The Future of World-building at Disney Panel at SXSW was brimming with thrilling insights and sneak peeks into the future of Disney Parks. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman led the panel, highlighting the collaborative efforts between their teams to craft immersive new experiences. The panel promised exciting developments, including the integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the creation of a novel ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars attraction, and a glimpse of the load area and lift off for the new Monsters, Inc. attraction.

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

The much-anticipated inclusion of The Mandalorian and Grogu in a new story for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will coincide with the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, provided insights into this new adventure, unveiling concept art 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.

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

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Favreau emphasized that the new experience will offer guests a chance to engage in a parallel narrative to the film, capturing scenes directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu to ensure authenticity. Additionally, the beloved BDX droids from Disneyland will expand their presence to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new variant featuring an Anzellan droid named Otto, akin to Babu Frik, who will occasionally require maintenance.

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These BDX droids will also make an appearance in The Mandalorian & Grogu film, adding to the excitement.

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

Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney World's Hollywood Studios is set to introduce a thrilling new themed roller coaster, marking Disney Park's first-ever suspended coaster with a vertical lift. The new attraction will transport guests through the door vault of Monsters, Inc., and Disney has provided an initial look at the load area, which sets the stage for the exhilarating experience to come. While more details are yet to be revealed, this preview is a promising start.

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 innovative details about the forthcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom. Hundgen explained that the goal is to craft an emotional journey for guests, necessitating the development of a unique ride vehicle designed to evoke specific feelings. To achieve this, the team conducted research in the Arizona desert, riding off-road vehicles to gather data on how to simulate a thrilling rally race through mountainous terrain.

Collaborating with a motocross company, they built a custom dirt track to test and refine the vehicle's performance. These ride vehicles, equipped with sensors and tailored to the experience, will not only navigate the course but also possess individual personalities, names, and numbers, enhancing the immersive Disney and Pixar magic.

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

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Avengers Campus at Disneyland is set to expand with two new attractions. Avengers Infinity Defense will see guests teaming up with Avengers members to battle King Thanos across multiple worlds. However, the highlight of Disney's SXSW panel was the introduction of Stark Flight Lab, where Robert Downey Jr. reprised his role as Tony Stark to share details about this new experience.

Stark Flight Lab will immerse guests in Tony's workshop, showcasing his latest technological innovations. Downey Jr. described these attractions as embodying the mission of Stark Enterprises, emphasizing curiosity, passion, inventiveness, and a commitment to improving life through fun and engaging experiences.

The ride will feature guests seated in "gyro-kinetic pods," which will be maneuvered by a giant robot arm inspired by Tony Stark's robot, DUM-E. This innovative approach, where the technology itself is the story, marks a unique departure from traditional theme park design. Imagineering, led by Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn, used dancers and motion capture to bring a lifelike quality to the robotic elements, ensuring an unparalleled visitor experience.