Star Wars Celebration unveiled exciting updates for Disney Parks, and IGN had the privilege of speaking with Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna about the upcoming enhancements. These include a thrilling Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run and the introduction of the adorable BDX droids to various Disney Parks worldwide. Both Kalama and Serna shared insights into the magic behind these experiences, emphasizing how they bring beloved stories and characters to life, creating unforgettable moments for guests.

The Mandalorian and Grogu-Themed Update to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

One of the highlights from Star Wars Celebration was the announcement that Engineers will have the unique opportunity to care for Grogu aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run. This update, set to launch alongside a new film on May 22, 2026, promises a fresh narrative path distinct from the movie. Each crew member will team up with Mando and Grogu, but it's the Engineer's role that's particularly enticing. They'll interact directly with Grogu and make critical decisions about their galactic destinations.

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

View 16 Images

"Throughout the mission, we're going to be giving the engineers the opportunity to actually get to communicate with Grogu," Kalama explained. "It's going to be a ton of fun. There may be times when Mando has to leave the Razor Crest, leaving Grogu to his own devices, which might lead to some playful moments at the control panel. We love the idea of these fun little vignettes where you're on the comm with Grogu."

The update also introduces a choose-your-own-adventure element, where players face a critical moment requiring a quick decision on which bounty to pursue. This choice will lead them to iconic locations like Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and the newly announced Coruscant. The storyline revolves around Hondo Ohnaka's discovery of a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, setting the stage for a high-stakes galactic chase. Guests will join Mando and Grogu to track down the culprits and claim a bounty in a dynamic adventure.

The BDX Droids Will Be Traveling From Disney Parks Around the World Right Into Your Heart

The charming BDX Droids, beloved by 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 developed to enhance guest experiences and deepen immersion in the Star Wars universe.

Image Credit: Disney

"The goal of the BDX Droids was to explore new ways to bring characters to life in our parks," Kalama said. "This is where technology meets entertainment and a unique backstory we created specifically for the parks. They've appeared in games and other media, but we crafted an original story for our guests, evolving it as we introduce them to different parks worldwide."

"These droids have childlike qualities and engage in cute behaviors," Serna added. "We've given each one a distinct personality, which makes them more engaging and allows us to expand their world. Just as fans connect with R2-D2, we believe guests will form bonds with different colors of BDX droids, each representing a unique personality."

The introduction of BDX Droids is part of Disney's ongoing efforts to enhance park experiences. Kalama and Serna discussed how technology influences their approach to robotics and character interactions, aiming to create more intimate and inspiring experiences.

"The technology behind our animatronics is shaping how we think about robotics and character experiences," Serna noted. "We're inspired by attractions like Frozen and are exploring ways to bring these experiences out of attractions and onto the streets. You'll see more of these innovative uses of technology in our parks worldwide."

"Using technology in unexpected and invisible ways is crucial to our approach," Kalama added. "We're in the business of creating suspension of disbelief, and robotics is often the key to bringing characters to life. However, our challenge is to infuse these robots with emotion and personality, which is a unique technical challenge compared to industrial applications."

From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future

Kalama and Serna, like many Disney enthusiasts, were inspired by their childhood experiences at Disney Parks. They shared how attractions like Peter Pan and Star Tours fueled their passion and influenced their careers in creating new experiences for future generations.

"As a child, riding Peter Pan was exhilarating," Serna recalled. "The feeling of flying was mind-blowing. Later, as a Star Wars fan, Star Tours transformed my understanding of 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, which was incredible during a time when new Star Wars content was scarce."

"When we do our jobs well, we transport guests of all ages into a fantasy world," Serna continued. "It's about creating experiences that resonate with everyone, inspired by what I loved as a child."

"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 truly captivated me with its suspension of disbelief. It's this magic of entering a complete fantasy world that's powerful for both kids and adults."

Now, Kalama and Serna are shaping the future of Disney Parks. 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.

Image Credit: Disney

"We saw an opportunity to enhance the daily fireworks experience in Batuu," Serna explained. "We worked with Lucasfilm to create a Star Wars-themed show, introducing a storyteller and a droid to enrich the experience. Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga uses the spires as a projection space, offering an immersive storytelling experience even on nights without fireworks."

Kalama emphasized the meticulous attention to detail that goes into creating authentic and immersive environments. "We have serious discussions about the smallest details, like the type of screw head used on a panel wall, because Phillips screws don't exist in the Star Wars timeline. It's these infinitesimal details that, when combined, create a truly authentic experience for our guests."