Disney's SXSW Panel Unveils World-Building Future

The SXSW panel, "The Future of World-building at Disney," was brimming with thrilling insights and previews into the future of Disney Parks. From the integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, to the development of an emotionally responsive ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars attraction, and tantalizing glimpses of the new Monsters, Inc. ride, Disney fans have a lot to look forward to.

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman led the discussion, highlighting the synergy between their teams and how their collaboration is key to creating groundbreaking experiences at Disney Parks.

Here's a comprehensive roundup of the biggest announcements and exciting 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

As anticipated, The Mandalorian and Grogu will be featured in a new narrative within Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The new experience is slated to launch in tandem with the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026.

Jon Favreau, the creator of The Mandalorian, alongside Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, offered insights into this upcoming adventure, unveiling concept art of iconic Star Wars locales. The showcased images included a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest approaching Cloud City on Bespin, and a glimpse of the second Death Star's wreckage above Endor.

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

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Favreau clarified that the ride's story complements the film without retelling it, offering guests a chance to participate in events occurring off-screen. The authenticity of the experience is ensured by capturing scenes directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu.

Additionally, the beloved BDX droids, previously seen at Disneyland, are set to expand their presence to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. A new Anzellan variant named Otto, akin to Babu Frik, will occasionally appear on a BDX needing maintenance. These droids are also slated to appear in The Mandalorian & Grogu film.

Image Credit: Disney

Here's a Sneak Peek at the Load Area and Lift Off of the New Monsters, Inc. Attraction at Disney World

The much-anticipated Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney World's Hollywood Studios will feature a thrilling new themed roller coaster. This attraction marks Disney Park's first-ever suspended coaster and the first with a vertical lift, promising guests an exhilarating journey through Monsters, Inc.'s door vault. The initial look at the load area sets an immersive tone for the adventure ahead.

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 provided new insights into the forthcoming Cars-themed attraction at Magic Kingdom. Their focus is on creating an emotional connection through the ride experience, necessitating the invention of a new type of ride vehicle.

To achieve this, the team ventured into the Arizona desert to gather real-world data by riding off-road vehicles. The ride, set to take guests on a rally race through mountainous terrain, aims to capture the thrill of such an experience. Collaborating with a motocross company, they constructed a dirt track for testing and development, ensuring the ride vehicle delivers the intended feeling through engineering and sensor technology. Each vehicle will also have a unique personality, name, and number, adding a touch of Disney and Pixar magic.

Image Credit: Disney

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

Image Credit: Disney

Avengers Campus at Disneyland is set to introduce two new attractions. One, Avengers Infinity Defense, will see guests teaming up with Avengers to combat King Thanos across multiple worlds. The spotlight, however, was on the second attraction, Stark Flight Lab, as Robert Downey Jr. made a surprise appearance to share details.

Downey Jr. will reprise his role as Tony Stark for this attraction, which will take guests into his workshop to explore new technology. He described the experiences as embodying the mission statement of Stark Enterprises, emphasizing curiosity, passion, and a commitment to enhancing life's enjoyment.

The ride features "gyro-kinetic pods" that are maneuvered by a giant robot arm, inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers. Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering, highlighted the uniqueness of this attraction, where the technology itself is part of the story, drawing inspiration from Tony Stark's robotic assistant, DUM-E. To bring these robots to life, Imagineering worked with dancers and motion capture technology.