Disney's SXSW "Future of World-Building" panel unveiled exciting updates for Disney Parks. Highlights included The Mandalorian and Grogu joining a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the development of a revolutionary, emotionally responsive ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars attraction, and a sneak peek at the load 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 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 simultaneously with the release of *The Mandalorian & Grogu* movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, alongside Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared concept art (see below) depicting locations such as 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 experience will be a unique side-story, not a retelling of the film's events.
Scenes for this new story 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 variant, Otto, occasionally appearing for repairs.
The BDX droids will also appear in *The Mandalorian & Grogu*.
Monsters, Inc. Attraction Sneak Peek
Disney World's Hollywood Studios' upcoming Monsters, Inc. Land will feature a suspended coaster—a first for Disney Parks—with a vertical lift. The panel offered a first look at the load area, setting the stage for the attraction's unique experience.
Revolutionary Ride Vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars Attraction
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 specific emotions. Research included off-road vehicle testing in the Arizona desert and building a dirt track to refine the vehicle's response to different terrains. 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 technology, describing it as the "living embodiment of the Stark Enterprises mission statement." The ride will utilize gyro-kinetic pods and a giant robotic arm for high-speed maneuvers, with the technology itself being a key element of the experience. The robotic arm draws inspiration from DUM-E, and dancers and motion capture were used to enhance its realism.
