Smugglers Run is about to get a major upgrade. Starting May 22, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at both Hollywood Studios AND Disneyland is launching brand-new missions tied to The Mandalorian and Grogu, complete with three new destinations (Bespin, Coruscant, and the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor), expanded engineer responsibilities, automatic AND manual gunner modes, and the ability to literally call Grogu from the cockpit. Oh, and the loot crates can now contain Kyber Crystals or BABY RANCORS. Before your next visit, here’s the full pilot/gunner/engineer breakdown so you actually walk out as Employee of the Month instead of crashing the Falcon for the seventh time.
Additionally, for more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.
Stepping into the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon for the first time is a moment unlike many others at Disney Parks, sparking a sense of childlike wonder and pure awe as you take control of one of the most iconic ships in the galaxy.
From the moment your crew is recruited by Hondo Ohnaka inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, your mission is clear: track down elusive bounties amid high-speed chaos and collect optional, yet valuable crates for Hondo. Whether you’re flying with friends, family, or fellow Star Wars fans, every role in the cockpit plays a key part in how your story unfolds.
Now, with new updates to the attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland park arriving May 22 alongside the debut of Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu in theaters, even more adventures await, including the chance to journey deeper into the galaxy next to Mando and Grogu.
Aiming to pilot the iconic ship, fend off enemy TIE fighters, or choose your next planetary destination on your next flight? Keep reading to find out how to make the most of every role, every mission, and every run aboard the Millennium Falcon.
Key Information to Know Aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Pilots: Steer the Millennium Falcon, Avoid Danger, and Jump to Hyperspace
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Quick Tips for Pilots
Left pilots control the ship’s horizontal movement from left to right, avoiding trouble from both sides of the Falcon. A boost button is located nearby to speed past danger when needed.
Right pilots control the vertical movement of the shop, pushing forward to go down and pulling back to go up. Additionally, be ready to make the jump to hyperspace at a moment’s notice with the thrusters located to your left side.
If you and your co-pilot have ever dreamed of stepping into Han and Chewie’s roles in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, the pilot position may be for you.
Each mission relies on two pilots working together to steer the Millennium Falcon through danger, dodging obstacles, evading speedy TIE fighters, and keeping the ship intact as you track down your bounty. While you share the same goal, each pilot plays a distinct role in how the mission unfolds, as flying steady sets up your gunners and engineers for continued success throughout your flight.
Left Pilot
The left pilot is in charge of the ship’s side to side movement (left to right). This will be key as you hope to maintain a smooth flight path and as your gunners prepare to line up with incoming targets, with a boost button nearby to accelerate past looming danger. Many walls, towers, canyon obstacles, and ships can cause damage to the Falcon and cause your credits to drop, so smooth steering is very important to complete your mission.
Right Pilot
Meanwhile, the right pilot controls the vertical (up and down) movement of the ship, pushing forward to go down and pulling back to go up. Here, pilots are trusted to raise and lower the Falcon, avoid the ground and incoming obstacles, and of course, make the jump to hyperspace. But don’t get too cocky: quick reactions and sharp reflexes are important to succeed in this role, and precise timing can make all the difference.
While it may feel like you’re in complete control, success takes coordination, communication, and a steady hand. After all, traveling through hyperspace is a little more complicated than dusting crops in this galaxy.
Gunners: Defend the Millennium Falcon and Increase the Crew’s Score
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Quick Tips for Gunners
For first-time crew members, automatic mode lends itself to an easier experience. For seasoned smugglers, choose manual mode for a rush of fast-paced competition.
If playing in automatic mode, make sure to keep pressing your primary button to fire in bursts of five on enemy ships.
If playing in manual mode, use the three buttons to aim high, middle, and low.
Throughout the mission, missiles will be available at select times that allow gunners to fire five simultaneous missiles that spiral to hit a nearby target, if timed correctly.
As you prepare to track down your bounty and complete the instructions laid about by Hondo and Mando, your team’s gunner positions will likely be vital as you prepare to face danger along the way.
