Disney’s newly appointed CEO, Josh D’Amaro, is set to revitalize the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride at Disneyland. During a recent design session with Walt Disney Imagineering, D’Amaro expressed that while visitors enjoy the attraction, they do not love it. The plan aims to transform the experience by introducing a new overlay featuring characters from the popular series, The Mandalorian, and its iconic character, Grogu. This update is scheduled to launch on May 22, 2024, coinciding with the release of a related film.
D’Amaro, who will officially succeed Bob Iger as CEO on March 18, 2024, believes that enhancing guest engagement is essential. He told the Harvard Business Review that the primary issue with Smugglers Run is its current game mechanics, where pilots control the adventure, leaving gunners and engineers with limited roles. The redesign aims to ensure that every rider has a meaningful part to play, allowing each individual to influence the ride’s outcome.
The new mission on Smugglers Run is designed to offer guests a more interactive experience. “It would give each person agency — the chance to influence the outcome, demonstrate skill, and feel part of the story,” D’Amaro noted. This shift is intended to elevate riders’ feelings from simple enjoyment to genuine love for the attraction.
The collaboration between Imagineering and Lucasfilm has been pivotal in shaping this new adventure. The teams have incorporated scenes from the Mandalorian movie set into the updated ride, creating a seamless connection between the attraction and the film’s narrative. D’Amaro emphasized that his goal is to make each ride on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run “not just fun, but beloved.”
In addition to the ride’s transformation, Disneyland is facing other operational changes. Recent reports indicate that the park has dropped plans for five additional missions aboard the Millennium Falcon ride, focusing instead on this revamped experience. As Disneyland continues to evolve, D’Amaro’s vision seeks to enhance guest satisfaction and strengthen the park’s reputation as a premier destination for fans of the franchise.
The anticipation surrounding these changes reflects the broader trend within the theme park industry, where guest engagement and interactive experiences are increasingly prioritized. D’Amaro’s commitment to making Disneyland a place where guests leave with cherished memories may well set a new standard for theme park attractions.
As the May 2024 launch date approaches, excitement builds among fans eager to pilot the Millennium Falcon alongside beloved characters from the Mandalorian series. D’Amaro’s strategic overhaul is not only a response to visitor feedback but also a calculated move to ensure that Disneyland remains a frontrunner in the competitive landscape of theme parks.
