Disney's SXSW Panel Unveils World-Building Future

The Future of World-building at Disney Panel at SXSW unveiled thrilling updates about upcoming attractions and experiences at Disney Parks. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman highlighted the collaborative efforts between their teams, promising innovative and exciting new experiences for park-goers.

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 embark on a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. This thrilling new experience will coincide with the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, provided insights into this new narrative, revealing concept art showcasing iconic locations like 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 clarified that the new mission won't retell the movie's plot but will allow guests to participate in events happening off-camera. Scenes for this new story were captured directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu, promising an authentic experience. Additionally, the beloved BDX droids, familiar to Disneyland visitors, will expand to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. A new variant featuring an Anzellan character named Otto will also make appearances, adding a delightful twist.

Excitingly, these droids will also feature in The Mandalorian & Grogu film, further integrating the park experience with the cinematic universe.

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

Monsters, Inc. Land is on its way to Disney World's Hollywood Studios, featuring a groundbreaking themed roller coaster—the park's first-ever suspended coaster with a vertical lift. This attraction promises guests a magical journey through Monsters, Inc.'s door vault. Disney provided a glimpse of the load area, setting the stage for 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 details about the forthcoming Cars-themed attraction at Magic Kingdom. The focus is on creating an emotional experience, leading to the development of a new type of ride vehicle. "We have to create a car that conveys a feeling when you ride in it," Hundgen explained. To achieve this, the team conducted research in the Arizona desert, riding off-road vehicles to capture the thrill of a rally race through the mountains.

Collaborating with a motocross company, they built a dirt track to refine the vehicle's design, incorporating sensors to gather data on terrain response. Each ride vehicle will be personalized with its own name, number, and personality, enhancing the emotional connection with guests.

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

Avengers Campus at Disneyland is set to introduce two new attractions. Avengers Infinity Defense will see guests teaming up with Avengers to battle King Thanos across multiple worlds. The highlight of the SXSW panel was the announcement of Stark Flight Lab, where Robert Downey Jr. returned as Tony Stark to share new details. This attraction will immerse guests in Tony's workshop, showcasing his latest technological innovations.

Downey Jr. emphasized the attraction's alignment with Stark Enterprises' mission, focusing on curiosity, passion, and innovation. Guests will experience high-speed maneuvers in "gyro-kinetic pods," guided by a giant robot arm inspired by Tony Stark's DUM-E. This unique ride combines track and robotic arm technology, a first in theme park history. Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn noted the attraction's innovative approach, where the technology itself becomes part of the story, using dancers and motion capture to bring the robotic elements to life.