Star Wars Celebration offered an exciting glimpse into the future of Disney Parks experiences, and IGN had the privilege of speaking with Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna about the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the adorable BDX droids set to charm park-goers, and much more.
Kalama and Serna not only unveiled these thrilling new additions to Disney Parks worldwide but also shared insights into the magic behind bringing beloved stories and characters to life in unforgettable ways.
The Mandalorian and Grogu-Themed Update to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run Will Let Engineers Take Care of Grogu
A highlight of Star Wars Celebration was the announcement that Engineers will have the chance to care for Grogu aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run when the The Mandalorian and Grogu-themed update launches alongside the film on May 22, 2026.
Although the attraction's storyline diverges from the film, it will immerse each crew member in a mission alongside Mando and Grogu. Engineers, in particular, are in for a treat, as they will interact with Grogu and choose destinations across the galaxy.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
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"Throughout the mission, we're going to be giving the engineers the opportunity to actually get to communicate with Grogu," Kalama explained. "There may be times when Mando has to deboard the Razor Crest and Grogu, left to his own devices, might get a little happy on the control panel. We love the idea of these fun little vignettes and moments where you're on the comm with Grogu."
The choose-your-own-adventure aspect allows guests to make critical decisions under time pressure, which determines whether they'll journey to Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, or the newly announced location of Coruscant. This is all part of a new narrative where "Hondo Ohnaka catches wind of a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, setting the stage for a high-stakes chase across the galaxy. Guests will team up with Mando and Grogu to track them down and claim a bounty in a dynamic, galaxy-spanning adventure."
The BDX Droids Will Be Traveling From Disney Parks Around the World Right Into Your Heart
The enchanting BDX Droids, beloved by Star Wars fans worldwide, will soon grace Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney, much to everyone's delight.
These droids, featured in The Mandalorian & Grogu, have been in development to offer guests new immersive experiences in Disney Parks, connecting them more deeply with the stories they cherish.
Image Credit: Disney
"The goal of the BDX Droids was to explore how we bring characters to life in our parks in innovative ways, merging technology with entertainment and creating a backstory specifically for the parks," Kalama said. "They've appeared in games and other places, but we crafted an original story just for us, evolving it as we introduced them worldwide."
"These droids have fun, childlike qualities and exhibit behaviors that people would find endearing," Serna added. "We've given each droid a distinct personality, which enriches guest interactions and allows us to expand their world. Just as we connect with R2-D2 and other iconic droids, guests will bond with different BDX droid colors, each representing a unique personality."
These BDX Droids represent just one aspect of how Disney teams are enhancing park experiences. Kalama and Serna shared their vision for leveraging technology to create more engaging and cherished moments.
"The technology behind our animatronics is shaping our approach to robotics and character experiences, inspiring us to bring these interactions out of attractions and into the streets," Serna said. "We're looking to use technology in unexpected ways, enhancing up-close experiences. You'll see more of this in our parks worldwide."
"Using technology in both unexpected and invisible ways is crucial to how we create these experiences," Kalama added. "We focus on creating a sense of suspension and disbelief, often requiring robotics to bring characters to life. But our challenge is unique; it's not just about making a robot function but bringing character, emotion, and personality to life, which is a different technical challenge altogether."
From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future
Kalama and Serna, like many of us, were inspired by Disney Parks and specific attractions that fueled their passion to contribute to creating experiences for future generations.
Reflecting on their shared love for certain attractions provided a fascinating glimpse into how the future of Disney Parks is crafted.
"As a child, riding Peter Pan was the most thrilling experience for me," Serna shared. "Flying in that vehicle blew my mind. I had no idea how it worked, but it felt magical. Later, as a Star Wars fan, Star Tours changed my perspective on what theme parks could achieve. Peter Pan was a story from the past, but Star Tours let me live a new Star Wars adventure, especially during a time when there was no new Star Wars content. When we do our jobs well, we transport guests of all ages into a complete fantasy."
"I only visited the park once before becoming a cast member, and I was obsessed with science fiction," Kalama recounted. "I refused to leave Tomorrowland. Star Tours was the attraction that captivated me with its suspension of disbelief. I truly believed I was on a star speeder traveling through the galaxy. This sense of magic and fantasy is powerful for both children and adults, and we strive to transport every guest into a world of fantasy."
Now, Kalama and Serna are shaping the future of Disney Parks experiences. They shared stories of their proudest achievements to date.
Serna highlighted his work on Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga at Disneyland, a projection show at Galaxy's Edge that enhances the nightly fireworks with a Star Wars twist and tells a special story even on nights without fireworks.
Image Credit: Disney
"We saw an opportunity to create something special during the daily fireworks at Batuu," Serna explained. "We collaborated with Lucasfilm to craft a fireworks show within Galaxy's Edge, featuring a storyteller, a droid, and a performative piece. This led to Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga, which uses the spires for projection, creating an immersive experience never before seen in a theme park. It's the story of a galactic traveler recounting Anakin Skywalker's tale in a new way."
Kalama emphasized the meticulous attention to detail that often goes unnoticed but contributes to the authenticity and immersion of the park experience.
"We have serious discussions about the smallest details, like the type of screw head used on a panel wall, because Phillips screws don't exist in the Star Wars timeline, or the receipt paper from our printers," Kalama said. "These small details might seem insignificant individually, but collectively, they create a truly authentic and immersive space for our guests."
