The SXSW panel on "The Future of World-building at Disney" provided a thrilling glimpse into the future of Disney Parks, with exciting updates on new attractions and experiences. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman led the discussion, highlighting the synergy between their teams in creating innovative park experiences. Here's a detailed look at the major 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
Disney confirmed that The Mandalorian and Grogu will feature in a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, coinciding with the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared insights into this new story, accompanied by 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 visit to the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
3 Images
Favreau emphasized that the new mission will not retell the movie's plot but will instead offer an experience that feels like participating in events happening just off-camera. The authenticity of the experience is enhanced by scenes captured directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu. 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 will also feature in The Mandalorian & Grogu, adding to the excitement surrounding the film and the new park experience.
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 at Disney World's Hollywood Studios, featuring a new themed roller coaster—the park's first-ever suspended coaster with a vertical lift. This attraction will immerse guests in the world of Monsters, Inc., offering a thrilling ride through the door vault. Disney provided a first look at the load area, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating experience.
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 details about the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom. The focus is on creating an emotional experience, necessitating the development of a new type of ride vehicle. This vehicle, designed to convey feelings during the ride, will take guests on a thrilling rally race through the mountains, distinct from Radiator Springs. To achieve this, the team conducted research in the Arizona desert and collaborated with a motocross company to build a dirt track for testing. The vehicles will be customized with sensors and will each have a unique personality, name, and number, adding a touch of 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 soon feature two new attractions, including Avengers Infinity Defense, where guests will join forces with the Avengers to battle King Thanos across multiple worlds. The highlight of the panel was the reveal of Stark Flight Lab, with Robert Downey Jr. returning as Tony Stark. This attraction will take guests into Tony's workshop to experience his latest technological innovations.
Downey Jr. described these new experiences as embodying the Stark Enterprises mission, emphasizing curiosity, passion, and inventiveness. Guests will ride in "gyro-kinetic pods" and be maneuvered by a giant robot arm inspired by Tony Stark's DUM-E, performing high-speed maneuvers reminiscent of Iron Man and other Avengers. This unique ride system, which transitions from a track to a robot arm and back, showcases the technology as part of the story, a first for Disney parks. Imagineering used dancers and motion capture to bring these robots to life, ensuring a realistic and engaging experience.
