Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run opened at DisneyWorld’s Hollywood Studios earlier this year and as we are both fans of the Star Wars movies, we could not wait to give this attraction a whirl!

Theming underneath the Millennium Falcon within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

As this is a new attraction at Disney, the new FastPass+ system is not yet available on this ride, therefore, the only way to experience Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at present, is to join the queue.

When we arrived in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the first thing you notice is the incredible theming. Disney have done an outstanding job of bringing the world to life, the centre piece of the Millennium Falcon is huge and highly impressive. The whole of the area literally looks like something straight out of a Star Wars movie - I know that’s kind of the point, but still, they have recreated the world in incredible detail.

Theming inside the queue line for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

When making our way through the crowds, the queue for this attraction was actually outside of the designated line. In face, it ran a considerable way around the Galaxy’s Edge area and around part of the backstage lot. The good news is, that the queue does move fairly swiftly - however we were still in the queue for over an hour.

The queue inside is very well themed - I have included some photos within this article, so you can see. Once inside, the queue also seemed to move fairly quick, maybe this is because we queued for so long outside!

When you reach the front of the queue, you are asked how many are in your party. In our party, there was two, therefore, we were teamed up with a family of four to make a total of six of us. Six is the required number to fill all seats on the Millennium Falcon. You are also each given a job (Pilot, Gunner or Engineer) detailed on a card, with a colour. On each ‘run’ of the ride there are 2 of each of the above. Matt and I were allocated ‘pilots’. I was pilot left and in control of the left and right movements of the Millennium Falcon whilst Matt controlled the up and down movements, this made for some entertaining piloting skills! Communication is definitely key! We were allocated green cards.

Job allocation cards for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

You then move through to a holding area and wait for your colour to be called. When it is your turn, you move through to the ‘Millennium Falcon’ and take your seats. It’s go time.

Side B of the job allocation cards for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Essentially without ruining the story, this is a simulator ride with the added element of being able to be involved in the outcome of the story. The pilots have to ‘drive’ to ensure the gunners are able to shoot the required targets. The engineers role, is to grab things (by pressing buttons) as the story progresses.

Having only experienced this attraction once as the pilot and also being fiercely competitive - I feel as though the ride instructions could have been detailed a little better in the pre-ride information. You also gain points for hitting the required targets and for completing certain actions - again, it would have been helpful to have this further detailed in the pre-ride information.

View from the inside queue (upstairs) of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Having said that, this ride is a lot of fun and if you were in a party of six which all knew each other - I’m sure it would provide even more entertainment!

The ride is realistic and you feel involved in the story. There are actual buttons to press, joysticks to control and actions to complete. With a ride time of over four minutes - it makes the queue time seem more worthwhile.

Have you experienced Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run as a Gunner, Engineer or even a Pilot? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below!

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