Grogu Mode on Smugglers Run: How to Turn It On
By Julie Elster
Last reviewed: October 2026
Only the two gunners in the middle row can turn on Grogu Mode on Smugglers Run. After the seatbelt check, and before anyone presses anything, each gunner holds the white square button closest to the back of the cockpit. Then they press the blinking orange activation button. If it worked, the cockpit lights turn green.
Here I'll tell you exactly which buttons to press, what happened to Chewie Mode, and what each seat does on the new mission.
What Is Grogu Mode?
Grogu Mode is a secret version of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Hollywood Studios. It arrived on May 22, 2026, with the new Mandalorian and Grogu mission.
In Grogu Mode, most of Mando's lines are replaced with Grogu's coos and babbling. The screens show Grogu in the Razor Crest a lot more often. Mando still cuts in a few times to tell you when to shoot or when to pick a planet.
It's the same ride and the same mission. It just sounds (and looks) a lot more like Grogu.
How to Turn On Grogu Mode
Two people do all the work: the left gunner and the right gunner. Everyone else just has to keep their hands off the buttons until the gunners are done.
- Ask for the gunner seats. The Cast Member who hands out the crew cards decides, but you can ask.
- Buckle up and wait for the Cast Member's seatbelt check. Do NOT press any buttons yet. That includes the big activation button.
- Gunners: Find the row of four white square buttons under your screen. Press and hold the one closest to the back of the cockpit. That's the left-most button for the left gunner and the right-most button for the right gunner.
- Gunners: Keep holding it and press the blinking orange activation button.
- Look for green. Once both gunners have done it, the lights in the cockpit turn green for a few seconds.
Both gunners have to do it. If only one does, you get the regular mission.
Some guides say the two gunners need to press at the same time. Others say one after the other works fine. Count it off together and you won't have to find out.
If you are unsure, ask the Cast Member to help you. Grogu Mode doesn't depend on speed, so they can walk you through it after the seatbelt check.
Does Grogu Mode Work at Disneyland?
Yes. Disneyland got the same Mandalorian and Grogu mission on the same day, and the steps are the same.
Grogu Mode is set before you launch, so it stays on for the whole flight. That includes whichever planet your engineers pick: Bespin, Coruscant, or the wreckage of the second Death Star near Endor.
What Happened to Chewie Mode?
Chewie Mode is gone. On May 22, 2026, Disney retired the original mission (flying to find Coaxium for Hondo, with Chewbacca's help) at both Hollywood Studios and Disneyland. Chewie Mode went with it, and Grogu Mode replaced it.
Chewie Mode had Chewbacca giving the orders as you flew through the galaxy. It also took all six riders. The pilots held their joysticks all the way in one direction, the gunners and engineers hit the WHITE button on their station, and then everyone hit activate.
Grogu Mode is a lot easier. You only need two people.
Pilots, Gunners and Engineers
Each guest is given a specific job. There are two pilots, two engineers, and two gunners. Hondo Ohnaka still recruits your crew, and now you fly with the Mandalorian and Grogu to track down three bounties.
Pilots sit in the front row and fly the Falcon. The left pilot steers left and right. The right pilot steers up and down and makes the jump to hyperspace.
Gunners sit in the middle row and fire at incoming enemies. You can pick automatic or manual mode on your panel. And the gunners are the only two who can turn on Grogu Mode.
Engineers sit in the back row. They repair the ship, grab cargo crates with the tractor beam (up to three each), and choose the next planet after Tatooine. They also have a Call Grogu button that brings him up on the screen.
If your kids want as much Grogu as possible, put them in the engineer seats with Grogu Mode on.
Tips for Riding Smugglers Run
I would also make sure you talk to everyone before you get on the ride. Unless you happen to be with 6 of your friends, you will probably be seated with strangers. And they will need to be on board with your plan. So make sure everyone in the group is up for it, and knows their job before you board the Millennium Falcon.
If it's your first ride on the new mission, think about doing the regular version first. In Grogu Mode, a lot of Mando's instructions are replaced with baby noises.
The height requirement is 38". The seats are spaced out, so if your child gets scared you won't be able to comfort them. Rider switch is an option if you have smaller kids.
The other ride in Galaxy's Edge is Rise of the Resistance. See my full overview of Rise of the Resistance including height requirements and a ride video.
And for every other ride in the park, head over to my complete Hollywood Studios ride list.
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See you at the parks,
-Julie