I went on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Walt Disney World this week and it was a BLAST! When my family found out that Galaxy’s Edge would be open at Hollywood Studios for our next vacation, we were THRILLED! We had all but given up hope that it would be open this time and we would have to wait for the next one. But it opened on August 29th and we had our vacation scheduled for September 14th — so perfect timing!
On our second morning at Disney we decided to head over to Galaxy’s Edge for the first time. Walt Disney World was running the “Extra Extra Magic Hours” at the time which meant that Hollywood Studios would open up at 6am. We arrived at that time, but since we knew that everyone would be rushing to Smugglers Run first, we decided to take our time and enjoy Galaxy’s Edge and all it had to offer.
What’s the Queue Like?
The initial wait was 80 minutes, but within two hours it had dropped to 40 and we headed over to wait in the queue. Disney knows what they are doing when it comes to queues — especially when they expect the lines to always be long for a ride. We changed environments quite often, which made the time go by quickly.
There were also lots of really cool things to look at, and even some great photo spots along the way! Our group had 6 people in it and we all said it felt like about a 20 minute wait, although we timed it and it was 47 minutes from getting in line, to stepping in the Millennium Falcon.
What Is The Ride Like?
Guests are put into groups of 6 and each person is given a ticket. There are 2 pilots, 2 gunners, and 2 engineers. Our first time I was an engineer, and the second time I was a gunner (going back again this week and requesting to wait to be a pilot!). Once you receive your ticket, you have a few minutes to take advantage of some photo opps inside the Millenium Falcon, and then you are rushed on to your mission.
Of course, it turns out the First Order is on to you and you are rushed to start up the Falcon and complete your mission as quickly (and safely) as possible. My husband and daughter were the pilots — and they did a great job directing us around obstacles. As a gunner you need to shoot at the First Order, and as and engineer you need to make repairs — and send out a harpoon (I don’t want to spoil the full mission as to why you need to do this!).
When the mission is over, you are given your total credits — what you brought in, minus any repairs that need to be made to the Falcon.
How Long A Wait Is It Worth?
After Smugglers Run, we spent a few more hours at Hollywood Studios. Before leaving we checked the wait time — 50 minutes — and decided we would wait and do it again. But would be wait that long a third time? Probably. But if the wait ever went over 60 minutes, we wouldn’t wait that. And in reality, once all of us have experienced all three jobs, we likely wouldn’t wait longer than 30 minutes.
Overall Thoughts
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is like Star Tours on crack. It is very similar, but more personal and interactive. I think one of the reasons we had so much fun is that we knew everyone in the cockpit. We were a group of 6 and so we were yelling to each other to do things and laughing out loud. If you are a smaller group and in with strangers, it might not be as much fun.
Is this ride awesome for REAL Star Wars fans? OF COURSE! I mean, you are flying in the Falcon — and there is a 1/3 chance you are helping to pilot it. But being the pilot is easily the best experience, even if you don’t do well. We did notice that as you leave, you will hear different things while walking down the hall depending on how well you did.
So overall, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is worth riding AT LEAST three times, once in each position. Is it the best ride ever? No. But it is REALLY cool, especially if you are a Star Wars fan. Should you rush a trip to come to Galaxy’s Edge — well, maybe just wait until Rise of the Resistance is operating too.
EDITED TO ADD: I have now ridden Smuggler’s Run four times — once as a pilot. The pilot is by FAR the best position as you are not looking to the side at buttons for most of the flight. I would ride Smuggler’s Run over and over as a pilot! And wait 40+ minutes for it.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.
18 Comments
Nice blog..! I really loved reading through this article. Thanks for sharing such an amazing post with us and keep blogging.
Aww thank you!
My husband and I were there at the same time as you apparently. We waited for 40 minutes as well and were HORRIBLY disappointed by the ride. As a group of 2 we got placed with a family of 4, 2 children under the age of 8 and 2 parents who were more interested in taking pictures. The children were the pilots and parents the gunners. My husband and I were engineers, needless to say we did our jobs (to the best of our ability with 2 pilots who didn’t know how to steer) and the parents gunner jobs as well. I feel like they should have put the controls for the tasks on the back of the seats because I missed nearly everything going on on the screen in front of us trying to take care of the job I was given.
Really should have been better thought out, in my opinion.
Oh man that really stinks that you had that bad experience! Like I said, knowing all of the people that were in our group of 6 really helped, I think. I did go back to be a pilot and it was by far the best experience. Even though my 6 year old was a pilot with me, and we hit a few things. Although overall, we did pretty well. I do agree about the engineer and gunner buttons being to the side. I missed a lot of the action when in those positions.
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Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Review: What s It Like to Fly the Iconic Star Wars Ship?
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Thank you so much
It’s really a magnificent place. I often go there. You covered almost every point about it. I have lived through all these lines. Thanks for refreshing my memories. Nice Article!
Its so great tips! Thanks for sharing
I saw your post about age recommendations for rise of resistance. What would you recommend for this ? I know the height is smaller, but being on this previously I feel like a child would be more scared than the other since they have to sit alone. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks !
Nice Article. You have covered almost every point about it. keep writing like this.
wonderful article atleast we have clue they was run for an interview