Theme Park Attractions
Ongoing coverage on Theme Park Attractions.
Latest coverage
'More like a traditional video game' — Unreal Engine 5 and The Mandalorian and Grogu have transformed Disney World's Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction inside Galaxy's Edge
Disney Imagineering and Disney Experiences have updated the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction at both Disneyland and Disney World using Unreal Engine 5, incorporating elements from 'The Mandalorian and Grogu.' The overhaul introduces new planet choices, enhanced visuals running at 4K 60fps, and a more interactive engineer role, making the ride feel like a traditional video game with increased replayability. This update highlights Disney's growing use of Unreal Engine for theme park attractions, with Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin also utilizing the technology.
“We tried to keep the soul of the original attraction, but level it up” — Disney World transforms Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin into a real-time ride system powered by Unreal Engine
Disney World's Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin attraction has been significantly upgraded with new technology, including blasters with haptic feedback and dynamic targets that change scoring in real time. The ride system is now powered by Epic Games' Unreal Engine, with each vehicle running local deployments to generate score content and enhance interactivity. This refurbishment aims to modernize the classic dark ride, making it feel more like a real-time game while preserving the original attraction's core elements.
Much-Loved Disney World Ride Reopens And Promptly Shuts Down After Mishap, Then Reopens
Walt Disney World's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened after extensive refurbishments, only to temporarily shut down due to an incident involving a fire extinguisher and subsequent guest evacuation. The ride later reopened without reported injuries. Separately, there are discussions about Disney potentially acquiring Epic Games, following Disney's recent expansion into Fortnite with a new multiplayer mode.
