Big Star Wars news: the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride at Disneyland and Disney World is getting a massive overhaul — and it’s all happening May 22, 2026.
Disney just dropped fresh concept art and new details about a major update to the ride that’s been coasting under the radar lately. And guess who’s jumping on board? The Mandalorian and yes, Baby Yoda too.
Ride with Mando, meet Grogu, choose your own planet?!
Disney is shaking up Smugglers Run. Instead of just one set mission, guests will now get to pick their destination before taking off. Want to visit Bespin? Done. Craving the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor? Buckle up. Fancy a spin around Coruscant? Let’s go.
This means each ride could be completely different — making re-rides a real possibility.
But the biggest twist? Din Djarin and Grogu are getting in on the action. You’re jumping into a bounty hunt with Mando himself, chasing down shady ex-Imperials, all under the direction of Hondo Ohnaka. (Seriously, that guy just can’t stay out of trouble.)
Reporter Scott Gustin shared the recent news, as well as new concept art, “NEW: Starting on May 22, 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will introduce a new storyline featuring Mando and Grogu – and guests will be in control. After taking off from Batuu and visiting Tatooine, the crew will CHOOSE their next destination: Bespin, Endor, or Coruscant.”
NEW: Starting on May 22, 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will introduce a new storyline featuring Mando and Grogu – and guests will be in control. After taking off from Batuu and visiting Tatooine, the crew will CHOOSE their next destination: Bespin, Endor, or Coruscant. pic.twitter.com/5v7mcZ6iVa
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 20, 2025
No, this isn’t just a movie plug
Even though the ride update will drop the same day as the movie The Mandalorian and Grogu (also May 22, 2026), Disney assures us the new story is completely separate from the film. No spoilers here — just more Star Wars.
Baby Yoda gets techy
The engineers — aka the folks stuck in the “boring” seats — are finally getting some love. The updated version gives them new gameplay features, plus they’ll get to interact with Grogu. Your actions can trigger custom responses from Baby Yoda.
It’s safe to say those back-row seats are about to get a lot more interesting.
ILM + Unreal Engine 5 = next-level visuals
This is more than just a story upgrade — Disney worked with ILM and Epic Games to rebuild the visuals entirely. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the same tech behind The Mandalorian show, the graphics will be movie-quality.
This is next-level stuff, folks.
Why this is a huge move
Let’s face it — Smugglers Run has been running a little low on crowd interest lately. Wait times have been down, and most guests are flocking to Rise of the Resistance just steps away. This overhaul is Disney’s way of bringing Smugglers Run back into the spotlight.
And with Mando and Baby Yoda involved? It’s pretty much a guarantee.
Bottom line:
You’ll want to be at Disneyland or Disney World in May 2026. Between the new ride experience and the film premiere, Star Wars fans are in for a double-feature of epic proportions.
Stay tuned — because we’ll be the first to tell you when Baby Yoda merch starts flying off the shelves again.
The controls from the rear seats should be forward and not to the side so those in the back can stay focused on the action on the screens and not have to look at the walls.
Totally agree with Sammie about the control placement.