If your family is planning a trip to Walt Disney World in central Florida, you want to include Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in your plans. It’s one of the newest and most exciting thrill rides in Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park outside Orlando.
Below, discover everything you need to know about this attraction, including where you can find it in the park, the best way to ride it, what the attraction is like, and more.
What Is Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run?
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is an interactive, Star Wars-themed thrill ride. You and your fellow crewmates take your positions as pilots, gunners, or engineers. You’ll help get yourselves and your loot safely smuggled through.
During the ride, each crew member will be prompted to play their part to make the mission successful. It lasts about four minutes and 30 seconds, so it’s long compared to some other attractions.
Star Wars and the Millenium Falcon
The Millenium Falcon is an indelible symbol of the Star Wars franchise and is instantly recognizable to even casual fans. That’s why it makes such an impressive centerpiece in Galaxy’s Edge, even for guests who don’t plan to ride the attraction.
The Millenium Falcon appears in the first Star Wars film ever produced, A New Hope. It belongs to the anti-hero Han Solo (played by Harrison Ford) and also appears in at least five other films. Some people consider it a character of its own.
The Millenium Falcon is supposedly the fastest ship in the galaxy, which is why Solo–himself a smuggler–loves it so much. Now you and your family get the chance to pilot it!
Where Is Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run?
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, Florida. Disney divides most of its parks into lands, and this one is no exception.
When you enter the main gates, head to the back of the park on the left side. There, you’ll find Galaxy’s Edge.
Galaxy’s Edge
Galaxy’s Edge is the Star Wars land Disney built to accompany its slate of Star Wars products and experiences. Black Spire Outpost, which is the name of the place you’ll be visiting, is on the edge of the galaxy (hence the name) on the planet Batuu.
Because it’s in the far-flung reaches of the universe, Black Spire Outpost is not entirely under Resistance or First Order control. It’s an exciting, semi-lawless place where anything can (and will!) happen.
How To Ride Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run
You used to buy a ticket and line up, but getting on the rides at Disney World is more complex now. Let’s look at the various ways to get on this attraction.
Using Genie+ Lightning Lanes
Without a doubt, the best way to ride Millenium Falcon is by booking a Lightning Lane with Genie+. Genie+ is a $15 paid service on top of the cost of your base ticket.
It allows you to make Lightning Lane reservations (very low wait times) for high-traffic attractions or get prime seating for shows.
If everyone in your party pays for Genie+, you can reserve it and return to ride as soon as your time window opens.
Stand-by: Wait Times for Millenium Falcon
Another option is to wait in line. Wait times for Millenium Falcon can vary widely. Indeed, the prolific use of Genie+ and Lightning Lanes helps keep the stand-by lines shorter.
Still, when crowds are high, the wait for Millenium Falcon can reach more than two hours. Download the My Disney Experience App for your day in Hollywood Studios. You can keep an eye on wait times in the app.
The shortest wait is almost always first thing in the morning after the park opens, especially if you’re a Disney resort guest and have early entry.
Single Rider Line
A single-rider line is a terrific option if only one family member wants to ride. The wait times are drastically shorter than the standby line.
The downside? You don’t get to pick your position in the cockpit (you almost certainly won’t be the pilot). Also, don’t get in line thinking you’ll convince a cast member to keep your group together. They will not.
All About the Ride
Now that you know where it is and how to get on let’s look at the attraction itself.
Who Shouldn’t Ride?
Unfortunately, even though it’s tons of fun, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run isn’t for everyone. Disney cautions against riding if you:
- Have high blood pressure or heart problems
- Have back or neck issues
- Are prone to motion sickness
- Are pregnant
- Are sensitive to loud noises, enclosed spaces, or lights
- Have other health conditions
In addition, you must be at least 38 inches (97 centimeters) to ride safely, and there is a wheelchair transfer.
The Backstory
We already explained what the Millenium Falcon is in the context of the Star Wars story. But how does the plot of this particular attraction fit?
You’ve been recruited by the infamous space pirate Hondo Ohnaka for a dangerous but lucrative smuggling mission. Hondo borrowed the Millenium Falcon from Chewbacca, Han Solo’s co-pilot.
Even though you’re technically committing a crime, it’s against the Empire. You’re helping the resistance win its fight against tyranny and oppression!
Waiting in the Queue
Like most attractions designed by Disney, there’s much to see in the queue area for Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. Watch crews work on the ship and outfit her for your next mission.
In addition, you can download the playDisney app for your smartphone, which has an accompanying game for the Millenium Falcon queue. It’s a great way to get kids interested in what you’re about to do and keep them busy in line.
Four Positions: Choose Wisely
Cast members will give your party the choice of four positions: pilot, engineer, and two gunners. Each plays a crucial role in the success of the mission. However, only the pilot gets to “punch it” into hyperdrive on command!
Worried about knowing what to do? Don’t fret; you’ll get a training course from Hondo Ohnaka before take-off.
On the Ride
We don’t want to give away too many spoilers, but the ride goes far beyond simply telling you to push buttons. Your crew is driving the Millenium Falcon. Your experience will (to a degree) depend on the skills and actions of your team.
That makes it an excellent ride for families because everyone (adults included!) can get into character and engage in the magic alongside your “younglings.”
Is It Good for Kids?
Many kids love the Millenium Falcon ride, especially Star Wars fans. As far as thrill rides go, this one isn’t too overwhelming. It’s in an enclosed space and utilizes simulators, but it isn’t dark for long.
Because a lot of the experience is simulated, scared kiddos can close their eyes and block out some of the sensory effects.
Still, it’s a thrill ride, and parents should carefully consider the pros and cons of taking more sensitive kiddos on it. Our suggestion? If possible, have one adult or an older kid hop in the single rider line to check it out and decide.
Punch It! On the Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run
It’s easy to see why Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run is one of the most popular rides at Hollywood Studios. Now that you’re an expert, you and your family can get the most out of riding it on your next visit to Walt Disney World!
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- Charmaine Corteshttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/charmaine/
- Charmaine Corteshttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/charmaine/
- Charmaine Corteshttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/charmaine/
