Disney Unveils World-Building Future at SXSW

Disney's SXSW panel, "The Future of World-Building," unveiled exciting developments for Disney Parks. Highlights included the integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into a new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run mission, the creation of innovative, emotionally responsive ride vehicles for the Magic Kingdom's Cars attraction, and a sneak peek at the loading area and lift-off sequence for the new Monsters, Inc. attraction.

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman led the discussion, emphasizing the collaborative efforts driving these new park experiences.

Here are the key announcements:

The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smuggler's Run

The Mandalorian and Grogu will be incorporated into a new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run mission, launching simultaneously with *The Mandalorian & Grogu* movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared concept art showcasing locations like a Jawa Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Razor Crest near Cloud City, and even the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor. Favreau clarified that this new story complements, rather than retells, the film's narrative.

Scenes for this new mission were filmed on the set of *The Mandalorian & Grogu*, ensuring authenticity. Additionally, the popular BDX droids from Disneyland will expand to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan droid, Otto, occasionally appearing for repairs. These droids will also feature in *The Mandalorian & Grogu*.

Monsters, Inc. Attraction Sneak Peek

Disney shared a first look at the load area and lift-off for the new Monsters, Inc. roller coaster at Disney World's Hollywood Studios. This attraction, Disney's first suspended coaster and first with a vertical lift, will immerse guests in the world of Monsters, Inc.'s door vault.

Innovative Ride Vehicles for Magic Kingdom's Cars Attraction

Pixar's Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen detailed the development of a new type of ride vehicle for the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom. The ride, a thrilling mountain rally race, required the creation of a vehicle capable of conveying emotion. The team conducted extensive research, including off-road testing in the Arizona desert and building a dirt track for vehicle testing. Each vehicle will have a unique personality, name, and number.

Robert Downey Jr. on Avengers Campus Attractions

Robert Downey Jr. joined the panel to discuss Avengers Campus' new attractions. He highlighted the Stark Flight Lab, where guests will experience Tony Stark's latest inventions, emphasizing the attraction's embodiment of Stark Enterprises' mission. The ride will feature gyro-kinetic pods manipulated by a giant robotic arm, inspired by DUM-E, creating unique maneuvers. This attraction showcases the technology as a central element of the storytelling.