Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run was once one of the most exciting attractions at Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But five years after its debut, the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ride appears to be losing its luster with Disney Park guests, many of whom now bypass the attraction entirely.
The Glory Days of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
When Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run opened at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in 2019, fans marveled at the chance to pilot the iconic ship from the Star Wars saga. The ride allows Disney Park guests to take on roles as pilot, gunner, or engineer during an interactive mission led by Hondo Ohnaka, a character from Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run maintained steady wait times and popularity for a time, particularly as the first operating ride in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Guests can enter the “hunk of junk’s” cockpit via standby queue, Lightning Lane, or single rider line.
Declining Interest Among Guests
Now, five years later, some fans say the ride’s magic has faded. Disneyland Resort guest and Redditor u/jayvancealot noticed that the Disneyland Park ride never topped a ten-minute wait time during a three-day trip during the busiest time of the year:
Are people over smugglers run? Been here 3 days and never saw it go over 10 minutes. Went on literally by myself yesterday at about 4 PM
Are people over smugglers run? Been here 3 days and never saw it go over 10 minutes. Went on literally by myself yesterday at about 4 PM
by indisneyparks
In the comments, discussions among Disney Park enthusiasts highlighted frustrations with Smugglers Run’s repetitive experience and role assignments. Many say the ride’s single storyline offers little replay value, especially for those stuck in the engineer position.
“I don’t wanna wait 35+ minutes just to get engineer again and have to look at a wall the entire time,” said one commenter. Another agreed, saying they only ride Smugglers Run if they can be pilot: “I’m not waiting in line to look at the wall of buttons.”
“Literally exactly what happened on my very first ride and I absolutely had no interest on ever riding again,” one Disney Parks fan replied. Others agreed it was a “one-and-done” ride.
Maintenance Issues and Neglect
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, fans have raised concerns about the Star Wars ride’s upkeep. One Walt Disney World Resort guest (u/weekly_ad83333) shared a photo of a weed growing out of a set piece near the Millennium Falcon, reportedly visible in the queue since June 2023:
This plant growing out of the Millennium Falcon seen from the Smuggler’s Run queue lol
This plant growing out of the Millennium Falcon seen from the Smuggler’s Run queue lol
byu/Weekly_Ad8333 inWaltDisneyWorld
Competition With Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Part of Smugglers Run’s struggle may stem from its competition with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the other major attraction in Batuu. While Rise of the Resistance has its own issues with frequent breakdowns, it remains a technological marvel with consistently high wait times. Many guests compare Smugglers Run unfavorably, calling it “a more interactive Star Tours” without the excitement or longevity.
“I thought it was lame, especially after the awesomeness of Rise,” said one Redditor, summing up the feelings of many fans.
A New Hope for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Smugglers Run may be falling in popularity now, but Disney has plans to breathe new life into the attraction. At D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney Imagineering announced a new storyline for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu. The updated version is set to debut at Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026, giving fans a reason to revisit the Lucasfilm-inspired attraction.
Do Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort need to update Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run? Share your opinion with us in the comments.
