Disney's Future World-Building: SXSW Panel Reveals All

The Future of World-building at Disney Panel during SXSW unveiled thrilling updates and teases about upcoming Disney Parks attractions. The panel, led by Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman, highlighted the collaborative efforts between their teams to bring exciting new experiences to life. From new missions aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run to innovative ride vehicles for a Magic Kingdom's Cars attraction, and a glimpse into the load area of the new Monsters, Inc. attraction, Disney fans have a lot to look forward to.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Will Join Smuggler's Run in a New Mission at the Launch of The Mandalorian & Grogu Film

Disney Parks enthusiasts knew that The Mandalorian and Grogu would feature in a new story on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Now, Disney has confirmed that this new experience will launch alongside the much-anticipated The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, creator of The Mandalorian, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, provided insights into this upcoming narrative, sharing captivating concept art of iconic locations such as a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest approaching 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 would not retell the movie's events but would allow guests to participate in an experience happening off-camera, enhancing the film's narrative. To ensure authenticity, Imagineers captured scenes directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu. Additionally, the beloved BDX droids, previously seen at Disneyland, are set to make appearances at Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. A new variant, an Anzellan named Otto, will occasionally appear on a BDX in need of a tune-up.

Image Credit: Disney

These droids will also feature in The Mandalorian & Grogu, adding another layer of excitement to the film.

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 set to open soon at Disney World's Hollywood Studios, featuring a new themed roller coaster that will be the park's first-ever suspended coaster and the first with a vertical lift. This attraction promises to immerse guests in the magical experience of soaring through Monsters, Inc.'s door vault. Disney shared a first look at the load area, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling ride. While much remains to be revealed about this attraction and its surrounding land, this sneak peek has sparked excitement among Disney fans.

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, part of a new Cars-themed land. Hundgen emphasized the focus on creating an emotional experience, stating that a new type of ride vehicle had to be invented for this attraction. This vehicle is not just a mode of transport but a means to convey feelings to guests during the ride.

To achieve this, the team ventured into the Arizona desert to experience off-road vehicles firsthand, aiding their research for a thrilling rally race through the mountains, distinct from Radiator Springs. They collaborated with a motocross company to build a custom dirt track, using it to test and develop the ride vehicle. Hundgen noted that these vehicles, equipped with sensors, are being tested to capture the desired emotional response through real-world engineering. Each car will also have its own 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

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Disneyland's Avengers Campus is set to expand with two new attractions, including Avengers Infinity Defense, where guests will join forces with the Avengers to battle King Thanos across multiple worlds. However, the highlight of Disney's SXSW panel was the reveal of Stark Flight Lab, with Robert Downey Jr. himself sharing new details. Downey Jr. will reprise his role as Tony Stark, inviting guests into his workshop to experience cutting-edge technology.

Downey Jr. described these new experiences as embodying the Stark Enterprises mission statement, emphasizing curiosity, passion, inventiveness, and a drive to enhance the world. Guests will ride in "gyro-kinetic pods" and be maneuvered by a giant robot arm, inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers, in a series of high-speed maneuvers.

Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn highlighted the uniqueness of this attraction, noting that transferring from a track to a robot arm and back again is unprecedented in theme parks. The technology itself becomes the story, with the robotic arm drawing inspiration from Tony Stark's DUM-E. To bring these robots to life, Imagineering collaborated with dancers and used motion capture technology, ensuring a realistic and engaging experience for guests.