The recent SXSW panel, "The Future of World-building at Disney," was brimming with thrilling updates and sneak peeks into what's coming to Disney Parks. Highlights included the integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the development of a novel ride vehicle with emotional capabilities for the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom, and an enticing preview of the load area and lift-off for the new Monsters, Inc. attraction.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman spearheaded the discussion, emphasizing the value of cross-team collaboration in creating innovative park experiences.
Here are the key announcements and reveals from the panel:
The Mandalorian and Grogu Will Join Smuggler's Run in a New Mission at the Launch of The Mandalorian & Grogu Film
The much-anticipated integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will launch concurrently with the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, alongside Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, provided insights into the new storyline and unveiled concept art showcasing iconic locations like a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest heading towards Cloud City on Bespin, and a glimpse of the second Death Star's wreckage above Endor.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
“This isn’t going to retell what happens in the movie – it’s more like participating in something that’s happening just off-camera from what you see in the film,” Favreau explained. The authenticity of the new story is enhanced by scenes captured directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu film.
Additionally, the beloved BDX droids seen at Disneyland will expand to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan variant named Otto making appearances on BDX units needing repairs. These droids are also set to feature in The Mandalorian & Grogu movie.
Here's a Sneak Peek at the Load Area and Lift Off of the New Monsters, Inc. Attraction at Disney World
Monsters, Inc. Land is on its way to Disney World's Hollywood Studios, featuring Disney Park's first suspended coaster and vertical lift roller coaster. The attraction aims to immerse guests in the dream-like experience of soaring through Monsters, Inc.'s door vault, with Disney providing a first look at the thrilling load area.
Pixar and Imagineering Reveal a New Type of Ride Vehicle Had to Be Made for Magic Kingdom's Upcoming Cars Attraction
Pixar's Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen shared exciting updates on the forthcoming Cars-themed attraction at Magic Kingdom. The attraction aims to evoke an emotional experience, necessitating the creation of a new type of ride vehicle. To achieve this, the team conducted research in the Arizona desert, driving off-road vehicles to capture the feel of a mountain rally race. Collaboration with a motocross company helped develop a customized production vehicle equipped with sensors for real-world data collection.
Robert Downey Jr. Stops by Disney's SXSW Panel to Help Share More About the New Avengers Campus Attractions
Avengers Campus at Disneyland is set to introduce two new attractions. Avengers Infinity Defense will see guests collaborating with Avengers to combat King Thanos across various worlds. However, the spotlight was on the second attraction, Stark Flight Lab, where Robert Downey Jr. appeared to share details about his return as Tony Stark. Guests will explore Tony's workshop and experience new technology in "gyro-kinetic pods," which will be maneuvered by a giant robot arm inspired by Tony Stark's DUM-E, executing high-speed maneuvers reminiscent of Iron Man and other Avengers.
“Transferring from a track to a robot arm and then back again – nothing like this has ever been done before in a theme park, and we’re so excited about it,” said Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn. The focus on the robotic arm, crafted with the help of dancers and motion capture, underscores the attraction's theme where technology itself is the story.
