The SXSW panel titled "The Future of World-building at Disney" was brimming with thrilling updates and tantalizing glimpses into what's next for Disney Parks. From the integration of beloved characters like The Mandalorian and Grogu in a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run to the innovative ride vehicle being designed for Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars attraction, Disney is set to revolutionize the park experience. Additionally, attendees got a sneak peek at the load area and lift-off of the new Monsters, Inc. attraction, promising a unique adventure at Disney World.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman led the discussion, highlighting the synergy between their teams in crafting these immersive experiences. They emphasized the benefits of collaboration in bringing these new attractions to life, promising fans an exciting future at Disney Parks.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Will Join Smuggler's Run in a New Mission at the Launch of The Mandalorian & Grogu Film
Disney confirmed that The Mandalorian and Grogu will star in a new story within Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, set to debut alongside the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026. This new experience will be available at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
The panel featured insights from The Mandalorian creator Jon Favreau, alongside Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, who shared exciting concept art of iconic locations from the Star Wars universe. These images showcase a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest flying toward Cloud City on Bespin, and even a visit to the wreckage of the second Death Star 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 new story will feature scenes captured directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu, ensuring an authentic experience for guests.
Additionally, the beloved BDX droids, previously seen at Disneyland, will expand to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. A new variant, an Anzellan named Otto, will occasionally appear on a BDX needing a tune-up, adding more charm to the parks. These droids will also make an appearance in The Mandalorian & Grogu film.
Here's a Sneak Peak at the Load Area and Lift Off of the New Monsters, Inc. Attraction at Disney World
Monsters, Inc. Land is set to open soon at Disney World's Hollywood Studios, featuring a new themed roller coaster. This attraction will be Disney Park's first-ever suspended coaster and its first with a vertical lift. Guests can look forward to an exhilarating ride through Monsters, Inc.'s door vault, with the load area setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
Pixar and Imagineering Reveal a New Type of Ride Vehicle Had to Be Made for Magic Kingdom's Upcoming Cars Attraction
Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen shared new details about the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom. “Our primary goal is creating an emotional experience for our guests,” Hundgen said. “For this *Cars* attraction, we need to invent a new type of ride vehicle. No one builds these in a factory because it has to do so much more than just carrying you from one place to another. We have to create a car that conveys a feeling when you ride in it.”
To achieve this, the team conducted research by riding off-road vehicles in the Arizona desert and collaborated with a motocross company to build a dirt track for testing. The ride will take guests on a thrilling rally race through the mountains, designed to feel authentic and immersive. Each ride vehicle will be equipped with sensors and customized to provide a unique experience, complete with its own personality, name, and number.
Robert Downey Jr. Stops by Disney's SXSW Panel to Help Share More About the New Avengers Campus Attractions
Disneyland's Avengers Campus is set to introduce two new attractions, including Avengers Infinity Defense, where guests will join forces with the Avengers to battle King Thanos across multiple worlds. The second attraction, Stark Flight Lab, stole the spotlight at the SXSW panel, with Robert Downey Jr. himself sharing new details. Downey Jr. will reprise his role as Tony Stark, allowing guests to explore his workshop and experience innovative tech.
“The curiosity, the passion, the inventiveness, the occasional flair for the dramatic, most of all a drive to put something good out into the world to make life better, at the minimum more fun by a mile,” Downey Jr. said, emphasizing the essence of Stark Enterprises. Guests will sit in "gyro-kinetic pods" and be maneuvered by a giant robot arm, inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers, in a first-of-its-kind ride experience.
“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 Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering. The attraction will showcase the technology front and center, inspired by Tony Stark's robotic assistant, DUM-E. Imagineering employed dancers and motion capture to make these robots feel as lifelike as possible, ensuring an unparalleled experience for visitors.
