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.
