Disney's SXSW "Future of World-Building" panel unveiled exciting developments for Disney Parks. Highlights included The Mandalorian and Grogu joining a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the creation of a revolutionary, emotionally responsive ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars attraction, and a sneak peek at the load area and launch sequence for the new Monsters, Inc. attraction.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman led the discussion, emphasizing the collaborative efforts behind these innovative park experiences.
Here's a summary of the biggest announcements:
The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smuggler's Run
The Mandalorian and Grogu will feature in a new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run mission, launching alongside The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, alongside Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared concept art showcasing locations like a Jawa Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Razor Crest near Cloud City, and even the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor. Favreau emphasized this new story unfolds alongside, but separately from, the film's events.
Scenes were captured directly from The Mandalorian & Grogu set, ensuring authenticity. Additionally, the popular BDX droids, currently at Disneyland, will expand to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan droid named Otto joining the ranks.
The BDX droids will also appear in The Mandalorian & Grogu.
Monsters, Inc. Attraction Sneak Peek
Disney World's Hollywood Studios' upcoming Monsters, Inc. Land will feature a suspended coaster—a first for Disney Parks—with a vertical lift. A first look at the load area was revealed, setting the tone for this thrilling experience.
Revolutionary Ride Vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars Attraction
Pixar's Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen detailed the new Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars Land. Hundgen highlighted the creation of a novel ride vehicle designed to evoke specific emotions. Real-world research, including off-road vehicle testing in the Arizona desert and motocross track development, informed the vehicle's design for a thrilling mountain rally race experience. Each vehicle will boast a unique personality, name, and number.
Robert Downey Jr. on Avengers Campus Attractions
Robert Downey Jr. joined the panel to discuss Avengers Campus' new attractions. He highlighted the "living embodiment" of the Stark Enterprises mission statement in these experiences.
Stark Flight Lab will take guests into Tony Stark's workshop, featuring high-speed maneuvers in gyro-kinetic pods controlled by a giant robotic arm inspired by DUM-E. Walt Disney Imagineering's Bruce Vaughn emphasized the innovative use of technology as a central narrative element.
