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Disney Sets May 22 Overhaul of Smugglers Run as Incoming CEO Prioritizes Guest Agency

D'Amaro casts the refresh as a test of experience intelligence aimed at turning a liked attraction into a loved one.

Overview

  • A new mission featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu will launch on May 22, 2026 at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
  • Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm co-developed the update, with scenes captured on the set of The Mandalorian and Grogu film.
  • The redesign tackles the ride’s imbalance in which pilots controlled most outcomes by expanding meaningful control to gunners and engineers.
  • Disney says added interactivity will include the crew selecting destinations and engineer-role interactions with Grogu during the mission.
  • Josh D’Amaro becomes CEO on March 18, 2026, after articulating in a Harvard Business Review session the goal of elevating guest sentiment from like to love.