Fans Are Finally Getting Behind a ‘Star Wars’ Decision Made By Disney

For years now, guests have walked through Galaxy’s Edge and marveled at the scale of the land, the detail in the Batuu marketplace, and the power of Rise of the Resistance. But there’s always been this one question lingering in the back of people’s minds: “Why hasn’t Disney done more with Smugglers Run?”

That question finally has an answer—and it’s a big one.

Disney has announced a completely reimagined version of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, coming May 22, 2026, to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. And let’s just say, this isn’t your typical refresh. It’s more like someone flipped the entire mission script and hit hyperdrive.

For the first time ever, the Falcon won’t be on a single, static flight path. Riders will be able to choose from three brand-new destinations after their initial stop on Tatooine—Bespin, Endor, or Coruscant. That alone changes everything. It means the ride is finally going to have replayability. You could ride three times in one day and get three totally different experiences. That’s something Disney fans have been asking for since the attraction opened back in 2019.

And yes, The Mandalorian and Grogu are officially on board.

The new storyline centers around a bounty mission gone wrong, with Mando and Grogu joining your crew as you chase down a deal gone sour. Hondo Ohnaka returns as the host, but the mission is much more dynamic this time. Plus, Grogu’s interactions aren’t just background filler—they’ll actually impact the ride, especially if you’re sitting in the engineer seat. That role, often ignored by guests hoping for pilot or gunner, finally gets some love.

Disney is using Unreal Engine 5 and working with Industrial Light & Magic to power the new visuals. The result? Environments that are more immersive and cinematic than anything we’ve seen in a theme park attraction so far. Guests are expecting something that looks like the TV series, not just a ride. That’s a high bar—and Disney seems ready to meet it.

Since the news broke, fans have taken to social media and forums, and for once, the reaction is almost entirely positive. One user said, “This is the kind of innovation I’ve been waiting for in Galaxy’s Edge.” Another joked, “If Grogu doesn’t co-pilot, I riot.” He actually won’t, just for reference.

The sentiment is clear, though: this update might finally put Smugglers Run back on the must-do list.

Whether this signals the start of more “modular” ride experiences in the parks remains to be seen, but if Disney is testing out new tech and evolving storylines here, the possibilities are huge. With a tie-in to The Mandalorian and Grogu film on the same day, it’s clear this isn’t just about a ride. It’s about Star Wars as a living, breathing, ever-changing part of the parks.