‘Star Wars’ Ride Behind Construction Barriers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Beige scrim and scaffolding materialized overnight around one of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge’s most iconic landmarks: the Millennium Falcon. Here’s what we know about the ongoing construction project at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Falcon Gets Some Work Done
Guests arriving in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 16 found part of the Millennium Falcon structure wrapped in scaffolding and beige construction scrim. BlogMickey broke the news on Monday, sharing a photo on Facebook of the barriers hugging a section of the beloved ship’s exterior.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t commented on the project, though the scale of the work points to cosmetic maintenance — a paint refresh or surface touch-up — rather than anything more involved.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting a brand-new mission storyline on May 22, launching the same day The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) arrives in theaters. With that spotlight moment closing in fast, a little exterior polish on the show building makes sense before Central Florida Disney Park guests start pouring in for the updated experience.
The new mission itself is a notable departure from what Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run has offered since opening day in 2019. For the first time, guests will have a say in where they’re headed, with Hondo Ohnaka sending crews after a group of ex-Imperial officers and pirates caught in a shady deal on Tatooine. Possible destinations include Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star near Endor, and Coruscant. Grogu joins the mission as well, with crews making contact with the character during the journey.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Changing in Other Ways
The construction barriers aren’t the only development reshaping the Star Wars land this week. New signage recently went up at the former Docking Bay associated with Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, quietly retiring one of the last remaining nods to the defunct immersive hotel that once connected to the area.
Bigger changes are on the horizon for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge as a whole. Disney has confirmed that the land’s sequel-era timeline will expand later this year to incorporate elements of the original trilogy, allowing characters including Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia Organa to appear on Batuu. Half of the land will stay rooted in the sequel timeline.
Disneyland Resort makes the shift first on April 29, while Walt Disney World Resort has yet to announce its own transition date.
Have you noticed any other changes around Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
