Disney's SXSW panel on world-building unveiled thrilling updates for Disney Parks, spotlighting new experiences like The Mandalorian and Grogu joining Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, a groundbreaking ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars attraction, and a sneak peek at the Monsters, Inc. roller coaster.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman guided the event, sharing insights on collaborative efforts to craft innovative park experiences.
Here’s a roundup of the panel’s major announcements and highlights!
The Mandalorian and Grogu to Star in New Smuggler's Run Mission Tied to Film Release
Disney confirmed that The Mandalorian and Grogu will feature in a new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run storyline at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, launching with their film on May 22, 2026.
Jon Favreau, creator of The Mandalorian, alongside Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, showcased concept art featuring a Jawa Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Razor Crest soaring toward Bespin’s Cloud City, and a glimpse of the second Death Star’s wreckage above Endor.
Concept Art for The Mandalorian and Grogu Smuggler's Run Mission
3 Images
“This experience won’t retell the movie’s plot but will immerse guests in events unfolding just beyond the film’s frame,” Favreau shared.
Imagineers filmed scenes on the movie’s set to ensure authenticity in this new adventure.
Additionally, Disney revealed that the popular BDX droids from Disneyland will soon appear at Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. A new Anzellan character, Otto, akin to Babu Frik, will occasionally pop up on a BDX droid needing repairs.
The BDX droids will also make a cameo in The Mandalorian & Grogu film.
First Look at Monsters, Inc. Attraction’s Load Area and Lift-Off at Disney World
A new Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios will feature the park’s first suspended roller coaster with a vertical lift, promising an exhilarating ride through the iconic door vault.
Disney offered a glimpse of the load area, setting the stage for an immersive experience.
While details about the land and attraction are still emerging, this preview sparks anticipation.
New Cars Attraction at Magic Kingdom Requires Custom Ride Vehicle for Emotional Impact
Pixar’s Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen discussed the upcoming Cars-themed land at Magic Kingdom, highlighting a new attraction requiring a unique ride vehicle.
“Our aim is to deliver an emotional journey,” Hundgen said. “This Cars ride demands a vehicle that does more than transport—it must evoke feeling.”
To perfect the experience, the team tested off-road vehicles in Arizona’s desert and built a dirt track with a motocross company to simulate a thrilling mountain rally race, distinct from Radiator Springs.
“We’re customizing a production vehicle with sensors to study terrain response, translating that feeling into engineering,” Hundgen explained.
Each vehicle will boast a unique personality, name, and number, infused with Pixar’s signature charm.
Robert Downey Jr. Shares Details on New Avengers Campus Attractions at SXSW
Disneyland’s Avengers Campus will introduce two new attractions, including Avengers Infinity Defense, where guests join Avengers to battle King Thanos across multiple worlds. The highlight, however, was Stark Flight Lab, revealed with insights from Robert Downey Jr.
Returning as Tony Stark, Downey Jr. described the Stark Flight Lab as an immersive dive into Tony’s workshop, showcasing cutting-edge tech.
“These attractions embody Stark Enterprises’ mission to innovate and enhance lives with fun,” Downey said.
Guests will board “gyro-kinetic pods” maneuvered by a giant robotic arm, inspired by Iron Man’s high-speed feats.
“Switching from a track to a robotic arm and back is unprecedented in theme parks,” said Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Imagineering. “The tech itself is the story, so we’re showcasing it.”
The robotic arm, inspired by Tony Stark’s DUM-E, uses motion capture and choreography to feel lifelike, blending technology and storytelling seamlessly.
