Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Ride - The Complete Guide

(Last Updated On: November 5, 2023)

The Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a motion simulator attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park. It is based on the Star Wars franchise and features a recreated version of the Millennium Falcon, the iconic spaceship from the films.

In the attraction, riders are invited to take on the role of smugglers and fly the Millennium Falcon on a mission through space. The ride is interactive, with riders able to control certain aspects of the flight using interactive screens and controls located throughout the cockpit.

The Millennium Falcon and entrance for the Smugglers Run ride at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge.

Contents show

Some Tips for the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Ride

The attraction has received positive reviews, with many praising the immersive experience and the attention to detail in the recreation of the Millennium Falcon. Some tips for getting the most out of the attraction include:

Arrive early: The attraction is very popular, so it is a good idea to arrive at the park early to get a Fastpass or to get in line before the wait times become too long.
Learn the controls: Familiarising yourself with the controls before you get on the ride can help you make the most of the interactive experience.
Follow the directions of the cast members: The cast members who run the attraction are there to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. Be sure to listen to their instructions and follow them carefully.
Have fun: The Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is an immersive and exciting experience, so be sure to relax and have a good time!

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Back Story

In the Star Wars franchise, the Millennium Falcon is a legendary starship known for its speed and versatility. It was originally owned by a smuggler named Han Solo, who used it to transport goods and evade capture by the Galactic Empire. The ship later became central to the Rebel Alliance’s efforts to defeat the Empire, and was flown by a number of different characters throughout the series, including Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Rey.

Rey hiding from the First Order next to the Millennium Falcon

The attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run takes place in the same universe as the Star Wars films and follows the same general story arc. In the attraction, riders are invited to take on the role of smugglers and fly the Millennium Falcon on a mission through space. The mission is set in the time period between the events of the films “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.”

As riders experience the attraction, they will encounter a number of familiar characters and locations from the Star Wars universe, including Hondo Ohnaka, who hires the smugglers for the mission. The attraction also features a fully-realised, highly-detailed recreation of the Millennium Falcon cockpit, complete with interactive controls and screens.

Hondo Giving out instruction prior to you entering the cockpit.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Rider Roles

In the attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, you get to fly the iconic starship, the Millennium Falcon, on a mission through space. The ride is interactive, with six riders able to control certain aspects of the flight using the interactive controls located throughout the cockpit.

There are three different rider roles that riders can take on during the attraction: pilot, gunner, and engineer.

Pilot: The pilot is responsible for flying the Millennium Falcon and navigating through obstacles during the mission. The pilot sits in the front of the cockpit and uses the controls to steer the ship and activate certain features, such as the light speed.
Gunner: The gunner sits in the middle of the cockpit and is responsible for firing the ship’s laser cannons to defend against enemy ships and other threats.
Engineer: The engineer sits in the back of the cockpit and is responsible for managing the ship’s systems, such as the engines and shields. The engineer uses the controls to repair damage to the ship and make necessary adjustments during the mission.

Pilot Instructions for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

All three roles have access to a set of interactive screens and controls that allow them to complete tasks and interact with the ride. The specific controls and screens available to each role may vary, but they generally include buttons, levers, and other interactive elements that allow riders to control the ship and complete tasks.

Inside Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

As riders experience the attraction, they will be seated in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon and given the opportunity to take on one of three rider roles: pilot, gunner, or engineer. Each role has its own set of interactive controls and screens that riders can use to control certain aspects of the flight and complete tasks during the mission.

The ride itself is a motion simulator, meaning that the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon will move and shake in response to the action on-screen. The attraction also features special effects, such as lasers and other visual effects, to enhance the immersive experience.

Inside the Millennium Falcon at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Wait Line

The attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a popular attraction at the Disney Parks, and as such, it is not uncommon for there to be a wait to experience the ride. The wait times for the attraction can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the time of day, the season, and the overall crowd levels at the park.

