Disney is set to revamp its Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction with a new Mandalorian and Grogu-themed mission launching on May 22, 2026, at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios. The update aims to give every rider more agency in the story, addressing feedback that current roles feel unequal. A temporary name change to include 'A New Mission' appeared briefly on Walt Disney World listings before being removed.
Josh D’Amaro, Disney's incoming CEO who will succeed Bob Iger on March 18, 2026, has prioritized enhancing guest experiences at the parks. During a design session at Walt Disney Imagineering with 30 Imagineers, D’Amaro discussed plans for the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run overlay featuring the Mandalorian (Din Djarin) and Grogu. The new adventure ties into the narrative of the upcoming film “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” set for release on Memorial Day Weekend 2026. Imagineering and Lucasfilm collaborated, capturing scenes from the movie set for use in the attractions.
D’Amaro identified a key issue with the existing ride: pilots dominate the action, while gunners and engineers have limited involvement. “Guests like it, but they don’t love it,” he told the Harvard Business Review. The redesign ensures no one remains a mere passenger, allowing each role—pilot, gunner, or engineer—to influence the outcome and demonstrate skill. For engineers, a new feature enables communication with Grogu during the mission.
The storyline involves tracking elusive ex-Imperial officers across the galaxy, with possible destinations including Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star near Endor, and the city-planet Coruscant. This marks the first time crews control their own path, enhancing replayability.
On February 24, 2026, the Walt Disney World website and My Disney Experience app briefly listed the ride as “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – A New Mission,” sparking fan speculation about major changes or even removal. By February 25, the name reverted to the original, though the updated description remained. The Disneyland app and website have not yet reflected the changes, despite the update applying to both parks. D’Amaro emphasized his focus: “Anything I can do to help more guests say they love Disney is a valuable use of my time.” Fans have expressed excitement over the interactivity boost, though some debated the timeline shifts in Galaxy’s Edge.
