We recently took a trip to Galaxy’s Edge and experienced the COVID 19 changes to Smugglers Run. COVID 19 has changed a lot of what Disney was doing including attractions like Smugglers Run. Since Disney announced the reopening of Galaxy’s Edge people have been wondering how the Smugglers Run attraction would be effected. Smugglers Run gives guests the opportunity to fly the Millennium Falcon. The whole experience is very immersive just like the rest of the park. Once guests enter the queue the adventure begins. Here is what we found out.

Social Distancing Markers

Placed throughout the Smugglers Run queue are social distancing markers. These markers are now standard on all Disney World attractions even those inside Galaxy’s Edge. The markers can come in two forms Disney has nice permanent stickers that read “Please Wait Here” and when more is needed Cast Members add pieces of tape. All markers are placed at least 6 feet apart to help promote social distancing. 

Health and Safety Signs

Disney has taken the added precaution of placing health and safety signs throughout the parks as well as in the queues for attractions. Especially attractions that have long queues like Smugglers Run. Guests will see signs reminding them to remain at least 6 feet apart from other parties, to provide physical distancing, to wear face coverings at all times, wash hands frequently, to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze, and to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. 

Hand Sanitizer Stations

Hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the queue of Smugglers Run. Guests can use hand sanitizer as they enter the queue, a few times throughout the line, and after the experience is over. 

Changes to the Pre-Show With Hondo Ohnaka

The pre-show with Hondo Ohnaka is still happening but it has been changed a little to comply with COVID 19 precautions. Hondo still does his speech and sets up the experience but guests are not shuttled in and cramped into the small space. Instead, the pre-show element has become an extension of the queue. Social distancing markers have been placed on the floor to keep guests at least 6 feet apart. Guests simply move through the area as if it were part of the queue. 

No More Position Cards

In the past, before the COVID 19 shutdown guests received position cards from a Cast Member right before entering the Millennium Falcon lounge. The position cards told the guest which position they would have on the ride either pilot, gunner, or engineer. 

All ride vehicles had a total of 6 people or 2 for each position. If your party was smaller than 6 you would get placed with another party. The position cards came in different colors so Cast Members could put groups that were matched up together on the same ride vehicle.

But now that COVID 19 precautions are being taken the position cards have been eliminated. Disney does not want guests having to touch something unnecessarily and with only 1 party per ride vehicle, they really aren’t needed. 

A Cast Member will ask each member of your party which positions they want to do. All positions that are not filled by your party are simply put on autopilot. 

The Ride Experience

The ride experience itself is exactly the same. Your party has been hired by Ohnaka Transport Solutions to obtain coaxium, which is a hyperfuel from the First Order for the Resistance. Guests encounter challenges along the way and have to work together to reach their goals. Parties are given 2 chances to steal coaxium. They better your party does at their assigned jobs the higher the score and rank you will receive from Hondo.

Full Video Experience

For a full video experience, check out our video below or on YouTube.