Credit: DisneyFor years, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has served as a masterclass in immersive storytelling, transporting guests to the Outer Rim planet of Batuu. But since its opening in 2019, the land’s flagship flight simulator, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers’ Run, has remained anchored to a single mission: Hondo Ohnaka’s quest for Coaxium. While the experience of sitting in the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” never gets old, fans have long clamored for more variety.
That wait is finally over. Following a string of exciting teasers and a multi-week scenic refresh of the ship’s exterior, Disney has officially released the first look at the new attraction poster for the Mandalorian and Grogu update. Set to debut on May 22, 2026—the same day the feature film The Mandalorian & Grogu hits theaters—this isn’t just a simple cameo. It’s a total gameplay revolution.
Here is everything you need to know about the massive changes coming to Black Spire Outpost this summer.
A New Storyline: The Bounty is On
The most significant change is the introduction of an all-new storyline. While the original mission (which will reportedly remain as an option) focuses on a heist for fuel, the new adventure aligns the Falcon with the most iconic duo in the modern Star Wars era: Din Djarin and his youngling, Grogu.
According to the latest details from BlogMickey, the story arc is independent of the upcoming film but shares its high-stakes energy. Hondo Ohnaka, ever the opportunist, has caught wind of a high-value deal happening between ex-Imperial Officers and a band of pirates. To claim the credits, Hondo enlists your flight crew to assist the Mandalorian in intercepting the deal.
The new attraction poster perfectly captures this tension, showing Mando carrying Grogu as the Millennium Falcon soars beneath them amid a chaotic space battle. It’s a clear signal that the days of simple smuggling are over; guests are now entering the heart of the New Republic era.
Choose Your Own Adventure: 4 New Iconic Locations
For the first time in the history of the ride, the crew will be in control of their own destination. In the current version, everyone travels to the same Corellian mining planet. In the 2026 update, Disney introduces a “choice” mechanic that lets the crew determine their path through the stars.
The update features four legendary Star Wars locations:
- Bespin: Navigate the orange-hued clouds of Cloud City.
- Tatooine: Brave the twin suns and desert canyons where it all began.
- Coruscant: Fly through the dense, neon-lit skyscrapers of the galactic capital.
- The Wreckage of the Second Death Star: Navigate the treacherous debris field in the orbit of Endor.
This level of variety significantly boosts the ride’s replayability. Much like Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, guests can now have a different experience every time they enter the cockpit.
Technical Revolution: Unreal Engine and Real-Time Graphics
The shift to these new locations isn’t just a change in scenery; it’s a technological leap. Disney has partnered with Epic Games to integrate the Unreal Engine into the attraction.
Lucasfilm famously uses this technology (specifically “The Volume”) to create virtual sets for The Mandalorian TV series. By bringing this tech to the ride, Disney can now render high-fidelity graphics in real-time. This is why “Smugglers’ Run – A New Mission” will look significantly more realistic than the 2019 version. The shadows, lighting, and explosions will react dynamically to how the pilots fly the ship, making the “Piece of Junk” feel more responsive than ever before.
Fixing the “Engineer” Problem
One of the longest-standing criticisms of Smugglers’ Run is that the Pilot is the only “fun” role. Gunners are often busy looking at buttons on the side, and Engineers—well, they mostly just wait for things to break.
The 2026 update specifically addresses this. The Engineer position is receiving a major gameplay buff.
- Choosing the Mission: In many scenarios, it will be the Engineers who choose which planet the ship jumps to, giving them a high-stakes leadership role in the cockpit.
- Communicating with Grogu: Disney has teased that Engineers will have a direct line of communication with Grogu during the mission. Whether this involves using “the Force” to help with repairs or simply keeping the youngling safe during a dogfight, it adds a layer of character interaction that was previously missing.
Expanding the Galaxy’s Edge Timeline
One of the most debated topics among Star Wars fans has been the “strict timeline” of Galaxy’s Edge. Since opening, the land has been locked into the Sequel Trilogy era (between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker). This meant that characters like Darth Vader or The Mandalorian technically couldn’t appear without “breaking” the story.
The May 22 update officially signals a shift in Disney’s philosophy. By embracing the “Mando-Verse,” Hollywood Studios is expanding the land’s appeal. This follows the trend at Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge, which has already begun introducing characters from various eras. For fans, this means the Falcon is no longer just a museum piece for the Resistance—it is once again the most relevant ship in the galaxy.
What to Expect on May 22, 2026
Disney is pulling out all the stops for this “New Mission.” In addition to the ride changes, guests can expect:
- Renaming the Attraction: Brief leaks on the My Disney Experience app have shown the name updated to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers’ Run – A New Mission.
- New Merch and Snacks: Expect a wave of Grogu-themed treats and Mandalorian flight suits to hit the shops in Black Spire Outpost.
- Film Synergies: With the movie releasing the same day, Hollywood Studios will likely be the epicenter of the Star Wars fandom.
Final Thoughts: Is it Time to Fly Again?
If you haven’t ridden the Falcon in a few years, the 2026 update is the perfect excuse to return. With higher-quality graphics, interactive choices, and the chance to protect the galaxy’s favorite “Baby Yoda,” Smugglers’ Run is evolving from a novelty simulator into a top-tier Disney E-Ticket.
As Hondo Ohnaka would say, “The credits are calling!” Are you ready to make the jump to lightspeed with Mando and Grogu? May 22 can’t come soon enough.
