Star Wars Celebration offered fans an exciting glimpse into the future of Disney Parks experiences, and IGN had the privilege of discussing these developments with Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna. They shared insights on the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the introduction of the adorable BDX droids to various Disney Parks worldwide, and much more.
Kalama and Serna not only revealed these thrilling new additions but also delved into the creative process behind bringing the Disney magic to life, allowing fans to immerse themselves in beloved stories and characters in unforgettable ways.
The Mandalorian and Grogu-Themed Update to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Will Let Engineers Take Care of Grogu
A major highlight from Star Wars Celebration was the announcement that Engineers will have the unique opportunity to care for Grogu aboard the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, coinciding with the release of the themed update on May 22, 2026. Although the attraction's storyline will diverge from the film, guests will join forces with Mando and Grogu. The Engineer role, in particular, promises an engaging experience, allowing players to interact with Grogu and make pivotal decisions about their galactic destination.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
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"Throughout the mission, engineers will have the chance to communicate directly with Grogu," Kalama explained. "We're excited about creating fun and spontaneous moments where Mando might leave Grogu alone, and he starts playing with the controls. These vignettes will add a playful element to the experience."
The choose-your-own-adventure aspect involves a crucial moment where guests must quickly decide which bounty to pursue, leading to diverse destinations like Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and the newly introduced Coruscant. This decision-making is set within a new narrative where Hondo Ohnaka learns of a deal on Tatooine between former Imperial officers and pirates, prompting a high-stakes galactic chase with Mando and Grogu to claim a bounty.
The BDX Droids Will Be Traveling From Disney Parks Around the World Right Into Your Heart
The beloved BDX Droids, which have captured the hearts of Star Wars fans globally, are set to make their way to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. These droids, also featured in The Mandalorian & Grogu, are the result of extensive development aimed at enhancing guest experiences and deepening their connection to beloved stories.
"The BDX Droids represent our commitment to bringing characters to life in unique ways within our parks," Kalama stated. "We've crafted an original story for them, tailored specifically for our park settings, which has evolved as we've expanded globally."
Serna added, "These droids have distinct, childlike personalities, allowing guests to form personal connections with them, much like with iconic droids like R2-D2. Each color represents a unique personality, enhancing engagement and offering endless possibilities for expanding their world."
The introduction of BDX Droids is just one example of how Disney is continually evolving park experiences. Kalama and Serna discussed how technological advancements in animatronics are influencing the development of robotics and character interactions, aiming to create more intimate and surprising experiences throughout the parks.
From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future
Both Kalama and Serna shared personal stories of how their love for Disney Parks and certain attractions inspired them to join the team responsible for creating new experiences. Their childhood favorites, like Peter Pan and Star Tours, fueled their passion for crafting immersive experiences for future generations.
"Riding Peter Pan as a kid was magical," Serna recalled. "The sensation of flying was mind-blowing. Later, Star Tours, with its connection to Star Wars, truly transformed my understanding of what theme parks could achieve. It wasn't just a ride; it was a new adventure within a beloved universe."
Kalama echoed this sentiment, sharing, "My first visit to the park was as an eight-year-old, and I was fixated on Tomorrowland and Star Tours. The complete immersion into a fantasy world was powerful, and it's something we strive to replicate for all our guests, regardless of age."
Now, Kalama and Serna are instrumental in shaping the future of Disney Parks. Serna highlighted his work on Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga at Disneyland, a projection show at Galaxy's Edge that enhances the nightly fireworks with a Star Wars narrative, even on non-fireworks nights.
"We saw an opportunity to enhance the daily fireworks experience in Batuu," Serna said. "Working with Lucasfilm, we created a character and a droid to enrich the storytelling, leading to an immersive projection show that brings the tale of Anakin Skywalker to life in a new way."
Kalama emphasized the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every aspect of the park, from the type of screw head used to the design of receipt paper, all contributing to the authenticity and immersive quality of the experience.
"We have countless discussions about the smallest details," Kalama noted. "These may seem insignificant on their own, but together, they create a truly authentic and immersive environment for our guests."
