Fans of The Mandalorian and Star Wars-themed attractions have exciting new adventures to look forward to at Disney Parks. Starting May 22nd, 2026, a brand-new mission featuring characters Din Djarin (the Mandalorian) and Grogu will debut as part of Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. This update, announced during the D23 Expo and highlighted at SXSW 2025, brings a fresh narrative to one of the most popular attractions at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Below, we’ll explore what guests can expect from this new interactive experience and how it connects with other developments in the Star Wars galaxy at Disney Parks.
What Is the New Smuggler’s Run Mission?
The newest mission on Smuggler’s Run will integrate The Mandalorian into the attraction’s storyline. Instead of revisiting existing Smuggler’s Run scenarios, this update places guests in a situation running parallel to the upcoming Mandalorian and Grogu movie. While the mission won’t retell the movie plot, it allows participants to engage in events happening just outside the frame of the film.
Working alongside The Mandalorian team, Disney Imagineers filmed portions of the attraction on the set of the film, ensuring the experience feels authentic and seamlessly tied to the larger Mandalorian narrative. Familiar Star Wars locations, like Cloud City, will make appearances, delivering nostalgia and wonder for both existing fans and newcomers.
How Was This Collaborative Vision Achieved?
One of the cool things about Disney is how we can tell our stories in so many different formats. We’re already taking Mando and Grogu from the TV screen to the movie screen, and at the same time, [The Mandalorian executive producer] Dave [Filoni] and I are working with Asa to bring this story to the Disney parks, too.
Jon FavreauThe collaboration between Disney Imagineering and The Mandalorian creators, including Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, has been key in developing the new Smuggler’s Run mission. At SXSW 2025, Favreau emphasized Disney’s unique ability to tell stories across multiple platforms, from movies to theme park experiences. This initiative represents a blend of storytelling and immersive technologies that brings Star Wars narratives to life in ways only Disney can.
Favreau explained that the partnership involves an exchange of ideas between the movie creators and park Imagineers, resulting in strong synergy between both teams. This relationship not only enhances the Smuggler’s Run attraction but also brings elements of the parks into upcoming Mandalorian content, such as the feature film.
Additional Star Wars Updates at the Parks
The launch of the Smuggler’s Run mission isn’t the only change coming to Disney’s Star Wars experiences. Playful BDX droids, previously located at Disneyland, are expanding their presence to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. These droids will also appear in the upcoming Mandalorian film, creating even more cohesion between the parks and the wider Star Wars universe.
Another addition is Auto, an Anzellan droid mechanic introduced in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and The Mandalorian. Auto will work on keeping the BDX droids in top condition, with Disney Imagineers bringing the character to life as an animated element in park displays.
Discovering the Magic Behind the Attractions
To immerse guests further in the creative process behind Disney attractions, the company has released new behind-the-scenes content on the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel. Episodes explore the design and engineering aspects of fan-favorite rides, including the updates to Smuggler’s Run. These insights provide park-goers with a deeper appreciation of the artistry and technology behind their favorite experiences.
What to Expect Come 2026
The new Mandalorian mission on Smuggler’s Run is set to open on May 22nd, 2026, the same day as the Mandalorian and Grogu feature film. This alignment underscores Disney’s approach to cohesive storytelling. Guests at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World will be able to climb aboard the Millennium Falcon, take on their intergalactic mission, and witness the world of The Mandalorian through an interactive experience unlike any other.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming updates to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run showcase the innovative ways Disney blends film storytelling with theme park experiences. By collaborating with The Mandalorian creators and leveraging advanced Imagineering techniques, Disney is offering unique opportunities for guests to step into the world of Star Wars.
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Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
