SXSW's "The Future of World-Building at Disney" panel unveiled exciting developments for Disney Parks. Highlights included The Mandalorian and Grogu joining a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the creation of a revolutionary, emotionally responsive ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars attraction, and a sneak peek at the load area and lift-off 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 innovative park experiences. Here are the key announcements:
The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smuggler's Run
The Mandalorian and Grogu will be integrated into a new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run storyline at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, launching alongside The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared concept art (see below) 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 this new story won't retell the film but will offer an adjacent experience. Scenes were filmed on The Mandalorian & Grogu set, 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
Monsters, Inc. Land, coming to Disney World's Hollywood Studios, will feature a suspended roller coaster—a first for Disney Parks—with a vertical lift. A first look at the load area was revealed, setting the stage for the immersive experience.
Magic Kingdom's Cars Attraction: A New Kind of Ride Vehicle
Pixar's Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen detailed the new Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars Land. Hundgen emphasized the creation of a novel ride vehicle designed to evoke emotion. Research involved off-road vehicle testing in the Arizona desert and building a dirt track to refine the vehicle's design. Each vehicle will have a unique personality, name, and number.
Avengers Campus: Robert Downey Jr. and Stark Flight Lab
Robert Downey Jr. joined the panel to discuss Avengers Campus' new attractions. He highlighted Stark Flight Lab, an experience taking guests into Tony Stark's workshop, emphasizing the "living embodiment" of Stark Enterprises' mission. The ride uses gyro-kinetic pods and a giant robotic arm (inspired by DUM-E) for high-speed maneuvers. The technology itself is a key element of the attraction's storytelling.
