The SXSW panel titled "The Future of World-building at Disney" provided a thrilling glimpse into the future of Disney Parks, with exciting updates on new attractions and collaborations across various projects. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman showcased how their teams' collaborative efforts are pushing the boundaries of park experiences. Below are the major announcements and reveals from the panel.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Will Join Smuggler's Run in a New Mission at the Launch of The Mandalorian & Grogu Film
Fans of the Star Wars universe have more to look forward to as The Mandalorian and Grogu will soon be part of a new mission on the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. This new experience is set to debut in sync with the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, offered insights into the upcoming story, accompanied by stunning concept art that showcases locations like a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest near Cloud City on Bespin, and a visit to the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor.
Favreau emphasized that the mission will not retell the movie's plot but will instead allow guests to participate in events happening just off-camera, promising a highly authentic experience. Additionally, the beloved BDX droids from Disneyland will expand their presence to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new variant named Otto, an Anzellan similar to Babu Frik, set to appear on a BDX needing a tune-up.
Here's a Sneak Peak 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 an innovative themed roller coaster. This attraction will be Disney Park's first-ever suspended coaster and the first with a vertical lift, aiming to immerse guests in the dream-like experience of soaring through Monsters, Inc.'s door vault. Disney offered a first look at the load area, setting the stage for the thrilling adventure to come.
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 exciting developments about the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom. Hundgen highlighted the goal of creating an emotional experience, necessitating a new type of ride vehicle that goes beyond simple transportation. To achieve this, the team ventured into the Arizona desert to gather real-world data by riding off-road vehicles over rocky terrain. The new ride, set outside of Radiator Springs, will simulate a thrilling rally race through the mountains.
Further research involved collaborating with a motocross company to build a dirt track for testing customized production vehicles equipped with sensors. These vehicles will not only navigate the terrain but also embody unique personalities, names, and numbers, adding a touch of Disney and Pixar magic.
Robert Downey Jr. Stops by Disney's SXSW Panel to Help Share More About the New Avengers Campus Attractions
Disneyland's Avengers Campus is expanding with two new attractions, one of which is Avengers Infinity Defense, where guests join forces with the Avengers to combat King Thanos across multiple worlds. However, the spotlight was on Stark Flight Lab, with Robert Downey Jr. making a surprise appearance to discuss his return as Tony Stark. This attraction will invite guests into Tony's workshop to experience his latest technological innovations.
Downey Jr. described these experiences as embodying the Stark Enterprises mission statement, emphasizing curiosity, passion, and a drive to enhance the world. The ride features "gyro-kinetic pods" that are maneuvered by a giant robot arm, inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers. This innovative approach, as explained by Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn, showcases the technology as part of the story, a first for Disney Parks. The robotic arm, inspired by Tony Stark's DUM-E, was developed with the help of dancers and motion capture to enhance its realism.
