At a Glance
Duration: 4 minutes, 30 seconds
Look Out For: claustrophobia, motion sickness, loud noises/explosions, and some moderate peril
Opening on August 29, 2019, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is an innovative Star Wars-themed flight simulator on board our favorite hunk of junk in the galaxy. But how scary is Smugglers Run? Let’s take a look at the ratings:
1. Ride Length
Smugglers Run has a ride duration of 4 minutes and 30 seconds. This does not include any of the pre-show elements or time spent in the “main hold” which some could consider part of the ride experience.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Smugglers Run has a height requirement of 38 inches. For reference, this is the same restriction you’ll find at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train over in Magic Kingdom. Disney also warns that riders should be free from high blood pressure or any heart, back, or neck problems to ride.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Smugglers Run ride vehicles consist of individual simulators or “cockpits” seating 4 passengers, each with their own seat belt. This attraction is especially fun to ride with a larger party, as you really have to work together for the flight to go smoothly. While riding with strangers is still fun in its own right, shouting instructions at members of your own family just hits different.
4. How Does Smugglers Run Work?
Smugglers Run, in many ways, works like a standard simulator, but is unique in the fact that your actions in the cockpit (or the buttons you push) actually change the narrative of the ride. This highly advanced ride system relies on everyone in your “crew” doing what’s instructed, otherwise the mission will not go as planned and the ship will take more damage. Regardless of the outcome, it’s always a fun and exciting ride. However, the impact each rider has certainly makes the whole experience more immersive than, say, Star Tours, where you’re just along for the ride.
5. Is Smugglers Run Scary?
Smugglers Run is not intentionally scary, but involves some moderate action and peril throughout its run time. Like Star Tours, it involves loud noises, explosions, gunfire, and rough landings. There are flashing lights – both on the screen and inside the cockpit – and some jarring movement at times.
6. How High is Smugglers Run?
Smugglers Run does not technically involve heights. As a flight simulator, however, you are made to feel as if you’re blasting into deep space and soaring over the face of various planets. Much of the action, however, does not take place too high off the ground and the fast-pacing of this attraction certainly takes the edge off.
7. How Fast is Smugglers Run?
Smugglers Run does not technically go fast. While there is definitely some speed involved in your simulated flight, the “cockpit” does not ever leave the station.
8. Does Smugglers Run Have Drops?
Smugglers Run does not technically have drops. However, as an action-packed simulator, it contains its fair share of simulated drops and thrilling sequences. While you may feel like you’re plummeting downwards, the “cockpit” only moves up and down or side to side like a standard simulator.
9. Does Smugglers Run Cause Motion Sickness?
Smugglers Run may cause motion sickness to many riders. While the detached screen certainly helps, many guests find the rushing visuals and 4D effects quite nauseating. If you had any trouble with other simulators like Star Tours or Flight of Passage, you might want to keep motion sickness in mind with this attraction.
10. Is Smugglers Run Claustrophobic?
Smugglers Run could feel very claustrophobic to some riders. Like any other simulator, this attraction involves being strapped in with a seatbelt and confined in a small space for the duration of the ride. In addition, the queue can feel quite confining due to its various enclosed rooms and windowless hallways. However, the fast-paced action in this ride and the fairly average run time make the attraction itself more doable for even the claustrophobic among us.
11. Are There Animatronics on Smugglers Run?
There is one highly advanced animatronic in the pre-show for Smugglers Run. While there are no animatronics on the actual ride, You’ll encounter Hondo in the pre-show room as he explains the mission to you. However, he is up on a landing – pretty far removed from you – and only chats for around 2 minutes before you’re on to the next part of the queue. He’s a friendly character, but those very averse to animatronics might at least want to know he’s there.
Smugglers Run Queue Walkthrough
The queue entrance is located outside of the massive Millennium Falcon in Galaxy’s Edge. The line takes you along the outside of the ship and inside a well-themed holding area as you prepare for the pre-show. You’ll enter a large room as Hondo (a highly advanced animatronic that’s truly a marvel to look at) talks strategy before the flight. You’ll be ushered down a tight hallway before finding your self on the iconic “main hold” of the Millennium Falcon.
Many guests take pictures at the famous chess table and use this time to enjoy being onboard the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. From there, you’ll be led into your individual “cockpit” with 3 other passengers and prepare for your flight.
Smugglers Run Ride Walkthrough
Once everyone is buckled in and calibrates their buttons, the ride will begin – taking off and preparing to jump to lightspeed. You’ll suddenly find yourself on a dark planet, evading enemy ships and gunfire as you chase down your target. While the ride does change depending on your button-pushing performance, the basic narrative remains the same regardless. There is potential for an extra scene here or there if your hyperspeed fails or some other “mistake” is made, but overall the ride follows the same basic plot.
You’ll follow your target into large building, where you’ll chase them down tight tunnels and attach to them by harpoon. At one point, you’ll find yourself plummeting down a huge elevator shaft and dangling by the harpoon before successfully grabbing your bounty and getting out of there. You’ll dodge some more gunfire and explosions before firing some missels and jumping right back into hyperspeed.
Finally, you’ll find yourself back at the home planet where Hondo will go over the bounty and and, unfortunately, the damage to the ship. After that, the ride will end and you will be led back out by a cast member.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? How scary is Smugglers Run? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
