Credit: DisneyDo you think this is a trend that will continue at Disney World?
Walt Disney World is an ever-evolving beast that aims to entice guests back year after year. Despite recent criticisms over accessibility and cost, Disney World remains the most visited theme park destination worldwide, and its continual development seems to be enough to keep guests opening their wallets.
Over the next decade, the Walt Disney World Resort will debut the Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land at Magic Kingdom Park, and Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
These are just the major land overhauls happening in the Sunshine State, which is to say that the parks will also refresh, retheme, and redo a number of other elements in the coming years–the debut of the Muppets at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, to name just one.
Aside from the larger changes at the Disney resort, the parks also continue to add overlays to already existing experiences to celebrate the release of new movies and TV shows. The Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed changes to two of its most beloved and thrilling rides.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Located inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Smugglers Run gives visitors the chance to step inside the legendary Millennium Falcon and take on a mission for Hondo Ohnaka. Each cockpit holds six riders, with roles split between pilots, gunners, and engineers, and how well each person performs directly impacts the outcome of the adventure.
The queue itself is highly immersive, featuring incredible details and preshow moments that place you in the Star Wars universe. Once aboard, the motion simulator experience combines teamwork, storytelling, and interactivity, offering repeat value since no two missions play out quite the same.
In addition to confirming that the Star Wars ride will soon allow guests to choose their own adventure, the Mouse House previously shared that the beloved Mandalorian and Grogu duo will be added to the attraction.
“We’re so excited that these updates debut on the same day as Lucasfilm’s upcoming title, The Mandalorian and Grogu; however, the attraction’s storyline will follow a different path,” Disney Parks Blog added.
“In this new thrilling storyline, Hondo Ohnaka has gotten wind of a deal going down on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and a band of pirates. There’s a generous bounty for their capture, so you’ll borrow the iconic ship and team up with Mando and Grogu to track them down and explore the galaxy.”
The new overlay will arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 22, 2026.
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Over at Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland’s TRON Lightcycle / Run takes a more high-speed approach to thrills. Inspired by the TRON films, guests board sleek, motorbike-style Lightcycles and launch into the digital Grid as part of Team Blue.
From the moment the ride begins, you’re propelled at nearly 60 mph under a glowing canopy before diving into a high-tech show building filled with neon lighting effects and sound design that fully immerses riders in the experience.
While the ride itself is short, lasting about a minute after launch, the combination of speed, visuals, and futuristic atmosphere makes it one of Disney’s most intense coasters. TRON used to operate with a virtual queue system before they were rendered obsolete. Lightning Lane access is available and riders must secure their belongings in lockers before boarding.
On October 10, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures will drop its new TRON franchise movie, TRON: Ares (2025), starring Jared Leto. In celebration of the movie’s arrival, Magic Kingdom has now changed the overlay on TRON Lightcycle / Run to a new Ares-inspired look.
“Replacing the blue and orange hues of the ride, you’ll weave through twisting tunnels of vibrant red and orange light trails, feeling the rush of wind and the surge of acceleration as you compete in a dazzling Lightcycle race,” Disney Parks Blog wrote.
“The striking red hues in Tron: Ares within the digital realm contrast sharply with the classic blue tones of the Grid. Adding to the immersive visuals, the pulsating industrial sounds of Nine Inch Nails will drive the ride’s energy, pushing your experience between the Grid and reality into a fully immersive, futuristic symphony of light, speed, and sound.”
The overlay commenced at Magic Kingdom on September 15, 2025, and went into effect at Shanghai Disneyland on September 16.
Looking Ahead
While there are no more immediate plans to retheme existing attractions, it would be remiss not to mention the possibility that Avatar Flight of Passage may receive some kind of change to celebrate the release of James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025).
It’s worth noting that Disney didn’t alter the Animal Kingdom attraction for the release of 2022’s Avatar: The Way of Water, but there’s a first time for everything.
How do you feel about Disney changing attractions to celebrate the release of movies? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!