Disney has introduced a Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run pre-show change at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
The updated dialogue changes how Hondo Ohnaka gains access to the Millennium Falcon before guests board the attraction. This time, he steals the vessel for guests before their mission.
The revised scene appeared ahead of the new “Mandalorian & Grogu” mission scheduled to debut on May 22, 2026.
What Changed in the Smugglers Run Pre-Show?
When Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run opened in 2019, the attraction established that Chewbacca allowed Hondo Ohnaka to borrow the Millennium Falcon for a transport mission. Hondo described the job as a coaxium run tied to Resistance activity during the sequel trilogy era.
The new Smugglers Run pre-show change removes direct references to the Resistance and the First Order. Instead of agreeing to borrow the Falcon from Chewie, he assures the wookie that the ship will be safe before telling guests he has found the “perfect ship” for the mission.
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This changes the lore to the Smuggler’s Run pre-show, with guests operating a stolen ship for the mission.
Why Disney Made the Smugglers Run Pre-Show Change
The updated pre-show appears connected to Disney’s effort to make Galaxy’s Edge less dependent on one specific Star Wars timeline. Since 2019, the land has largely focused on the sequel trilogy period. Attractions and character appearances referenced the conflict between the Resistance and the First Order.
Daisy Ridley as Rey in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), Lucasfilm
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This Smugglers Run pre-show change removes those direct timeline references. That approach allows the ride to support stories from different Star Wars eras.
The Ride Experience Remains the Same
Despite the new Smugglers Run pre-show change, the attraction itself remains mostly unchanged for now. Guests still board the Millennium Falcon in groups of six. Riders continue to serve as pilots, engineers, and gunners during the simulator mission.
Official Concept Art for Cloud City in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World – Walt Disney Imagineering; Artist Concept Only
Hondo Ohnaka still guides the operation through pre-show scenes and onboard dialogue. Actor Jim Cummings continues to voice the character for the attraction.
New Mandalorian Mission Coming to Smugglers Run
The attraction will change on May 22, 2026, with a new mission. The update will feature Din Djarin and Grogu from “The Mandalorian.” Disney first announced the new adventure during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2024.
Official Concept Art for Tatooine with The Mandalorian in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World – Walt Disney Imagineering; Artist Concept Only
The new mission will introduce different destinations and story elements tied to the upcoming film The Mandalorian & Grogu.
Imagineers also confirmed that the mission will use updated technology that allows the attraction to feature multiple story paths in the future. They also gave each of the three roles—pilot, gunner, and engineer—more equal effect on the success of the mission.
Hondo Ohnaka’s Role Has Shifted
The Smugglers Run pre-show change also affects Hondo’s characterization. Earlier versions presented him as a businessman operating through an uneasy agreement with Chewbacca. The revised scene portrays him as more openly deceptive.
An image of Hondo Ohnaka via StarWars.com
That portrayal aligns more closely with Hondo’s earlier appearances in Star Wars animation, where he often acted as a pirate, smuggler, and opportunist.
Disney has not confirmed whether the revised pre-show represents a permanent direction for Galaxy’s Edge storytelling. For now, the changes mainly remove explicit sequel trilogy references while preparing the attraction for future updates.
What do you think of the shift in lore? Let us know your thoughts on the pre-show change in the comments below.
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