Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

May 2019 – present

LOCATION

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – The Millennium Falcon serves as the focal point of Galaxy’s Edge, so even if you get lost, you’ll probably find it. If you enter the land from either of the Frontierland entrances, just plow straight ahead. The main paths both lead to the ship. If you’re coming from the Critter Country end, head straight ahead as well. The path curves right and eventually connects with the Frontierland entrance. Head up the stairs when you see them on your left, and you’ll see Smuggler’s Run.

BACKGROUND

How could a land based on Star Wars not include a Millennium Falcon attraction? The Falcon, featured in all 3 trilogies (it makes a brief appearance in Episode III, so yes, even the prequels!), is a ship every Star Wars fan recognizes. The first announcement of Galaxy’s Edge already included news of an attraction based on Han Solo’s ship. At D23 2017, Disney confirmed guests would pilot the ship themselves, on a secret mission set during the third trilogy (between Episodes VII and VIII specifically). Ground broke on the new attraction, and the rest of the land, in 2016, and Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run was the only attraction ready for the land’s grand opening in May 2019.

EXPERIENCE

Details:

• Single Rider Line – yes
• Fast Pass– no
• Height Requirement– 38” (97 cm)
• Duration– 5:00

Before you board the Falcon, you’ll start your smuggling adventure inside the ship bay. You’ll pass by some cargo, ship parts, and other miscellaneous goods. Next, you’ll meet Hondo Ohnaka, a notorious space pirate who has hired you to pilot the Falcon for a smuggling mission. Once Hondo tells you what he’s looking for, he’ll send you off to the ship. Your party (up to 6) will be split into three different roles:

• Pilots – one will control the ship’s up/down movements, and the other will control the ship’s left/right movements.
• Gunners – two shooters responsible for protecting the ship by shooting down enemies.
• Engineers – two mechanics tasked with fixing damage caused by the pilots – as quickly as possible to keep the ship on course.

Once you have your roles, you’ll walk through the iconic halls of the Falcon and into the cockpit. The pilots will launch the ship up from Galaxy’s Edge and off to hyperspace. For roughly five minutes, your crew navigates little passageways and planets to complete your mission – before finally returning to Batuu to transport your smuggled goods.

MY RATING: ★★★★★

I think Smuggler’s Run is absolutely amazing. You get to sit in the cockpit of the MILLENNIUM FALCON for crying out loud! The graphics are so realistic, and the journey itself is fun, even if your pilots are terrible. There is so much happening at once, so I don’t doubt you’ll see or experience something new every time you ride. And the best part? The attraction recognizes how you’re treating the ship. Don’t be surprised to find flickering lights or sparking wires as you exit if you don’t take good care of the Falcon.

Now, to address the roles, since I’ve seen so much chatter about this on social media. A lot of people will tell you that if you are not the pilot, the ride is not worth going on. I completely disagree. 99% of what’s happening is on the screen in front of you anyway. You’ll have a full view of what’s going on no matter where you sit. And honestly, the pilots have so many buttons to push and tend to get super caught up in steering correctly, so they often miss a lot of what’s going on in front of them. I’m not saying being the pilot isn’t fun – of course it is. But I have always enjoyed riding no matter what role I have, and actually prefer gunner if I have a choice – I can shoot and participate, but can watch the story unfold in front of me without too many distractions.

VISITING TIPS

Your party will need to split into groups of 6 or less to ride Smuggler’s Run: 2 pilots, 2 gunners, and 2 engineers. You’ll each be given a card with your role, and you’re welcome to swap with other people in your group if you want something different. However, if you’re coming in as a single rider, you’ll almost always be placed as an engineer.

The ride duration is about 5 minutes, which for me was the perfect amount of motion simulation without feeling nauseous. But rider beware – one of my friends that is not a fan of anything spinning (NO teacups for her) was sick to her stomach and had to sit down for a bit after riding.

Given the newness of this major attraction, the line stays pretty long – 45 minutes and up. There’s honestly no better or worse time of day to visit, as this remains consistent. I will update this section after the dust settles a little more.

TRIVIA

The story within this attraction takes place between the events of The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker.

If you’ve seen the movies and don’t recognize Hondo Ohnaka, you’re not crazy – he’s not in any of them. He’s a character from two animated shows: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels.

The interior of the Falcon (where you wait to head into the cockpit) includes the famous Dejarik table. You’ll have a 5-10 minute wait in here before you start your mission, giving everyone just enough time to pose for photos.