The excitement is buzzing as “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” the first “Star Wars” film in years, hits theaters this weekend. Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is joining the celebration with a brand-new mission on the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, ready for fans to experience starting May 22.
Creating this mission was no easy task. The Imagineering team worked closely with Lucasfilm to weave a story that matches the film’s release. Asa Kalama, an executive from Walt Disney Imagineering, noted that this collaboration started 18 months ago with discussions about the film between him and creators Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau.
Thanks to advanced technology, the entire experience is powered by Unreal, enhancing how fans can interact with this beloved universe. Kalama mentioned that they have used assets from Lucasfilm’s library, which were originally made for films and TV shows, to make the ride more immersive.
During a preview, visitors could see Grogu—often affectionately called Baby Yoda—adorably pushing buttons and snacking as the Mandalorian guided the ship through treacherous space routes. Guests can now take on the engineer role with new tasks, including connecting with Grogu via video and choosing where to fly—whether it’s Bespin, Endor, or Coruscant.
Matt Martin from Lucasfilm highlighted that these new features aim to bridge the magic of the attractions with what fans experience on screen. He joked that after this adventure, people might find themselves mimicking Grogu’s adorable babbling.
The storyline is also evolving, incorporating classic characters like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. Michael Serna from Disney Live Entertainment explained that rethinking the timeline of the attraction has allowed them to connect fans with some of the franchise’s most iconic figures.
In a fun addition for the weekend, beloved droids and John Williams’ classic scores will be back at Galaxy’s Edge, enhancing the nostalgic feel. To cap it off, viewers can catch Grogu in the nightly projection show, “The Curious Child,” celebrating moments from his adventures.
This integration of new technology and fan-favorite elements reflects the ongoing evolution of the “Star Wars” franchise, staying fresh and engaging for both longtime fans and newcomers.
With all these updates, there’s no doubt that Disneyland is the place to be for “Star Wars” enthusiasts this weekend.
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