You're in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon. Interactive, bumpy, and loud — but one of the best family rides in Galaxy's Edge.
Last updated: April 2026
| Height Requirement | 38 in (97 cm) |
| Ride Type | Motion simulator |
| Duration | ~5 min |
| Intensity | Moderate |
| Motion Sickness Risk | Moderate risk |
| Park | Hollywood Studios |
Bottom line: YES for most children 4+. Smugglers Run is a motion simulator where your family crew pilots the Millennium Falcon on a mission. It's not particularly scary — no dark sections, no frightening themes — but the cockpit simulator bumps and jolts realistically, and it's loud when the cannons fire. The 38-inch height requirement is accessible for most 4-year-olds, and most children who are Star Wars fans are absolutely thrilled. Even non-Star Wars children usually enjoy it. The main sensory consideration is motion sensitivity — children who get carsick may feel it.
The queue is genuinely special. You walk through the actual Millennium Falcon — through the entry hatch, past the game table where Han and Chewie played holographic chess, and into the ship itself. For children who know Star Wars, this is electric. Even children unfamiliar with the franchise usually find the spacecraft environment impressive. This walk-through theming is among the most detailed in any Disney park.
Before boarding, each rider is assigned a role: pilot (2 seats in front), gunner (2 middle seats), or engineer (2 rear seats). Each role has different controls and responsibilities during the mission. The assignment matters for young children — engineers have the simplest actions and the least direct view of the main screen, while pilots have the most active role and the most screen exposure. For motion-sensitive children or those who might be overwhelmed by responsibility, engineer is the right call.
A holographic briefing explains the objective, then the cockpit engages. The simulator lurches and bumps as the ship maneuvers through the mission. Pilots actively steer using the controls. Gunners fire the cannons — each shot produces a satisfying sound and visual. Engineers pull levers and press buttons to repair damage. The whole cockpit moves together as a unit, tilting and shaking in response to the on-screen action. The audio is loud and immersive. The mission lasts a few minutes and your performance actually affects the outcome.
At the end, your crew's score is tracked and a results screen shows how well you did. Children find this deeply satisfying — there's a real sense that they participated rather than just observed. This interactive element is one of the things that makes Smugglers Run distinctly different from a passive simulator experience and one of the most family-friendly rides in all of Galaxy's Edge.
Put your youngest in the engineer role. Button mashing and lever pulling is the easiest job and doesn't require accurate aim or timing. It's also less motion-critical — the engineer seats are in the back with a slightly less direct view of the main screen.
Put adults or older children as pilots. The pilot role is the most demanding and has the most impact on your mission score. Younger children in this role sometimes freeze up when given actual steering responsibility, which affects the experience for everyone. Let an engaged adult take the wheel.
Ask a cast member to recommend the right role for your child's age. Cast members in the boarding area are well-practiced at helping families choose wisely. A quick "our 4-year-old is with us" will get you a specific recommendation.