Choosing Automatic or Manual Mode
As you strap in your seatbelt and take your position, riders will be able to choose from an automatic mode or a manual mode by pressing buttons on the pad to your side.
Once the Falcon takes to the skies and has its eyes set on Tatooine, each gunner will be responsible for targets on their half of the cockpit. In automatic mode, targets will be tracked automatically both horizontally and vertically by using one primary button throughout. This button fires the guns in bursts of five, so be sure to keep pressing and time your shots on incoming enemies. For young ones, first-timers, or less-experienced flyers, the automatic mode in this position may be more ideal to allow for auto-locking on targets.
Meanwhile, in manual mode, targets will still be tracked automatically horizontally, but each gunner can select between a high, middle, or low targeting zone (using three different buttons) to fire on incoming enemy ships, all of which have been sent to stop your mission from being completed and returning safely to Batuu. For experienced flyers and those with a thirst for competition, consider the manual mode that allows for timely reactions and the potential for a higher score throughout your flight.
Amid the chaos, keep in mind that Hondo is all about profit, and he wants the Falcon to be in near-perfect shape upon its return. Be sure to be as accurate as possible when shooting down any enemy TIE fighters; Hondo will certainly be displeased if the Falcon is beat up upon your return to Docking Bay 5.
Engineers: Collect Cargo, Call Grogu, and Choose Your Next Destination on Board the Millennium Falcon
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Quick Tips for Engineers
On each mission, one randomized engineer on board will choose your crew’s next, brand-new flight destination following the chase on Tatooine: Bespin, Coruscant, or the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor.
The other engineer in your crew will launch homing beacons toward each of the bounty ships before taking off to your next destination.
Search for shipments of precious cargo during your flight, using a tractor beam (with a masher button next to your seat) to reel in crates to the Falcon.
Repair the ship as needed during the flight by hitting the glowing buttons, and call Grogu in the Razor Crest by clicking the call icon near your seat.
In this new mission aboard the Millennium Falcon, engineers have a crucial role with expanded responsibilities. Positioned in the back row of the cockpit, the left and right engineers are responsible for tracking enemy ships, picking the planet destination, and earning credits for Hondo by collecting cargo. Plus, someone in your crew has to keep an eye on Grogu.
Before taking off, Hondo was able to make a deal with the New Republic to deliver the coordinates of these bounties in exchange for any cargo that the crew may collect. As your crew of six follows Hondo’s precise coordinates to track three high-value bounties on Tatooine, you’ll cross paths with the Mandalorian and Grogu.
Here, our bounties are attempting to complete a deal to trade illegal goods, and it’s your job to swipe these goods for Hondo while Mando focuses on capturing the bounties. From there, as your cover is blown and the mission suddenly shifts, the trio of bounties splits between three different locations and leaves your crew with a key decision.
An Engineer’s Job is Never Done
Eager for more in this position? Here’s a few other things that engineers will be able to do during their pursuit:
Call Grogu: Looking for an ally to help out or curious to see what Grogu is up to during your mission? Click the button under the call icon to call Grogu in the Razor Crest.
Repair the Ship: As the ship takes damage throughout your mission, you may see several buttons light up near you. To fix the ship as soon as possible to allow for a steady flight, help the rest of your crew out and hit the illuminated buttons quickly.
Once your mission takes a turn on Tatooine, one of the engineers will be prompted to launch homing beacons toward each of the bounty ships, while the opposite engineer will be instructed to choose your crew’s next flight destination by following one of the three homing beacons. These meaningful decisions set up the fun to soon follow by determining which bounty your crew will immediately pursue, allowing engineers to have a direct impact on the overall outcome of the pursuit.
Once you’ve jumped to your destination of choice, engineers will work together to grab up to six crates of valuable cargo (three max for the left, and three max for the right) from your bounty. When searching for the loot, an alert may sound and a masher button nearby will glow if potential shipments are in range. To secure the cargo, hit the button and watch as these valued possessions are brought toward the ship via the ship’s tractor beam.
