Disney's SXSW Panel Unveils World-Building Future

At the SXSW panel titled "The Future of World-building at Disney," Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman unveiled a series of exciting updates and future plans for Disney Parks. The panel highlighted innovative collaborations between Disney's creative teams, promising new experiences that blend storytelling with cutting-edge technology.

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

Disney confirmed that The Mandalorian and Grogu will feature in a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, coinciding with the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared insights into this new narrative, showcasing concept art that includes iconic locations like a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest approaching Cloud City on Bespin, and a glimpse of the second Death Star's wreckage above Endor.

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Favreau emphasized that the new mission will not retell the movie's plot but will instead offer an experience that feels like participating in events happening off-screen. The authenticity of the new story is enhanced by scenes captured directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu. Additionally, the beloved BDX droids, seen at Disneyland, will expand to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan variant named Otto making appearances.

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

The upcoming Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney World's Hollywood Studios will feature a groundbreaking themed roller coaster, marking Disney's first suspended coaster and the first with a vertical lift. The attraction will immerse guests in the world of Monsters, Inc., with a thrilling journey through the door vault. Disney provided a first look at the load area, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating experience.

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 discussed the new Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom, emphasizing the creation of a new type of ride vehicle designed to evoke emotion. The vehicle, developed after extensive research in the Arizona desert and collaboration with a motocross company, will offer a thrilling rally race through the mountains. Each car will have its own personality, name, and number, enhancing the immersive experience.

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

Disneyland's Avengers Campus will soon feature 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 Robert Downey Jr.'s appearance, sharing details about Stark Flight Lab. This attraction will immerse guests in Tony Stark's workshop, showcasing his latest technological innovations.

Downey Jr. described the new experiences as embodying the Stark Enterprises mission, focusing on curiosity, passion, and inventiveness. 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 DUM-E.

Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn highlighted the unique aspect of this attraction, where the technology itself becomes part of the story, with dancers and motion capture used to bring the robotic elements to life.

These announcements from the SXSW panel showcase Disney's commitment to pushing the boundaries of theme park experiences, blending beloved stories with innovative technology to create unforgettable adventures for guests.