The Future of World-Building at Disney Panel From SXSW: Everything Announced

The SXSW panel titled "The Future of World-building at Disney" unveiled an array of exciting updates and future projects for Disney Parks. From new adventures with The Mandalorian and Grogu aboard the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run to innovative ride vehicles for Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars attraction, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman highlighted the collaborative efforts driving these new experiences.

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

Fans of the galaxy far, far away are in for a treat as The Mandalorian and Grogu will embark on a new mission within Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, coinciding with the release of their movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, alongside Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared insights and concept art that promises an immersive experience. The new story, filmed directly from the set, aims to capture the authenticity of the film while offering a unique off-camera adventure.

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

"This isn’t going to retell what happens in the movie – it’s more like participating in something that’s happening just off-camera from what you see in the film," Favreau explained. Additionally, beloved BDX droids, including a new variant named Otto, an Anzellan similar to Babu Frik, will make appearances across various Disney Parks and feature 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

Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney World's Hollywood Studios will soon feature a groundbreaking roller coaster, Disney's first suspended coaster with a vertical lift. Guests will experience the thrill of soaring through the door vault, as previewed in the load area's design.

Pixar and Imagineering Reveal a New Type of Ride Vehicle Had to Be Made for Magic Kingdom's Upcoming Cars Attraction

Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen revealed the development of a new ride vehicle for the upcoming Cars-themed land at Magic Kingdom. This innovative vehicle aims to evoke an emotional experience, inspired by real-world testing in the Arizona desert and on a custom dirt track. Each car will boast its own personality, name, and number, enhancing the immersive rally race through the mountains.

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

Avengers Campus at Disneyland is set to expand with two new attractions, including Avengers Infinity Defense and the highly anticipated Stark Flight Lab. Robert Downey Jr. shared insights on Stark Flight Lab, where guests will experience Tony Stark's workshop and new tech through "gyro-kinetic pods" and high-speed maneuvers facilitated by a robotic arm inspired by DUM-E.

"Transferring from a track to a robot arm and then back again – nothing like this has ever been done before in a theme park, and we’re so excited about it,” said Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering. The focus on technology as part of the narrative sets this attraction apart, with motion capture and dancer choreography enhancing the realism of the robotic elements.