Star Wars Celebration: Disney's Imagineering and Live Entertainment Bring the Saga to Life

Star Wars Celebration offered a tantalizing glimpse into the future of Disney Parks experiences, and IGN had the privilege of sitting down with Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna. They shared exciting details about the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the adorable BDX droids set to charm Disney Parks worldwide, and much more.

Kalama and Serna not only unveiled these thrilling new additions but also shed light on the creative process behind bringing Disney Magic to life. They discussed how they craft unforgettable experiences that allow guests to immerse themselves in their favorite stories and characters.

The Mandalorian and Grogu-Themed Update to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Will Let Engineers Take Care of Grogu

A major highlight from Star Wars Celebration was the announcement that engineers will have the unique opportunity to care for Grogu aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run. This exciting update, set to launch alongside a related film on May 22, 2026, will introduce a new storyline distinct from the film. In this adventure, each crew member will work alongside Mando and Grogu, with engineers enjoying a special role. They'll interact directly with Grogu and make pivotal decisions about where in the galaxy their journey will lead.

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 communicate with Grogu," Kalama explained. "It's going to be a ton of fun. There may be times when Mando has to leave the Razor Crest, and Grogu, left to his own devices, might get a little playful on the control panel. We love the idea of these fun little vignettes where you're interacting with Grogu."

Kalama also highlighted the choose-your-own-adventure aspect, stating, "There will be a critical moment where you have to make a quick decision about which bounty to pursue. This choice will determine the different destinations you visit, such as Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and the newly-announced location of Coruscant."

The narrative will revolve around Hondo Ohnaka discovering a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, setting the stage for a thrilling chase across the galaxy. Guests will join Mando and Grogu to track down these individuals and claim a bounty, creating a dynamic and expansive adventure.

The BDX Droids Will Be Traveling From Disney Parks Around the World Right Into Your Heart

The charming BDX Droids, beloved by Star Wars fans globally, are set to make their way to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. These droids, also featured in The Mandalorian & Grogu, have been in development to enhance the immersive experiences at Disney Parks.

"The goal of the BDX Droids was to bring characters to life in our parks in new and exciting ways," Kalama said. "This is technology merging with entertainment and a backstory created specifically for the parks. They've appeared in games and other places, but we've crafted an original story for our guests, evolving it as we introduce them worldwide."

Serna added, "They have fun, childlike qualities and do all sorts of cute things. We've given each droid a unique personality, allowing for deeper engagement and flexibility in expanding their world. Just like with R2-D2, guests will connect with specific BDX droids based on their colors and personalities."

Kalama and Serna also discussed how technological advancements in animatronics are shaping future Disney Park experiences. "The technology behind our animatronics influences how we approach robotics and character interactions," Serna said. "We're exploring ways to bring these experiences out of attractions and into the streets, using technology in unexpected ways to create up-close, immersive moments."

Kalama emphasized the importance of using technology to create believable experiences. "We're in the business of creating suspension of disbelief," he noted. "It's a unique challenge to bring character, emotion, and personality to life through robotics, ensuring guests feel something meaningful."

From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future

Like many of us, Kalama and Serna grew up inspired by Disney Parks and specific attractions that fueled their passion to create new experiences for future generations. Reflecting on their favorite rides, Serna shared, "Riding Peter Pan as a kid was exhilarating. The feeling of flying was mind-blowing. Later, as a Star Wars fan, Star Tours changed my perspective on what theme parks could achieve. It transported me into a Star Wars story during a time when new content was scarce."

"When we do our jobs well, we invite guests of all ages to feel truly transported and lost in a fantasy," Serna continued. "I draw inspiration from what 10-year-old Michael loved, hoping to create experiences that resonate with guests of all ages."

Kalama recounted his own Disney experience, "My first visit was at eight years old, and I was obsessed with science fiction. I refused to leave Tomorrowland. Star Tours was the ultimate attraction for me; it completely suspended disbelief and made me feel like I was traveling through the galaxy. That sense of magic and immersion is powerful for both kids and adults."

Now, Kalama and Serna are shaping the future of Disney Parks. Serna highlighted his work on Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga at Disneyland, a projection show at Galaxy's Edge that enhances the daily fireworks with a Star Wars narrative.

"We looked at the opportunity to create something special during the fireworks," Serna explained. "We collaborated with Lucasfilm to craft a story with a character and a droid, turning the nightly spectacle into an immersive experience. Shadows of Memory uses the spires as a projection space, telling Anakin Skywalker's story in a new way."

Kalama emphasized the meticulous attention to detail that goes into their work. "We have serious conversations about elements like the type of screw head to use because certain things don't exist in the Star Wars timeline. Every small detail contributes to the authenticity and immersion of the experience."