The Future of World-building at Disney panel at SXSW was brimming with thrilling announcements about the future of Disney Parks. Highlights included the integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the development of a new type of ride vehicle with emotion for Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars ride, and a sneak peek at the load area and lift off of the new Monsters, Inc. attraction.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman led the panel, emphasizing the benefits of collaboration between their teams to create exciting new experiences at Disney Parks.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Will Join Smuggler's Run in a New Mission at the Launch of The Mandalorian & Grogu Film
The new mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run will debut at Walt Disney World and Disneyland alongside the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared insights into the new story and unveiled concept art featuring iconic locations from the Star Wars universe, such as a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest flying toward Cloud City on Bespin, and a visit to the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor.
Favreau clarified that the experience won't retell the movie's plot but will instead immerse guests in events happening off-camera. Scenes for this new story were captured directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu, ensuring an authentic feel. Additionally, the popular BDX droids, seen at Disneyland, will soon appear at Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new variant featuring an Anzellan named Otto.
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These BDX droids will also make an appearance in The Mandalorian & Grogu 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 is set to open soon at Disney World's Hollywood Studios, featuring a new themed roller coaster - the first-ever suspended coaster in a Disney Park and the first with a vertical lift. The attraction will let guests soar through Monsters, Inc.'s door vault, and Disney provided a first look at the load area, setting the stage for what's to come.
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 details about the new Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom. Hundgen emphasized the goal of creating an emotional experience, necessitating a new type of ride vehicle. The team conducted research in the Arizona desert to understand the feel of off-road vehicles, aiming to replicate a thrilling rally race through the mountains. They collaborated with a motocross company to build a dirt track for testing and data collection. Each vehicle will have its own personality, name, and number, enhancing the Disney and Pixar magic.
Robert Downey Jr. Stops by Disney's SXSW Panel to Help Share More About the New Avengers Campus Attractions
Disneyland's Avengers Campus will introduce two new attractions: Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab. Robert Downey Jr. made a surprise appearance at the SXSW panel to discuss Stark Flight Lab, where he'll reprise his role as Tony Stark. Guests will enter Tony's workshop and experience new technology in "gyro-kinetic pods," with a giant robot arm executing high-speed maneuvers inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers.
Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn highlighted the innovative use of technology in Stark Flight Lab, where the tech itself becomes part of the story. The robotic arm, inspired by Tony Stark's DUM-E, was developed with the help of dancers and motion capture to enhance realism.
