Queue for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

Recently we did a post on the top 7 queues in all Disney parks globally. We also did a post and podcast on the 3 worst queues across all of Disney. We noted that it might be possible that the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run queue could become one of the top seven. To that end we present video of that queue for you to be able to choose. Note that the queue took about 20 minutes to walk through before arriving inside the Millennium Falcon. That time will greatly increase with more crowds and when FastPass is eventually introduced. For purposes of this conversation, we sped up those few portions where there really wasn’t much to see. That makes the total time under 15 minutes.

I only did the queue once and I did it with a camera, so I need more passes at it before I state unequivocally whether it’s one of the best of the best. But there are four aspects that make it worthy of consideration:

1. Theming Throughout

There is a great deal of theming throughout the queue, though somewhat more like a tarnished old Test Track queue than anything else. Yet instead of cars, you’re going past engines and tools and crates. Still, there’s something to look at.

2. Millennium Falcon

Throughout the queue you get these fantastic vistas of the Falcon from different angles. It’s really a clever use of the full-scale ship. And there’s so much detail, you could stare at it for quite some time. Study the following photo showing the Falcon as guests are looking down on it:

Note how much of the material on the ship dates to the era when the first Star Wars film was created. It’s a 70’s masterpiece.

3. Hondo Ohnaka

Ohnaka is a pirate who has led a gang of raiders on the Outer Rim world of Florrum during the Clone Wars. As the Galactic Empire took over the galaxy, Hondo’s gang was broken up, and ultimately Hondo was left to himself to become a bit-time pirate and smuggler. That’s how he came to know, not only Chewbacca and Hans Solo, but ultimately the Millennium Falcon, which Chewie has given him to use in support of the resistance. In Hondo’s revenge against the Empire, he will indirectly support the rebellion. He’s recruiting you and your flight team to support the mission. You’ll actually fly the Millennium Falcon. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt if in the process of all this, Hondo made a little money on the side. Hence the name–Smuggler’s Run.

This is one advanced audio animatronic. And he’s not only quite humorous when you see him eye to eye, but you hear his voice throughout the queueing experience and during the attraction itself. I hope to do some video of when the ship malfunctions. It’s some of his best material. But the queue does give you the chance to see a very realistic animatronic.

4. Inside the Falcon

The final piece of the queue is awesome as you enter the Falcon and wonder around the ship a bit. Here you can even grab a selfie at the holochess set. It really sets you up for entering the cockpit and heading out on the ride.

Other Queues

There is a FastPass queue and a Single Rider Queue. I mistakingly took the single rider queue the first time out. It led me quickly up a staircase and right to the door of the Falcon. I missed nearly everything in the queue, and it really bumped the magic of how all this happens.

FastPass queue does give you the benefit of seeing Hondo, and then like the other two queues, the opportunity to spend a few minutes inside the Falcon before boarding. You do miss much of the theming, and views of the exterior of the Falcon.

As for the rating of Smuggler’s Run stand-by queue, compared to the others. All four components can be found in this Star Wars attraction and they work well together. Is it better than the others we listed in our top 7? You decide. But know that the queue is as much a part of your experience in Galaxy’s Edge as anything on the streets of Black Spire Outpost. You will definitely want to experience it in full at some point.

There are also other queues throughout Galaxy’s Edge. One of them is to visit Droid Depot. Some want to build a droid. Others want to check out some of the unique assembled droids like our little friend here DJ “Rex” who used to work for Star Tours:

Up through opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 31st, 2019, we are holding a contest to win one of these droids! For more details visit us here. In the meantime, enjoy the queue! It certain worth the wait!!