Disneyland’s Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run has been a standout attraction in the “Star Wars” universe, offering an interactive experience with arcade-like excitement. A new update, launching this Friday, enhances the ride with improved visuals, more interactive elements, and a touch of cuteness.
Originally opened in 2019, Smugglers Run seats six players in the iconic Millennium Falcon cockpit, famously piloted by Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford in the original “Star Wars” trilogy. Although Solo is absent, the presence of Din Djarin, better known as the Mandalorian, and Grogu, affectionately called “Baby Yoda,” adds new dimensions.
The update aligns with the release of the film “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” yet the improvements in Smugglers Run 2.0 are meaningful, enhancing unpredictability, humor, and fun. This thoughtful update reflects Walt Disney Imagineering’s commitment to listening to guest feedback to improve the ride.
A creative executive from Imagineering, Asa Kalama, calls the ride “an inherently collaborative adventure.”
Players take on roles as a group of six, handling tasks within the Millennium Falcon. Key roles like pilot, gunner, and engineer have received enhancements, allowing for a more engaging experience.
The initial launch of Smugglers Run was a hit, especially for those seated as pilots, controlling the ship’s vertical and horizontal motions. However, over time, some positions, like the two engineers, felt underutilized, primarily retrieving goods for character Hondo Ohnaka.
The technical brilliance of Smugglers Run has never been in doubt, though it once lacked emotional depth. The update introduces variability with three “Star Wars” locations: the urban Coruscant, Bespin, or the Death Star’s wreckage near Endor. This variability boosts the ride’s appeal.
Utilizing Epic’s Unreal Engine, each destination is richly detailed. The mission involves aiding the Mandalorian in pursuing pirates and ex-Imperial officers, enhancing the ride’s dynamic storytelling and interactivity.
Flight controls have softened, ensuring cinematic experiences regardless of skill level, reducing past scenarios where less skilled players might crash endlessly. Kalama remarks that guests should no longer feel “chastised.”
After a quick training session on Tatooine, riders team up with the Mandalorian to disrupt a deal, providing ample space conflict and chase sequences.
Various environments, like Coruscant’s neon vibe or Endor’s sinister Death Star wreckage, offer diverse experiences. Gamers observe the Mandalorian’s pursuits and may spot Grogu on flight panels.
Grogu’s presence, likened to a charming, unruffled child amid chaos, adds a delightful layer. Kalama notes the different planetary locations convey unique atmospheres, enhancing emotional depth.
A chase driven by the Mandalorian accelerates Smugglers Run’s pace. While the ride duration remains around five minutes, racing through Bespin’s landscape offers much to admire.
The changes in Smugglers Run are part of broader adjustments to Galaxy’s Edge, including classic characters like Darth Vader and Han Solo, enriching the land’s experience but deviating slightly from its lived-in-world concept.
The ride reflects Disney’s ongoing commitment to interactive theme park thrills. Guests have more choices, from the planets visited to focusing on Grogu’s antics or action scenes. Matt Martin from Lucasfilm emphasizes customizable routes within locations, adding novelty to the ride experience.
The feedback on Smugglers Run and Galaxy’s Edge influences continuous improvements. Todd Martens, newsletter writer, encourages readers to share their theme park experiences for future storytelling.
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