Pilot, Gunner, or Engineer? Tips for Flying the Millennium Falcon at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. For Star Wars fans, few experiences compare to stepping into the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon and taking control of the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. Whether you have dreamed of pulling the ship into hyperspace, blasting incoming TIE fighters, or helping Hondo Ohnaka score a profitable haul, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run delivers one of the most immersive adventures in any Disney park. Beginning May 22, 2026, exciting new updates will allow guests to team up with The Mandalorian and Grogu for even more thrilling missions at both Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Pilot, Gunner, or Engineer? Tips for Flying the Millennium Falcon at Disneyland and Disney World
The cockpit doors slide open, and suddenly you are standing aboard the Millennium Falcon. Lights blink, switches glow, and six crew members prepare for a high-stakes mission deep into the galaxy.
At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests are recruited by Hondo Ohnaka to hunt dangerous bounties, recover valuable cargo, and return the ship to Batuu in one piece. With new story updates arriving May 22, 2026, every mission becomes even more exciting as Mando and Grogu join the adventure.
No matter which seat you choose, your performance directly affects your team’s score and the condition of the Millennium Falcon.
Pilots: Take Control of the Galaxy’s Most Famous Starship
Pilots sit in the front row and have the ultimate responsibility: flying the Millennium Falcon through asteroid fields, narrow passages, and enemy attacks.
Left Pilot
The left pilot controls the ship’s horizontal movement, steering left and right to avoid walls, towers, and incoming obstacles. Smooth flying helps preserve the Falcon and keeps your crew’s credits intact.
Right Pilot
The right pilot controls vertical movement, pushing forward to descend and pulling back to climb. This pilot also gets the honor of activating the jump to hyperspace.
Pilot Tip
Communication is key. When both pilots work together, the ride becomes smoother and your crew has a much better chance of achieving a top score.
Gunners: Blast Enemy Ships and Protect the Crew
Gunners occupy the middle row and are responsible for taking down TIE fighters and enemy ships.
Automatic Mode
Perfect for first-time riders and younger guests, this mode automatically tracks targets. All you need to do is repeatedly press one button to fire.
Manual Mode
For experienced players, manual mode offers greater control by allowing you to target enemies at different heights using three separate buttons.
Gunner Tip
Keep firing consistently and save your missile attacks for the most crowded enemy formations to maximize your score.
Engineers: Repairs, Cargo, and Big Decisions
Engineers sit in the back row and often have the busiest job in the cockpit.
Responsibilities Include:
- Repairing the Millennium Falcon by pressing illuminated buttons
- Using the tractor beam to collect cargo crates
- Calling Grogu during the mission
- Selecting the crew’s next destination
- Launching homing beacons
Engineers can dramatically influence your score by collecting up to six valuable cargo crates during each mission.
New Destinations to Explore
After leaving Tatooine, one engineer chooses which bounty to pursue next.
Bespin
Fly through the skies near Cloud City while dodging Tibanna gas freighters and swarms of TIE fighters.
Coruscant
Race through the illuminated skyline and tunnels of the galactic capital amid heavy traffic and intense enemy fire.
Endor
Navigate through the wreckage of the second Death Star and rescue Mando and Grogu from a dangerous tractor beam.
What’s Inside the Cargo Crates?
When your mission ends, Hondo reveals what your crew recovered. Possible rewards include:
- Galactic credits
- Kyber Crystals
- Baby Rancors
These discoveries add bonus points to your final score and may help one lucky crew member earn Employee of the Month.
No two flights aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run are ever exactly the same, which is what makes this attraction so incredibly replayable. Whether you are steering the Falcon through the wreckage above Endor, blasting TIE fighters over Coruscant, or collecting precious cargo for Hondo, every role offers its own unique challenge and excitement. With Mando and Grogu joining the adventure beginning May 22, 2026, there has never been a better time to strap in, punch it, and see if your crew has what it takes to become legends of Batuu.
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