The Future of World-Building at Disney Panel From SXSW: Everything Announced

The SXSW panel titled "The Future of World-building at Disney" provided a thrilling glimpse into the upcoming developments at Disney Parks. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman led the discussion, highlighting the synergy between their teams to create innovative park experiences. They shared exciting updates, including the integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, a new emotional ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars attraction, and a sneak peek at the new Monsters, Inc. attraction.

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 is set to launch alongside the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, provided insights into the new storyline, showcasing concept art that includes iconic locations 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.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run

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Favreau emphasized that the new mission will complement the movie by allowing guests to participate in events happening off-camera. The scenes for this experience were captured directly from the movie set, ensuring an authentic feel. Additionally, the popular BDX droids will expand their presence to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan variant named Otto making appearances.

Image Credit: Disney

The BDX droids are also set to appear in The Mandalorian & Grogu film, enhancing the connection between the movie and the 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 at Disney World's Hollywood Studios is set to introduce a thrilling new themed roller coaster, marking Disney's first-ever suspended coaster with a vertical lift. Guests will experience the excitement of soaring through the door vault of Monsters, Inc. Disney offered a first look at the load area, setting the stage for what promises to be an immersive adventure.

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. The primary focus is on creating an emotional experience, which led to the development of a new type of ride vehicle. Hundgen explained that the vehicle needed to convey feelings, prompting the team to conduct research in the Arizona desert to understand the dynamics of off-road vehicles. The attraction will feature a rally race through the mountains rather than Radiator Springs, and the ride vehicles will be equipped with sensors and personalized with names and numbers.

Image Credit: Disney

Robert Downey Jr. Stops by Disney's SXSW Panel to Help Share More About the New Avengers Campus Attractions

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Avengers Campus at Disneyland is set to expand with two new attractions. Avengers Infinity Defense will see guests teaming up with Avengers to combat King Thanos across multiple worlds. The highlight of the panel was Robert Downey Jr.'s appearance, sharing details about Stark Flight Lab, where guests will enter Tony Stark's workshop and experience new technology. Downey Jr. described the attractions as embodying Stark Enterprises' mission to enhance life through innovation and fun.

The Stark Flight Lab will feature "gyro-kinetic pods" and a giant robot arm inspired by Tony Stark's DUM-E, allowing guests to experience high-speed maneuvers. Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn noted that this attraction breaks new ground by making the technology itself the star of the story, using motion capture and dancers to bring the robotic arm to life.