Walt Disney World has confirmed that one of its most recognizable Star Wars attractions is officially entering a new phase behind the scenes.Disney has filed a permit tied to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, signaling that work connected to the ride’s next evolution is now moving forward.Credit: DisneyThe permit, filed for “general construction,” applies to the attraction inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While Disney has not announced an official closure date—or confirmed whether the ride will experience extended downtime—the filing confirms that Smugglers Run is preparing for meaningful updates as the new year begins.As of January 7, Disney has been careful with its language. There is no posted refurbishment calendar and no clear timeline for guest-facing impacts. However, Disney has already confirmed that Smugglers Run will change in May, and that confirmation alone makes this permit more than routine maintenance paperwork.What Disney Has Confirmed So FarDisney has confirmed that Smugglers Run will receive a new mission experience tied to The Mandalorian era of the Star Wars universe. Beginning in May 2026, guests will join Din Djarin and Grogu on a new smuggling adventure that sends crews across multiple familiar locations, including Tatooine, Cloud City, and even the wreckage of the Death Star.This marks the first major narrative update for Smugglers Run since it opened with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The ride system itself is not expected to change, but the story, visuals, and objectives will shift to support the new mission.That context explains why Disney would file a broad “general construction” permit. Installing new scenes, updating projections, refreshing technical systems, and reworking ride programming often requires construction activity even when the physical track and vehicles remain untouched.Credit: DisneyWill Smugglers Run Actually Close?At this stage, Disney has not confirmed whether Smugglers Run will fully close or operate with limited interruptions during the transition. The attraction is currently running as normal, and no downtime has been added to Disney’s official refurbishment calendar.Disney has taken different approaches with similar updates in the past. Some ride changes are installed overnight or during short rolling closures, while others require longer refurbishments depending on technical complexity. The permit itself does not guarantee a shutdown, but it does indicate that preparations are actively underway.Because Smugglers Run is a high-capacity anchor attraction inside Galaxy’s Edge, Disney may attempt to limit extended closures if possible. Still, guests planning trips later this year or in early 2026 should be aware that operational adjustments are possible as the new mission approaches.Why This Update Matters for Galaxy’s EdgeSmugglers Run was always designed to be flexible. Unlike Rise of the Resistance, which follows a fixed storyline, Smugglers Run was built to support multiple missions over time. The upcoming Mandalorian update finally delivers on that long-term concept.By incorporating Din Djarin and Grogu—two of the most popular modern Star Wars characters—Disney is aligning Galaxy’s Edge more closely with current storytelling. It also reinforces a broader strategy Disney has leaned into recently: refreshing existing attractions instead of replacing them.For returning guests, this update gives Smugglers Run new life. Those who have experienced the original mission multiple times will soon have a reason to climb back into the cockpit and see how the experience has changed.Credit: DisneyWhat Guests Should Expect NextFor now, Smugglers Run remains open and operating, with no confirmed closure dates announced. However, the permit filing makes one thing clear: Disney is actively moving forward with changes, not just discussing them.More details are likely to emerge as Disney gets closer to the 2026 launch window for the new mission. Until then, guests visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge can expect business as usual—while knowing that one of the land’s centerpiece attractions is quietly preparing for its next chapter.In true Star Wars fashion, the transformation is happening largely out of sight. The Millennium Falcon isn’t grounded just yet, but its next journey is already taking shape.What do you think of the changes coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments section below!The post Walt Disney World Confirms ‘Star Wars’ Ride Shutting Down, Takes Next Steps appeared first on Inside the Magic.