Disney's SXSW Panel Unveils World-Building Future

The Future of World-building at Disney Panel at SXSW was brimming with exciting details and tantalizing teases about the future of Disney Parks. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman led the panel, sharing insights into their teams' collaborative efforts to create thrilling new experiences. From the integration of iconic characters into new attractions to innovative ride vehicles, here's a breakdown of the major announcements and reveals:

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 were thrilled to learn that The Mandalorian and Grogu will be featured in a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. This new experience is set to debut alongside the release of the much-anticipated The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, the creator of The Mandalorian, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, provided insights into the new storyline and showcased stunning concept art depicting locations like a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest flying toward 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

Favreau emphasized that the new mission won't simply retell the movie's plot but will instead offer an off-camera adventure that feels authentic, thanks to scenes captured directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu film. Additionally, the beloved BDX droids, seen at Disneyland, will expand their presence to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan variant named Otto making occasional appearances for repairs.

Excitingly, these droids will also make an appearance in The Mandalorian & Grogu film.

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

Disney World's Hollywood Studios is set to introduce Monsters, Inc. Land, featuring the park's first-ever suspended roller coaster with a vertical lift. The new attraction promises guests a dream-like journey through the door vault of Monsters, Inc. Disney offered a first look at the load area, setting the stage for an immersive experience.

While further details about the attraction and its surrounding land are eagerly awaited, this sneak peek has already sparked excitement among fans.

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 unveiled new details about the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom's new Cars-themed land. Hundgen emphasized the goal of creating an emotional experience for guests, explaining the need for a new type of ride vehicle that goes beyond mere transportation to convey feelings during the ride.

To achieve this, the team conducted research in the Arizona desert, riding off-road vehicles to gather data for a thrilling rally race through the mountains. They collaborated with a motocross company to build a dirt track for testing a customized production vehicle equipped with sensors. This vehicle will not only respond to different terrains but will also feature Disney and Pixar magic, with each car having its own personality, name, and number.

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

Disneyland's Avengers Campus is set to expand with two new attractions, including Avengers Infinity Defense, where guests will join forces with the Avengers to battle King Thanos across multiple worlds. The highlight of the panel was the reveal of Stark Flight Lab, with Robert Downey Jr. returning as Tony Stark to share details about this innovative attraction.

Stark Flight Lab will immerse guests in Tony Stark's workshop, showcasing his latest technological innovations. Downey Jr. described these new experiences as embodying the Stark Enterprises mission statement, emphasizing curiosity, passion, inventiveness, and a drive to enhance the world. Guests will ride in "gyro-kinetic pods" and experience high-speed maneuvers inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers, facilitated by a giant robot arm inspired by Tony Stark's robotic assistant, DUM-E.

Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn highlighted the uniqueness of this attraction, where the technology itself becomes part of the story. The team used dancers and motion capture to bring the robotic elements to life, ensuring an engaging and realistic experience for guests.