lucasfilm’s production pipeline.
What This All Means for Guests
The original mission will only be available for a little while longer before it officially disappears from both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. When the switch happens, the Hondo-focused storyline won’t be running alongside the new version—it’ll be gone completely.
For longtime fans, this is the final chance to experience the run as they’ve always known it. For everyone else, it marks the beginning of a fresh era for Galaxy’s Edge, one that finally brings two of the franchise’s most beloved characters directly into the Falcon’s cockpit.
No matter which side of the change you’re on, one thing is clear: Disney has confirmed the end of a major chapter in its Star Wars attraction lineup, and the countdown has officially begun.
