Hey Disney Vacationers! Disney is gearing up for an exciting update to the beloved Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Dubbed “The Mandalorian and Grogu Millennium Falcon update”, this upgrade promises to bring new life to the ride by incorporating characters from The Mandalorian. Here’s everything we know so far about this eagerly anticipated addition.
The Announcement at D23 Expo 2024
The first details emerged during the 2024 D23 Expo, where The Mandalorian creator Dave Filoni joined Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro to share the news. Filoni explained how the collaboration with Epic Games and their Unreal Engine technology will power this update.
Filoni said, “The intersection of storytelling and innovation has always been central to Lucasfilm, and we’re excited to see where this collaboration will take us next.” He also teased what fans can expect: “You’ll be able to fly alongside Mando and Grogu on thrilling, and dangerous, missions.”
Why Update Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run?
This update isn’t just about adding fan-favorite characters. It’s also a response to guest feedback on the ride’s current setup.
- Guest Preferences: Many visitors prefer the pilot and gunner seats, which offer more interaction with the main screen and the action. Meanwhile, the engineer seat has been criticized for being less engaging, as it involves pushing buttons while staring at a wall.
- Queue Adjustments: Disney recently introduced a double rider line to draw more guests into filling the less-popular engineer seats. However, this is a temporary fix.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Millennium Falcon update aims to address this issue by making the engineer role more dynamic and rewarding.
What Changes Are Coming?
According to Jim Hill of Jim Hill Media, this update will include enhancements to make the engineer seat more exciting. One major addition will involve Grogu, who will interact with guests in this role.
Here’s what’s rumored:
- Exclusive Grogu Encounters: Engineers will have unique moments with Grogu, adding extra charm to this seat.
- Grogu Animatronics in the Queue: Guests in the standby line may encounter an animatronic Grogu at the Sabacc table.
A Fully Immersive Star Wars Experience
These changes hint at a broader strategy to make the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction more engaging for every guest. From pilots dodging TIE fighters to engineers bonding with Grogu, this update promises a fully immersive experience for all Star Wars fans.
When Will the Update Launch?
Disney has not provided an official launch date. However, insiders suggest the update will debut sometime in 2026. A logical release window could coincide with the opening weekend of The Mandalorian movie currently in development. Until then, fans will have to wait patiently for more updates.
Final Thoughts
The Mandalorian and Grogu Millennium Falcon update represents a thrilling evolution for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. With new technology, enhanced interactivity, and beloved characters joining the ride, it’s shaping up to be a must-see for fans of all ages.
Stay tuned for more details as Disney reveals additional insights into this exciting attraction update.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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