Disney's SXSW Panel Unveils World-Building Future

The SXSW panel titled "The Future of World-building at Disney" provided a wealth of exciting updates and insights into upcoming attractions and experiences at Disney Parks. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman highlighted the synergy between their teams, showcasing how collaboration leads to innovative and thrilling new experiences for guests.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Will Join Smuggler's Run in a New Mission at the Launch of The Mandalorian & Grogu Film

Disney confirmed that The Mandalorian and Grogu will feature in a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, set to debut alongside the release of the The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared insights into this new narrative, which won't simply retell the movie's events but will offer a parallel experience happening off-screen. The authenticity of this experience will be enhanced by scenes captured directly from the film set.

Concept art for the new mission was revealed, featuring iconic locations such as a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest approaching Cloud City on Bespin, and a visit to the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor.

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Additionally, beloved BDX droids from Disneyland will expand their presence to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan variant named Otto occasionally appearing on a BDX in need of maintenance.

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

Monsters, Inc. Land, soon to be introduced at Disney World's Hollywood Studios, will feature a thrilling new roller coaster—the park's first-ever suspended coaster and the first with a vertical lift. Guests will experience the thrill of soaring through the door vault of Monsters, Inc. Disney provided a first look at the load area, which sets an exciting tone for the attraction.

Pixar and Imagineering Reveal a New Type of Ride Vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Upcoming Cars Attraction

Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen unveiled details about the new Cars-themed attraction at Magic Kingdom. The focus is on creating an emotional experience, necessitating the development of a unique ride vehicle designed to convey feelings beyond mere transportation.

To achieve this, the team conducted research in the Arizona desert, riding off-road vehicles to gather data on how to replicate the thrill of a rally race through mountainous terrain. They collaborated with a motocross company to build a dirt track for further testing and development. Each vehicle will have its own personality, name, and number, adding a touch of Disney and Pixar magic.

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Robert Downey Jr. Stops by Disney's SXSW Panel to Share More About the New Avengers Campus Attractions

Disneyland's Avengers Campus will soon feature two new attractions, including Avengers Infinity Defense, where guests will join forces with the Avengers to combat King Thanos across multiple worlds. The highlight of the panel was Robert Downey Jr.'s appearance, sharing details about the Stark Flight Lab, where guests will enter Tony Stark's workshop and experience his latest technological innovations.

Downey Jr. emphasized the alignment of these experiences with Stark Enterprises' mission to enhance life and entertainment. Guests will ride in "gyro-kinetic pods" and be maneuvered by a giant robot arm inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers, in a unique blend of track and robotic arm technology.

Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn explained that this attraction uniquely showcases the technology as part of the story, drawing inspiration from Tony Stark's robot, DUM-E. The team used dancers and motion capture to bring these robots to life, ensuring a realistic and engaging experience.

Image Credit: Disney