Star Wars Celebration offered fans a thrilling glimpse into the future of Disney Parks experiences, and IGN had the opportunity to sit down with Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna. They discussed the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the introduction of the adorable BDX droids to various Disney Parks, and much more. Kalama and Serna also shared insights into how they bring Disney magic to life, creating unforgettable experiences that connect guests with their favorite stories and characters.
The Mandalorian and Grogu-Themed Update to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run Will Let Engineers Take Care of Grogu
A major highlight from Star Wars Celebration was the announcement that the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run attraction will receive a The Mandalorian and Grogu-themed update on May 22, 2026. While the storyline will diverge from the film, guests will team up with Mando and Grogu. The Engineer role is particularly exciting as it allows players to interact with Grogu and make pivotal choices about their destination in the galaxy.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
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"Throughout the mission, engineers will have the chance to communicate with Grogu," Kalama explained. "It's going to be a lot of fun. There might be moments when Mando has to leave the Razor Crest, leaving Grogu to play with the control panel. We love the idea of creating fun vignettes where guests are on the comm with Grogu."
The attraction will feature a choose-your-own-adventure element, where players face a critical moment and must quickly decide which bounty to pursue. This choice will determine whether guests visit Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, or the newly-announced location of Coruscant. The new storyline involves Hondo Ohnaka learning of a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, setting the stage for a high-stakes chase across the galaxy. Guests will join forces with Mando and Grogu to track them down and claim a bounty in a dynamic, galaxy-spanning adventure.
The BDX Droids Will Be Traveling From Disney Parks Around the World Right Into Your Heart
The beloved BDX Droids, which have captured the hearts of Star Wars fans, are set to make their way to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. These droids, also featured in The Mandalorian & Grogu, have been in development to enhance guest experiences and immerse them deeper into the Star Wars universe.
"The goal of the BDX Droids was to explore new ways to bring characters to life in our parks," Kalama said. "This merges technology with entertainment and a backstory created specifically for the parks. They've appeared in games and other media, but we've crafted an original story for the parks and evolved it across different locations worldwide."
"These droids have childlike qualities and exhibit cute behaviors," Serna added. "By giving each droid a distinct personality, we make them more engaging and allow for continuous expansion of their world. Just as fans connect with R2-D2, we believe guests will form connections with different BDX droid colors, each representing a unique personality."
The introduction of BDX Droids is part of Disney's ongoing efforts to evolve park experiences. Kalama and Serna discussed how technological advancements in animatronics are influencing the creation of more interactive and personal experiences within the parks.
"The technology behind animatronics is inspiring our approach to robotics and character experiences," Serna stated. "We're looking to bring these experiences out of attractions and into the streets. Expect to see more of this technology used in unexpected ways around our parks worldwide."
"Using technology in both unexpected and invisible ways is crucial to our work," Kalama added. "We aim to create a sense of suspension and disbelief, bringing characters to life with emotion and personality. This presents unique technical challenges, distinct from those in other industries."
From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future
Like many of us, Kalama and Serna were inspired by Disney Parks and specific attractions that led them to join the team creating new experiences for future generations. They shared how their childhood memories of attractions like Peter Pan and Star Tours influenced their work.
"Riding Peter Pan as a child was incredibly exciting," Serna recalled. "Flying in the vehicle was mind-blowing. As a Star Wars fan, Star Tours was life-changing. It showed what theme parks could achieve. Peter Pan was a story from the past, but Star Tours was a new adventure within the Star Wars universe. When we do our jobs well, we transport guests of all ages into a fantasy world."
"My first visit to the park was at eight years old, and I was obsessed with science fiction," Kalama shared. "I refused to leave Tomorrowland. Star Tours was the attraction that captivated me with its suspension of disbelief. The magic of entering a complete fantasy world is crucial for both children and adults. We aim to invite the entire family to feel truly transported."
Kalama and Serna are now shaping the future of Disney Parks experiences. Serna highlighted his work on Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga at Disneyland, a projection show at Galaxy's Edge that enhances the nightly fireworks with a Star Wars narrative.
"Shadows of Memory was a two-year project," Serna explained. "We saw an opportunity to create something special during the daily fireworks at Galaxy's Edge. Working with Lucasfilm, we created a character, a droid, and a performative piece that evolved into a projection show using the spires. It tells the story of Anakin Skywalker in a way never done before in a theme park."
Kalama emphasized the importance of attention to detail in their work. "We have serious discussions about elements like screw heads and receipt paper to ensure authenticity and immersion," he said. "These small details might seem insignificant on their own, but together, they create a truly immersive experience."
