Visitors of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif. and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, FL get to experience an all-new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The update introduces expanded gameplay, new destinations across the galaxy and appearances from fan-favorite duo, the Mandalorian and Grogu. This debut coincides with the premiere of Lucasfilm’s new film, “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” highlighting Disney’s use of cutting-edge technology and the unique collaboration between creative teams. 

The storyline has guests teaming up with Hondo Ohnaka, who is searching for recruits to help track down two ex-Imperial officers and a pirate in exchange for any cargo collected along the way. Each decision shapes how the story unfolds with the crew choosing which destination to chase down the bounties, unlocking adventures across multiple iconic locations, including Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star near Endor, and the bustling city-planet Coruscant.  

The updated experience also introduces new interactive elements for each crew role. Pilots, gunners and engineers continue to work together to complete their mission, with expanded responsibilities that deepen gameplay. Engineers in particular will take on a new role during the mission, including choosing the destination and calling Grogu in real time, adding a unique layer of connection and unpredictability to each flight. 

“Collaborating with Lucasfilm to launch this new mission alongside the film has been incredibly exciting,” said Asa Kalama, Executive, Creative and Interactive Experiences, Walt Disney Imagineering. “This new story will transport guests into the galaxy with Mando and Grogu and every flight aboard the Millennium Falcon will feel like a one-of-a-kind adventure for each member of the crew.” 

Software Integration

The attraction was developed in collaboration with Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), leveraging cutting-edge technology powered by Unreal Engine 5, the same tools used in the Disney+ show, “The Mandalorian”, to create a more dynamic, responsive and immersive adventure than ever before. Unreal Engine is an open and advanced 3D creation tool. It was created to enable game developers and creators across multiple industries to easily produce real-time 3D content and experiences with greater freedom, fidelity, and flexibility. This includes industrial simulations that feel like real life. In addition to using Unreal Engine 5, Walt Disney Imagineering worked with the film’s crew to leverage and adapt digital assets for the game engine. 

Originally opened in 2019, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run quickly set a new benchmark for immersive storytelling by placing guests at the controls of the legendary Millennium Falcon. Guests became the protagonist of their own Star Wars adventure, stepping into one of three critical crew roles, each with distinct responsibilities that directly impact the outcome of the journey. Pilots steer the Falcon through tight turns and hyperspace jumps, gunners defend against incoming threats and engineers manage onboard systems and damage control. The attraction’s dynamic gameplay system responds in real time, meaning no two missions unfold exactly the same way with successes and mistakes alike shaping the narrative, the condition of the ship, and the final score. 

For information: 

Disney 

Unreal Engine 5 

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Images courtesy of Disney. 

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