Disneyland’s Smugglers Run Gets A Mandalorian Upgrade

Experience a revamped adventure aboard Disneyland’s Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The attraction originally celebrated “Star Wars” with an arcade-style approach. Updates introduced starting Friday elevate the experience with improved visuals, more interactive elements, and a touch of humor.

Originally launched in 2019, Smugglers Run places six participants in the cockpit of the famed Millennium Falcon, piloted by Harrison Ford’s Han Solo in the original trilogy. In its updated version, guests can enjoy Din Djarin, known as the Mandalorian, and Grogu, endearingly dubbed “Baby Yoda.” This change coincides with the release of “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” Enhanced gameplay, with greater unpredictability and humor, aims to keep the ride fresh.

“This is an inherently collaborative adventure,” says Asa Kalama, a creative executive with Imagineering.

On Smugglers Run, groups are tasked with various roles inside the Falcon. Kalama emphasizes improvements across all roles – pilot, gunner, and engineer – enhancing the collaborative nature of the experience.

While the original version impressed, it had limitations. For example, those in engineering roles had little involvement, primarily tasked with fetching goods for Hondo Ohnaka, a notorious smuggler. Kalama and the Imagineering team recognized these issues and have implemented changes.

Players now have freedom to explore one of three “Star Wars” settings: the urban planet Coruscant, Bespin’s gas landscape, or the second Death Star’s remnants near Endor. The engineer’s role in selecting the destination adds surprise, invigorating the attraction.

The latest version utilizes Epic’s Unreal Engine, offering detailed environments. You’ll encounter dogfights as the Mandalorian pursues pirates and ex-Imperial foes, making the experience lively and engaging.

Flight controls have been adjusted to ensure even novice gamers enjoy a smooth cinematic ride, minimizing frustrations previously faced. Rather than focusing on players’ mistakes, the ride now prioritizes enjoyment with guidance.

After a brief training session on Tatooine, riders assist the Mandalorian by interrupting a pirate and ex-Imperial officer deal, sparking space battles and chases. Each destination offers unique environments and atmospheres. Coruscant’s vibrant, neon aesthetic contrasts sharply with Endor’s ominous Death Star ruins.

Grogu’s playful presence enhances the narrative, appealing to fans through clever interaction displays at passengers’ panels.

I think what we were very deliberate about is that actually each of these different planetary locations that you go to has a different vibe,” says Kalama.

With options to explore different paths within locations, riders encounter varied sights and missions. The upgrades follow broader changes to Galaxy’s Edge, including classic characters like Darth Vader and Han Solo, enriching the area while adjusting its original real-time event concept.

Disneyland’s Smugglers Run, with its engaging storyline and vibrant character involvement, maintains the dream of an interactive theme park alive.