Keep reading to get a sneak peek at each of the three destinations below!
Soar Through the Skies of Bespin
As you arrive just outside of the iconic Cloud City, the chase through the skies of Bespin is on.
Here, your crew will pursue an Imperial officer in their Zeta-class Shuttle, dodging freighters carrying large Tibanna gas cannisters and navigating around passing tug-ships through the skies. During this portion of the mission, gunners will be especially busy, with a horde of TIE fighters swarming the skies and with a highly destructible environment always surrounding the Falcon.
All too easy? Think again. Bespin is pretty far from Tatooine, demanding focused coordination from your entire crew in order to make it out with the Falcon (and all of your well-deserved credits) still intact.
Dodge TIE Fighters Amid City Lights on Coruscant
Arriving above the bustling Uscru Entertainment District on Coruscant at night calls for intense teamwork to track down your prized possession.
Surrounded by dense civilian traffic, your crew will attempt to hunt down an Imperial officer in a Sentinel Assault Shuttle, weaving through an illuminated skyline, ducking in and out of tunnels, and avoiding TIE fighter fire. As you fly through the city and the chase intensifies, engineers will be tasked with grabbing and collecting crates from the target ship while keeping the Falcon running smoothly under the glow of the city’s lights.
This mission can take an unexpected turn, requiring your crew to reboot key systems and stay in sync with Mando and Grogu, so make sure to be alert and look out for any potential allies to help you safely return to Batuu.
Escape the Wreckage of the Second Death Star Above Endor
On the outskirts of a debris field surrounding the forest moon of Endor, the shattered remains of the second Death Star loom, with twisted metal and wreckage causing a dangerous path forward for your crew… and serving as a great hiding spot for a potential bounty on the loose.
As you explore the remains of this once-armed battle station, you’ll look for the Transdoshan pirate hiding amongst the debris before the ship attempts to escape. Along the way, you’ll navigate past massive fragments (including parts of a fallen Star Destroyer) while avoiding collisions in this tight, cluttered environment. Skilled pilots will be necessary as you race through floating ship pieces on the chase for the bounty, creating your very own Trench Run.
The action quickly escalates again as your crew may be called upon to rescue Mando and Grogu from a rogue tractor beam, thrusting the gunners back into the middle of the action as they’ll be tasked with deploying a well-timed torpedo to save your crew and the duo from impending doom.
Complete Your Mission and See What’s Inside the Crates
As the right pilot makes the jump to hyperspace and the ship safely touches down back on Batuu, your high-stakes mission comes to an end. Once you return, you’ll see that Mando and Grogu have secured one of their bounties, while your crew may have been skilled enough to return to Batuu with crates full of loot for Hondo.
While the results begin to roll in, be sure to keep an eye out in the hangar bay to spot Mando and Grogu securing their latest prized possession from the pursuit, as carbonite gas spills out from the Razor Crest.
Back inside the hangar, Hondo will tally your crew’s performance, calling out how many crates your team managed to successfully recover during the mission. Once Hondo unloads the crates, several surprises await inside.
While some crews may discover a shipment of galactic credits, others may find a load of Kyber Crystals, or even baby Rancors. Each haul directly impacts your overall cabin score depending on what’s inside each crate, and each seat’s individual performance and skill is added up. The elusive Employee of the Month honor is saved for a select few who can secure the high score on the attraction: does your team of six have what it takes?
No two runs are exactly the same on board the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy, making every flight a little different than the last. The chase for a higher score, a smoother flight, or another chance to punch the ship into hyperspace always gives me another reason to take on another job with Hondo, and I truly can’t wait to explore the galaxy alongside Mando and Grogu when the attraction debuts at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort on May 22, 2026.
Expertise. Ease. Value.
Ready for your bucket list trip? Our trusted partner, MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations.
Contact for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
The Chocolate Marshmallow Hazelnut Croissant at Disney sounds like a win, but poor execution and a dry texture mean you should spend your $6.49 elsewhere.
