Disney's SXSW Panel Unveils World-Building Future

The Future of World-Building at Disney: Exciting Updates from SXSW

At the recent SXSW panel titled "The Future of World-Building at Disney," Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman unveiled an array of thrilling updates about upcoming attractions and experiences at Disney Parks. The panel, brimming with anticipation and excitement, showcased how Disney continues to innovate and push the boundaries of immersive storytelling.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smuggler's Run in a New Mission

A highlight of the panel was the confirmation that The Mandalorian and Grogu will star in a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, set to launch alongside the eagerly awaited The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared insights and concept art that promise to thrill fans. The new experience, filmed on the set of the movie, will offer guests a chance to participate in an adventure happening just off-camera from the film's storyline.

Concept art revealed a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest heading towards Cloud City on Bespin, and a glimpse of the second Death Star wreckage above Endor. Adding to the excitement, beloved BDX droids, including a new Anzellan variant named Otto, will soon grace Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run

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Sneak Peek at the New Monsters, Inc. Attraction Load Area and Lift Off

Disney World's Hollywood Studios is set to introduce Monsters, Inc. Land, featuring the park's first-ever suspended roller coaster with a vertical lift. The panel offered a first look at the attraction's load area, designed to set the stage for guests' dream-come-true moment of soaring through the iconic door vault.

New Ride Vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Upcoming Cars Attraction

Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen revealed details about the new Cars-themed land at Magic Kingdom. The attraction's focus is on creating an emotional experience, necessitating the development of a unique ride vehicle. To ensure authenticity, the team tested off-road vehicles in the Arizona desert and collaborated with a motocross company to build a dirt track for further research. The resulting ride vehicle will not only transport guests but also convey a feeling during a thrilling rally race through the mountains, complete with Disney and Pixar magic, including personalized cars with names and numbers.

Robert Downey Jr. Shares Details on New Avengers Campus Attractions

Avengers Campus at Disneyland is expanding with two new attractions. The first, Avengers Infinity Defense, involves teaming up with Avengers to combat King Thanos across multiple worlds. The second, Stark Flight Lab, was highlighted by Robert Downey Jr., who will reprise his role as Tony Stark. This attraction will immerse guests in Tony's workshop, experiencing his latest tech innovations in "gyro-kinetic pods" manipulated by a giant robot arm inspired by DUM-E. This innovative ride, blending technology and storytelling, promises a unique experience where the tech itself becomes the narrative.

The panel underscored Disney's commitment to creating unforgettable experiences through collaboration and innovation, ensuring that each new attraction not only entertains but also deeply engages guests in the magic of storytelling.