The Future of World-building at Disney Panel at SXSW was a treasure trove of exciting news and tantalizing previews about the future of Disney Parks. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman spearheaded the discussion, highlighting the innovative collaborations between their teams that are set to deliver unforgettable experiences to park-goers.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Will Join Smuggler's Run in a New Mission at the Launch of The Mandalorian & Grogu Film
The highly anticipated integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland is set to debut in sync with the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, offered a sneak peek into this new adventure, complete with concept art showcasing iconic locations like a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest approaching Cloud City on Bespin, and a glimpse of the second Death Star's wreckage above Endor.
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Favreau emphasized that the new mission won't retell the movie's plot but will instead offer guests a chance to participate in events happening simultaneously off-screen. The authenticity of the experience is ensured as scenes for this new story were filmed directly on the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu.
Moreover, the beloved BDX droids, previously seen at Disneyland, are expanding to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. A new variant, an Anzellan named Otto, will make appearances on a BDX needing repairs, adding a fun twist to the experience.
BDX droids will also feature in The Mandalorian & Grogu, further enriching the immersive world of the film.
Here's a Sneak Peek at the Load Area and Lift Off of the New Monsters, Inc. Attraction at Disney World
Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney World's Hollywood Studios is gearing up to introduce a thrilling new themed roller coaster, marking Disney Park's first-ever suspended coaster with a vertical lift. A sneak peek at the load area sets the stage for what promises to be a dream-come-true experience, soaring through Monsters, Inc.'s door vault. While details are still emerging, the excitement surrounding this new attraction and its accompanying land is palpable.
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 unveiled new details about the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom. Hundgen underscored their focus on creating an emotional experience, necessitating the invention of a new type of ride vehicle. This vehicle, not mass-produced, will convey a unique feeling during the ride, which will simulate a thrilling rally race through mountainous terrain rather than Radiator Springs.
To gather real-world data, the team ventured to the Arizona desert to test off-road vehicles over rocky terrain. Collaborating with a motocross company, they constructed a dirt track to refine the vehicle's design, incorporating sensors to analyze its performance. Each car will have its own personality, name, and number, adding a layer of Disney and Pixar magic to the experience.
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 expand with two new attractions. The first, Avengers Infinity Defense, will see guests teaming up with Avengers to combat King Thanos across multiple worlds. However, the spotlight shone on Stark Flight Lab, with Robert Downey Jr. returning as Tony Stark to unveil new details.
Stark Flight Lab will immerse guests in Tony's workshop, showcasing his latest technological marvels. Downey Jr. described these new experiences as embodying the mission statement of Stark Enterprises, driven by curiosity, passion, and a desire to improve the world.
Guests will ride in "gyro-kinetic pods," experiencing high-speed maneuvers inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers, facilitated by a giant robot arm—a first in theme park technology. Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn explained that the technology itself is the star of the story here, with the robotic arm drawing inspiration from Tony Stark's DUM-E. Motion capture and dance choreography have been utilized to bring these robots to life, ensuring an unparalleled immersive experience.
