Smugglers Run Gameplay Is Changing

In addition to the new Mandalorian storyline, each role aboard the Millennium Falcon is getting new capabilities.

Pilots Have More Responsive Controls

Pilots will notice upgraded flight controls designed to make the Millennium Falcon feel more reactive and cinematic during the mission.

• Left pilot controls side-to-side movement, with a boost button to accelerate
• Right pilot controls up-and-down movement, with the ability to jump to hyperspace

Imagineers also added hidden guardrails behind the scenes so even less experienced crews can still feel like they’re flying through a high-speed Star Wars adventure.

Gunners Can Choose Their Targeting Style

Gunners will now be able to switch between automatic and manual targeting modes. Choosing automatic is good for first-timers, with your targets tracked horizontally and vertically, and one button firing bursts of five. The manual option allows you to track targets horizontally, but you need to select high, middle, or low firing zones using separate buttons. While it’s a harder job than automatic, it does give you the ability to earn more points!

Photo by Danny Shuster

Environmental destruction has also been added, meaning missed shots may cause canyon walls, debris, or scenery to react dynamically throughout the mission.

Gunners are also the role that can activate Grogu mode (more on that shortly!)

Engineers Now Control the Mission

The biggest changes may belong to the engineers. Not only do engineers determine which planet the crew visits, but they also gain control of a new tractor beam system that can collect additional cargo crates throughout the mission.

Photo by Danny Shuster

Your crew’s performance matters, too. Depending on how successful your run is, you could return to Hondo with anywhere from zero to six crates of cargo.

Here are the full roles of the engineers:

• Destination Choice: One engineer selects the planet by following a homing beacon after the Tatooine part
• Launch Homing Beacons: One engineer tags the bounty ships before your jump
• Collecting Cargo: Using the tractor beam, you can grab up to three crates each when the alert sounds and masher button glows.
• Calling Grogu: You can hit the call button to check in on Grogu aboard the Razor Crest
• Repairing the Ship: Hit the illuminated buttons quickly to repair when the Falcon takes damage

Grogu Has a Bigger Role in the Attraction

Grogu is no longer just appearing in the story. He’ll actively interact with guests during the mission. Throughout the adventure, engineers can receive incoming calls from Grogu and even contact him directly aboard the Razor Crest to see what he’s doing during the mission.

Photo by Danny Shuster

Imagineers say this new feature was designed to give engineers more direct interaction with Grogu and make the role feel significantly more immersive.

Hidden Easter Eggs Will Be Everywhere

Like the rest of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the new Smugglers Run mission will be packed with references and hidden details for longtime Star Wars fans.

Imagineering teased hidden gonk droids, old podracer wreckage scattered across Tatooine, and even a special Easter egg near Endor connected to the Millennium Falcon itself.

Photo by Danny Shuster

Because of the branching storylines, selectable destinations, and environmental details, Disney says no two missions should feel exactly the same.

Guests Can Unlock a Hidden “Grogu Mode”

Alongside the new mission, Disney has also revealed a hidden Grogu mode guests can unlock during the ride.

Similar to the attraction’s existing Chewbacca mode Easter egg, Grogu Mode adds extra audio interactions from Grogu throughout the mission. Unlike Chewbacca mode, you only need two participants to activate it.

How to Unlock Grogu Mode on Smugglers Run

To activate Grogu mode:

1. Request the two gunner seats in the middle row before boarding
2. Once the ride begins, both gunners should press and hold the first horizontal white button closest to them
3. While holding the button, press the blinking activation button

If done correctly, Grogu will react and babble throughout the rest of the mission.

When the New Smugglers Run Mission Opens

The updated Mandalorian and Grogu mission officially debuts on May 22, 2026, at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park. Fans visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge this summer will be able to experience the new adventure the same day The Mandalorian and Grogu premiere in theaters.