Disney's World-Building Future: SXSW Panel Highlights

The SXSW panel, "The Future of World-building at Disney," was brimming with thrilling updates and tantalizing glimpses into the future of Disney Parks. From the integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run to the creation of an innovative ride vehicle with emotional depth for Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars attraction, Disney showcased its commitment to pushing the boundaries of theme park experiences. Additionally, the panel teased the load area and lift-off for the eagerly anticipated Monsters, Inc. attraction, promising an immersive journey into the world of the beloved film.

Led by Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman, the panel highlighted the synergy between their teams, emphasizing how collaboration is key to delivering exceptional new experiences at Disney Parks. The event was packed with significant announcements and reveals, offering fans a wealth of exciting information.

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

It was confirmed that The Mandalorian and Grogu will feature in a new story within Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. This new experience is set to debut alongside the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, the creator of The Mandalorian, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, provided insights into this upcoming narrative and unveiled concept art showcasing 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 glimpse at the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor.

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

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Favreau clarified that the new mission will not retell the movie's plot but will instead allow guests to participate in an event occurring just off-screen. The authenticity of the experience is ensured by capturing scenes directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu. Furthermore, the delightful BDX droids, previously seen at Disneyland, will expand their presence to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. A new variant featuring an Anzellan character named Otto, akin to Babu Frik, will also make appearances, adding to the charm of these droids, which will also feature in The Mandalorian & Grogu.

Image Credit: Disney

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

Monsters, Inc. Land is set to open at Disney World's Hollywood Studios, featuring a thrilling new themed roller coaster. This will be Disney Parks' first-ever suspended coaster and the first with a vertical lift. Guests will experience the dream of soaring through the door vault of Monsters, Inc., and Disney has shared a first look at the load area, which sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating ride.

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

Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen shared new details about the upcoming Cars attraction, which will be part of the new Cars-themed land at Magic Kingdom. Hundgen emphasized the goal of creating an emotional experience for guests, necessitating the development of a new type of ride vehicle. This vehicle isn't just a means of transportation but is designed to convey a feeling during the ride. To achieve this, the team conducted research in the Arizona desert, riding off-road vehicles to gather data on how to replicate the experience of a thrilling rally race through the mountains.

Collaborating with a motocross company, they built a dirt track to test and refine the ride vehicle, which is equipped with sensors to collect data on its performance over varied terrain. The vehicles will be further enhanced with Disney and Pixar magic, each having its own personality, name, and number.

Image Credit: Disney

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

Image Credit: Disney

Disneyland's Avengers Campus is set to introduce two new attractions, one of which is Avengers Infinity Defense, where guests will collaborate with 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 he will reprise his role as Tony Stark. This attraction will immerse guests in Tony's workshop, showcasing new technology he's developed.

Downey Jr. described these new experiences as embodying the mission statement of Stark Enterprises, emphasizing curiosity, passion, inventiveness, and a commitment to enhancing the world. Guests will experience the ride in "gyro-kinetic pods," which will be maneuvered by a giant robot arm, inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers. This innovative approach, where technology itself becomes the story, was highlighted by Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn as a unique feature of the attraction.

The focus on the robotic arm, inspired by Tony Stark's DUM-E, showcases how Imagineering is using motion capture and dancers to bring these robots to life, ensuring a highly immersive and authentic experience for guests.