A Disney Star Wars Ride Gets AFortniteIntegration
Smuggler’s Gambit // Courtesy of Epic Games
Disney and Epic Gamesannounced a new experiencethat will connect one of the Mouse House’s flagship rides to an adventure insideFortnite.
The Big Picture:Disney has had some grand plans for itsmassive $1.5 billion Epic Games investmentsince it was announced back in February 2024. By introducing an experience that connects the physicalanddigital worlds, Disney is one step closer to realizing its dream of turning Disney+ into the entertainment hub of its entire flywheel.
Behind The Experience:The new ride/gaming integration, titledMillennium Falcon: Smugglers Run | Fortnite, was announced at Disney’s annual fan event, D23.
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The experience starts when people are lining up to rideSmugglers Runat Disneyland in either Orlando or Anaheim.Fortniteplayers can “accept a special mission while in the queue for the ride.”
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If they succeed in unlocking the mission, they’ll “get a unique Forsworn Trooper Outfit” in a newly createdFortniteadventure calledSmugglers Gambit, set in that same universe.
Fun fact: the cockpit screens inSmugglers Runwere created using Epic’s Unreal Engine, perTHR, so it made sense that this would be the first ride/game collaboration.
Last Turn:Sean Shoptaw, EVP of Disney Games and Digital Entertainment, noted that this is the first time Disney has made an attraction that starts in the physical world and moves into a connected game. It’s a key test for new CEO Josh D’Amaro’s strategy to gamify Disney+ — he spearheaded the Epic investment.
While select Disney IP has appeared inFortniteover the past couple of years, the company is working with Epic on an entirely new world populated by its characters. It’s a big bet on getting a new generation hooked on the franchise machine.
Next Ride:If the integration takes off, expect the wait lines atSmuggler’s Runto approach opening-week levels. Plan your trip accordingly.
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