The Future of World-Building at Disney Panel From SXSW: Everything Announced

Disney's SXSW panel, "The Future of World-Building," unveiled exciting updates on upcoming park experiences. Highlights included the integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into a new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run mission, the development of innovative, emotionally responsive ride vehicles for the Magic Kingdom's Cars attraction, and a sneak peek at the immersive 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 highlighted the collaborative efforts driving these innovative park experiences.

Here's a summary of the biggest announcements:

The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smuggler's Run

The Mandalorian and Grogu will star in a new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run mission, launching alongside *The Mandalorian & Grogu* movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared concept art showcasing locations like Tatooine's Jawa Sandcrawler, the Millennium Falcon and Razor Crest near Bespin's Cloud City, and even a glimpse of the second Death Star wreckage above Endor. Favreau emphasized this new story is not a movie retelling, but a unique, adjacent experience.

Scenes were captured directly from *The Mandalorian & Grogu*'s set, ensuring authenticity. Additionally, the popular BDX droids will expand to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan droid, Otto, joining the ranks.

The BDX droids will also appear in *The Mandalorian & Grogu*.

Monsters, Inc. Attraction: Load Area and Lift-Off

Disney World's Hollywood Studios' upcoming Monsters, Inc. Land will feature a suspended coaster—a first for Disney Parks—with a vertical lift. A sneak peek at the load area, shared via Instagram, sets the stage for this thrilling experience.

Magic Kingdom's Cars Attraction: Innovative Ride Vehicles

Pixar's Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen detailed the development of a new ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars attraction. Hundgen emphasized the creation of an "emotional experience," requiring a vehicle that goes beyond simple transportation. Research included off-road testing in Arizona and building a custom dirt track to gather data on vehicle response to various terrains.

Each vehicle will have a unique personality, name, and number, adding a Disney and Pixar touch.

Avengers Campus: Stark Flight Lab

Robert Downey Jr. joined the panel to discuss Avengers Campus' Stark Flight Lab, an attraction placing guests in Tony Stark's workshop. Downey Jr. described the experience as embodying the Stark Enterprises mission statement, focusing on innovation and entertainment.

Guests will ride in gyro-kinetic pods manipulated by a giant robotic arm, performing high-speed maneuvers. Imagineering's Bruce Vaughn highlighted the unique integration of technology as a key storytelling element, drawing inspiration from DUM-E. Dancers and motion capture were used to bring the robotic arm to life.