Last week, Disneyland Park’s Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run faced a significant technical malfunction, forcing cast members to evacuate guests and block access to the attraction. Photos and videos shared online showed a large number of Disney cast members stationed near the ride’s entrance, keeping theme park guests at a considerable distance while the issue was resolved.
Reddit user u/VIDGuide shared their experience of being ejected from the ride just before boarding. “Just got evacuated about 1 group from the ride, and now it’s ‘closed until further notice,'” they wrote.
Smugglers Run: closed temporarily
Another Disney Parks fan, u/Meatloaf_Smeatloaf, commented on the unusual sight of so many cast members guarding the area, saying, “Looking at the photo and seeing so many cast keeping people so far back seems more than the usual breakdown, where there’s just a couple right at the entrance.”
A Ride That’s Lost Its Edge
Since opening in 2019 as part of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run has struggled to maintain the same level of excitement as its neighboring attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. While the ride initially drew massive crowds eager to pilot the iconic ship, its repetitive storyline and divisive role assignment system have left many Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort guests underwhelmed.
In recent years, steadily declining wait times reflect waning guest interest. In contrast, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance remains a fan-favorite experience despite its own technical challenges.
A Glimpse of Hope for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
At D23 Expo 2024, Disney announced plans to update Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run with a new storyline featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu, set to debut at Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood StudioIn contrast,2026. While many Disney Parks fans are excited about the addition, some question whether a storyline refresh will be enough to revitalize the ride.
Last week’s shutdown raises additional concerns about the ride’s aging infrastructure. The cause of the malfunction remains unclear, but the decision to block Disney Park guests far from the entrance suggests something more serious than a routine technical hiccup.
Technical Challenges at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Ride breakdowns are not uncommon at Disneyland Resort, but the scale of this incident caught the attention of Disney Parks fans. Many speculated online about potential safety concerns, while others expressed frustration over the lack of information about the closure. Fortunately, the attraction eventually reopened and was operating normally by the time of this article’s publication.
What’s the strangest incident you can recall from a Disney Parks vacation? Share it with Disney Dining in the comments!
It wasn’t a malfunction.
Happened to us today (thurs dec 19th) at the park – we were on the ride and mid ride the door opened and we were told to get out right now. The screen kept playing and everyone was forced to leave with no explanation. Wonder what is going on?