The Future of World-building at Disney panel at SXSW was packed with exciting updates and tantalizing glimpses into the future of Disney Parks. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman highlighted the collaborative efforts driving these new experiences, showcasing the magic that happens when their teams unite.
One of the standout announcements was the integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into a new mission for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, set to debut alongside the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, provided insights into the new narrative and unveiled stunning concept art. The art depicted thrilling scenes like 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. Favreau emphasized that this experience will not retell the movie's story but rather immerse guests in an off-camera adventure. Additionally, scenes for this mission were captured directly from the film set, promising an authentic feel. The lovable BDX droids, including a new Anzellan variant named Otto, will also make their way to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, enhancing the immersive experience.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
3 Images
Disney also teased the upcoming Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney World's Hollywood Studios, featuring the park's first-ever suspended coaster with a vertical lift. A sneak peek at the load area was shared, setting the stage for guests to soar through the iconic door vault of Monsters, Inc.
Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen discussed the innovative ride vehicle being developed for the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom. The goal is to craft an emotional experience, leading to the creation of a new type of vehicle designed to convey feelings as guests ride through a thrilling rally race in the mountains. To achieve this, the team conducted real-world research in the Arizona desert and collaborated with a motocross company to build a dirt track for testing. The ride vehicles will be customized with sensors and will each have unique personalities, names, and numbers, adding a touch of Disney and Pixar magic.
Robert Downey Jr. made a special appearance at the panel to share details about the new attractions at Disneyland's Avengers Campus. The Stark Flight Lab, where Downey Jr. will reprise his role as Tony Stark, promises to immerse guests in Tony's workshop and showcase his latest technological innovations. Downey Jr. described these experiences as embodying the Stark Enterprises mission, emphasizing curiosity, passion, and a flair for the dramatic. Guests will experience high-speed maneuvers in "gyro-kinetic pods" maneuvered by a giant robot arm inspired by Tony Stark's robotic assistant, DUM-E. This attraction uniquely showcases the technology as part of the story, a first for Disney parks.
