At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge continues to draw guests into the planet of Batuu, where Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run remains one of the land’s signature experiences.
The attraction allows visitors to step inside the full-size Millennium Falcon, receive a mission briefing from Hondo Ohnaka, and then take the controls in the starship’s iconic cockpit. Pilots, gunners, and engineers work together to complete their smuggling run, and no two flights are ever the same thanks to the interactive controls. Before boarding, many enjoy the opportunity to explore the Falcon’s interior.
Smugglers Run typically offers standby, Lightning Lane, and single-rider options, making it accessible for a wide range of travelers. But this summer, a few groups of riders encountered an unexpected twist in their galactic journey.
According to reports from Kenny the Pirate, one flight progressed normally until nearly the end of the mission, when the simulator suddenly froze. The screen went black, cabin lights flickered on, and the once-bustling cockpit fell silent. Instead of the high-speed escape riders had anticipated, the only activity came from Hondo Ohnaka, whose dialogue began looping across the screen. Cast members quickly worked behind the scenes while guests remained seated with belts still secured.
For nearly 20 minutes, those inside the cockpit waited while Hondo continued to deliver the same lines. Eventually, a crew member entered, released the seatbelts manually, and escorted the group from the starship. Guests recalled that the cast responded with apologies and acted swiftly to resolve the situation, even while appearing just as surprised as the riders themselves. Each person affected received a Lightning Lane Multi Pass for another attraction, softening the blow of the abrupt ending.
Another recent experience gained attention online when Reddit user CaptainGibb shared a rare look at what happens when the Falcon’s simulator environment malfunctions. “Smugglers Run malfunctioned, and we ended up landing in an empty field,” the guest posted, along with a cockpit photo showing the unexpected landscape. The post quickly gathered more than 1,600 upvotes and hundreds of comments.
The user explained that the glitch occurred at the very end of the mission, preventing riders from seeing their scores. “The cast member looked very confused and immediately called someone on the phone,” the guest added.
Fans chimed in with possible explanations. One commenter with more than 20 years of simulator research experience noted that it’s not uncommon for software like this to display a basic background environment when it crashes. Others compared it to the seldom-seen moment when the lights come on inside Space Mountain.
Despite these rare detours, the Falcon won’t remain grounded for long. On May 22, 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will debut a brand-new mission inspired by The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026). Timed with the release of Jon Favreau’s upcoming film, the new storyline will feature Mando and Grogu joining guests on an adventure.
Disney Parks Blog described the update: “In this new thrilling storyline, Hondo Ohnaka has gotten wind of a deal going down on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and a band of pirates. There’s a generous bounty for their capture, so you’ll borrow the iconic ship and team up with Mando and Grogu to track them down and explore the galaxy.”
The adventure will take the Falcon to new destinations, including Coruscant and Endor, giving even returning guests a fresh reason to climb back into the cockpit.
And while Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge remains the park’s centerpiece, the future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues to expand with experiences like Monsters of Monstropolis and The Magic of Disney Animation joining fan favorites such as Toy Story Land.
