The excitement was palpable at SXSW's The Future of World-building at Disney Panel, where a wealth of new details and tantalizing teases about the future of Disney Parks were unveiled. Among the highlights, fans learned that The Mandalorian and Grogu will embark on a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run. Imagineers are also gearing up to create a novel ride vehicle with emotional impact for the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom. Additionally, a sneak peek at the load area and lift-off of the new Monsters, Inc. attraction left attendees buzzing with anticipation.
Leading the panel were Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman, who delved into the collaborative efforts between their teams. These collaborations are proving instrumental in crafting immersive new experiences for Disney Parks visitors.
Here's a detailed look at the major announcements and reveals from the panel:
The Mandalorian and Grogu Will Join Smuggler's Run in a New Mission at the Launch of The Mandalorian & Grogu Film
The much-anticipated integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into 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 narrative, showcasing concept art that promises to thrill fans. The art features iconic locations such as a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest soaring towards Cloud City on Bespin, and a glimpse of the second Death Star's wreckage above Endor.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
Favreau emphasized that the new mission will not retell the movie's plot but will instead offer an experience akin to participating in events happening just off-screen. To ensure authenticity, Imagineers captured scenes directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu. Additionally, the beloved BDX droids, previously seen at Disneyland, will expand their presence to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. A new variant, an Anzellan named Otto, will occasionally appear on a BDX in need of repairs.
These droids will also feature in The Mandalorian & Grogu, 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 is set to open at Disney World's Hollywood Studios, featuring a groundbreaking themed roller coaster. This will be Disney Park's first-ever suspended coaster and the first with a vertical lift. The attraction aims to immerse guests in the thrill of soaring through Monsters, Inc.'s 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 shared insights into the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom. Hundgen highlighted the focus on creating an emotional experience, necessitating the invention of a new type of ride vehicle. This vehicle, designed to convey feelings during the ride, will not be a standard factory model but a custom creation.
To gather real-world data, the team ventured into the Arizona desert to test off-road vehicles over rocky terrain. The new ride will take guests on a thrilling rally race through the mountains, distinct from Radiator Springs. Collaborating with a motocross company, they built a dirt track to refine the ride vehicle's design, which will be equipped with sensors to capture data on different terrains. Each vehicle will also have its own personality, name, and number, adding a touch of Disney and Pixar magic.
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 introduce two new attractions, including Avengers Infinity Defense, where guests will join forces with the Avengers to combat King Thanos across multiple worlds. The spotlight, however, was on the Stark Flight Lab, with Robert Downey Jr. himself making a surprise appearance to share details about this new experience.
Downey Jr. will reprise his role as Tony Stark, guiding guests through his workshop and showcasing new technology. He described these attractions as embodying the Stark Enterprises mission statement, emphasizing curiosity, passion, inventiveness, and a drive to enhance the world.
The Stark Flight Lab will feature "gyro-kinetic pods" that will be maneuvered by a giant robot arm, inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers. This innovative approach, where the technology itself becomes part of the story, marks a first for theme parks. Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn explained that the robotic arm, inspired by Tony Stark's DUM-E, will be central to the attraction. To achieve realistic movements, Imagineering collaborated with dancers and used motion capture technology.
