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How to Access the Secret Chewbacca Mode at Hollywood Studios

Did you know a special trick turns the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride into a fun Wookie mode?

How to Unlock Chewbacca Mode at Hollywood Studios

Ready to pilot the Falcon with a legendary co-pilot? Here’s how to trigger the secret feature, known as Chewie Mode, that swaps Hondo Ohnaka’s voice for a familiar Wookiee growl. First, gather your crew—this works best when all six riders follow their roles perfectly.

Pilots, this is your moment. Push your joystick all the way left or right (left seat) or up/down (right seat) before hitting the glowing activation button. Think of it like revving a speeder bike engine—full throttle!

Engineers and gunners, your turn! Locate one of the white buttons on your panel. Press and hold one white while tapping the orange button. Imagine typing a secret code into a starship console. Got it? Perfect timing is key—complete these steps within 10 seconds after sitting down to help ensure success.

Why does order matter? The system checks each station’s readiness before launch. Skip a step or rush the sequence, and you’ll hear Hondo instead of your furry friend. On my last visit, our group missed the window by two seconds—total heartbreak!

Don’t worry if it feels tricky at first. With practice, you’ll master the button combos like a Jedi training with a lightsaber. Succeed, and enjoy Chewie’s iconic roars guiding your mission. Now that’s how you level up Smugglers Run!

Step-by-Step Guide for Smugglers Run Activation

Let’s take a look at each role and what they need to do.

Pre-Flight Roles Explained

Before hitting the activation button, every seat has a job. Pilots control the joystick, engineers monitor systems, and gunners handle defenses. Miss one step, and the feature won’t trigger.

  • Pilots: Push your joystick all the way left/right (left seat) or up/down (right seat) – like steering a speeder bike through tight corners
  • Gunners & Engineers: Find the white button near your panel. Press and hold it, then tap the orange activation button – think of it as typing a secret code

Button Sequences Made Simple

Follow these steps in order:

  1. Wait for the cast members to start safety checks
  2. Complete joystick movements before pressing activation buttons
  3. Engineers/gunners: white button first, then orange
  4. All actions within 8 seconds – faster than a TIE fighter attack run!

Timing Is Everything

Cast members will check seatbelts and panels before launch. Here’s how to nail the timing:

  • Start when the crew says “Begin pre-flight check”
  • Sync actions – use finger counts like “3-2-1-go”
  • Finish before they announce “All systems ready”

Last week, my group missed the window by one second. Don’t let that happen! Practice hand positions while waiting in line. Master these steps, and you’ll unlock the ultimate reward – roaring commands from your favorite co-pilot.

Conclusion

Teamwork and timing turn a great ride into an epic adventure. By following the simple instructions—joystick positions, white buttons, and quick activation—you’ll unlock a legendary voice guiding your Millennium Falcon mission. Imagine hearing those iconic growls instead of Hondo’s usual chatter!

Every role matters here. Pilots must push controls to extremes, while gunners and engineers tap buttons like typing secret codes. Nail the steps before cast members finish safety checks, and your crew earns the ultimate reward: a fully immersive Star Wars experience.

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About the Author:Matthew Manganaro
Matthew Manganaro
Disney World Expert

Matthew's lifelong Disney passion fuels his dedication to simplifying a magical vacation for others through his work at TwoLittleSparks. With over 28 years of visits and counting under his belt, Matthew is committed to reigniting the childhood magic of Disney for everyone. After all, what's so wrong with believing in a little magic?

Get to know Matthew