The Mandalorian and Grogu Just Landed at Hollywood Studios — And Here's Everything You Need to Know
This is not a drill.
The Mandalorian and Grogu mission at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run officially opened today at Hollywood Studios — and if you have even a passing interest in Star Wars, Disney, or just really incredible theme park experiences, I need you to pay attention to this.
Because this is a big deal. Like, genuinely, stop-what-you're-doing big deal.
What actually changed
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run has been a Hollywood Studios favorite since Galaxy's Edge opened — the ride itself is spectacular, the immersion is unmatched, and piloting the actual Millennium Falcon never gets old no matter how many times you've done it.
But today it got a significant update with the addition of a new Mandalorian and Grogu themed mission. The storyline now incorporates the beloved characters from the Disney+ series in a way that adds a fresh layer of narrative and excitement to an already incredible attraction.
If you've ridden Smugglers Run before, this gives you a completely new reason to experience it again. If you've never been to Galaxy's Edge at all — now is genuinely one of the best times to go.
Why Hollywood Studios is having a moment right now
Let me give you the full picture because it's kind of remarkable.
Hollywood Studios in May 2026 is not the same park it was even a year ago. Between the Mandalorian and Grogu mission opening today and everything else that's been happening in that park — the energy is at an all-time high.
If you've been waiting for the right time to visit Hollywood Studios, I'm telling you: the right time is right now. This park is delivering experiences that are going to be talked about for years.
What to know before you go
A few practical things that will make your Hollywood Studios visit significantly better:
Get there early. Galaxy's Edge is worth arriving at park open for. Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance both have the potential for long waits as the day builds. Rope dropping Galaxy's Edge and getting your Smugglers Run ride in before 10 AM sets your whole day up beautifully.
Use Lightning Lane strategically. Rise of the Resistance is almost always worth a Lightning Lane purchase. With the new Mandalorian mission generating additional excitement for Smugglers Run, grabbing Lightning Lane for that as well may be worth considering on busier days.
Eat in Galaxy's Edge. Docking Bay 7 is genuinely good. The food is creative, the theming is immersive, and eating inside Galaxy's Edge is an experience in itself. Don't rush past it.
Stay until the end of the night. Sunset Seasons Greetings during the holiday season transforms this park after dark. And even outside of the holidays, Hollywood Studios has incredible evening entertainment. Don't leave before you've seen the park at night.
This is exactly why 2026 is the year to go
I've been saying this all year and I'm going to keep saying it: 2026 is genuinely one of the most exciting years to visit Disney World in recent memory. New experiences keep opening, the parks are evolving, and there is a real energy on property right now that is hard to describe if you haven't felt it.
If your family has been talking about a Disney trip — if it's been on the someday list for too long — let today be the day you move it from someday to an actual date on the calendar.
I would love to help you plan it. I'll handle the logistics, the research, the booking, and all the details that make the difference between a good Disney trip and the trip your family talks about for the next twenty years.
And my services are always completely free to you.
DM me, or click the link below. Let's go. 🚀
Real life. Real magic. Real dreams. ✨
Ready to start planning? Visit thatkatiefath.com/travel
xoxo,
Katie