To help manage the wait times for the attraction, Disney has implemented a number of strategies, including the use of a Lightning Lane system and the creation of interactive elements within the queue area to keep guests entertained while they wait.

The animatronic Hondo Ohnaka during the pre-show before you head inside the Millennium Falcon.

In the queue area for the attraction, there are a number of interactive elements, such as holographic displays and a Pre Show featuring an Animatronic Hondo Ohnaka. These elements are designed to help make the wait time more enjoyable and help guests pass the time until they are able to ride the attraction.

Before you enter the cockpit you was also get to see inside the Millennium Falcon and see the famous hologram chess board that Chewbacca plays against C3-PO in the original Star Wars movie.

Me and my son sat at the Chess Board inside the Millennium Falcon

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Tips

Here are some tips for getting the most out of the attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run:

Arrive early: The attraction is very popular, so it is a good idea to arrive at the park early to get a Fastpass or to get in line before the wait times become too long.
Learn the controls: Familiarizing yourself with the controls before you get on the ride can help you make the most of the interactive experience.
Follow the directions of the cast members: The cast members who run the attraction are there to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. Be sure to listen to their instructions and follow them carefully.
Try out all three rider roles: The attraction doesn’t allows riders to switch between the pilot, gunner, and engineer roles throughout the ride. Be sure to try out all three roles to get a feel for the different tasks and responsibilities associated with each role. In my opinion the Pilot is definitely the best role.
Have fun: The Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is an immersive and exciting experience, so be sure to relax and have a good time!

Avoiding Motion Sickness at Disney World

Is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Worth It

Whether or not the attraction is “worth it” will depend on your personal interests and preferences. If you are a fan of the Star Wars franchise and enjoy motion simulator rides, then you may find the attraction to be enjoyable and worth experiencing. On the other hand, if you are not interested in Star Wars or do not enjoy motion simulator rides, then the attraction may not be as appealing to you.

My son at the Pilot controls of the Cockpit.

Is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Scary

The ride is set in the Star Wars universe and features a number of special effects and action sequences, but it is generally not considered to be a particularly scary attraction.

The Smugglers Run ride does feature some intense moments and simulated action, such as laser battles and encounters with enemy ships, but these elements are not typically considered to be particularly frightening. The ride is suitable for most audiences, including children, but it may not be suitable for younger children or individuals who are sensitive to loud noises or fast-moving action.

If you or someone in your party is particularly sensitive to loud noises or fast-moving action, it may be helpful to consider this before deciding to experience the attraction. It is also worth noting that the attraction may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the motion simulator elements of the ride.

Chewbacca on screen during the rides pre-show

The Secret Chewie Mode

There is a secret Chewie Mode to Smugglers Run which when activated will allow you to hear Chewbacca throughout the ride rather than Hondo.

To activate this mode you will need a full cockpit of six riders and you will have to:

Ride Smugglers Run with a full cabin of 6 guests. It won’t work with less as you need all riders in place.
Before the ride starts, do NOT activate your position right away. You need to ignore Hondo.
First, the left and right pilots need to push their control sticks to the far left or right and far up and down.
Once the pilots do this, they need to push their activation button.
Engineers and Gunners also ignore the pre-flight instructions and hold down one of the white buttons on their control panel, and then hit the activation button.

If you follow everything in order correctly, you will enter into the secret “Chewie Mode” and you will then hear Chewbacca’s voice for the whole ride experience instead of Hondo.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a popular and immersive motion simulator ride that takes riders on a mission through space in a fully-realized, highly-detailed recreation of the iconic starship, the Millennium Falcon.

Me sitting in Han Solo's seat and very much enjoying it.

The ride is suitable for most audiences, including children, and offers a unique and exciting experience for fans of the Star Wars franchise. If you are planning on visiting the attraction, it is a good idea to arrive at the park early, use the Lightning Lane system, or plan your visit during off-peak times to avoid long wait times. Whether you are a seasoned smuggler or a first-time pilot, the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is an experience that is not to be missed.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Ride – The Complete Guide