The SXSW panel titled "The Future of World-building at Disney" was packed with thrilling updates and teases about the future of Disney Parks. The event, hosted by Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman, highlighted the synergy between their teams in crafting innovative experiences for park-goers. From new missions aboard the Millennium Falcon to cutting-edge ride vehicles and the exciting addition of new attractions, there's much to look forward to.
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 have a thrilling new experience to anticipate with The Mandalorian and Grogu joining the action on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. This new mission will coincide with the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, unveiled some captivating concept art showcasing settings like a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest approaching Cloud City on Bespin, and even a glimpse of the second Death Star's wreckage above Endor.
Favreau emphasized that this new mission is designed to immerse guests in an adventure that complements the film's storyline without retelling it. Scenes captured directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu will ensure an authentic feel to the experience. Additionally, the beloved BDX droids from Disneyland will soon roll into Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan variant named Otto occasionally appearing for a little tune-up.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
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Image Credit: Disney
Here's a Sneak Peek at the Load Area and Lift Off of the New Monsters, Inc. Attraction at Disney World
Excitement is building as Monsters, Inc. Land prepares to open at Disney World's Hollywood Studios, featuring the park's first-ever suspended roller coaster with a vertical lift. This new attraction promises to transport guests through the iconic door vault of Monsters, Inc., and Disney has provided a first look at the load area, which sets the stage for the thrilling adventure ahead.
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-themed attraction at Magic Kingdom, which is set to feature a groundbreaking new type of ride vehicle. The focus, Hundgen noted, is on creating an emotional experience for guests, necessitating a vehicle that goes beyond mere transportation. To develop this innovative ride, the team ventured into the Arizona desert to gather real-world data on off-road vehicles, aiming to replicate the feeling of a thrilling rally race through mountainous terrain.
Further refining their approach, the team collaborated with a motocross company to construct a dirt track for testing. This process involved using a customized production vehicle equipped with sensors to analyze its response to various terrains. The final ride vehicles will not only embody the thrill of the race but will also feature unique personalities, names, and numbers, infusing them with the magic of Disney and Pixar.
Image Credit: Disney
Robert Downey Jr. Stops by Disney's SXSW Panel to Help Share More About the New Avengers Campus Attractions
Image Credit: Disney
Avengers Campus at Disneyland is set to expand with two new attractions. The first, Avengers Infinity Defense, will see guests teaming up with the Avengers to battle King Thanos across different worlds. However, the spotlight was on the second attraction, Stark Flight Lab, where Robert Downey Jr. made a special appearance to share details about his return as Tony Stark.
Stark Flight Lab invites guests into Tony's workshop to explore his latest technological innovations. Downey Jr. described these new experiences as embodying the spirit of Stark Enterprises, emphasizing curiosity, passion, and a drive to enhance life through fun and innovation. The ride features "gyro-kinetic pods" and a giant robotic arm inspired by Tony Stark's DUM-E, which will guide guests through high-speed maneuvers reminiscent of Iron Man and other Avengers.
Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering, Bruce Vaughn, highlighted the unique approach of this attraction, where the technology itself is central to the story. The robotic arm, designed with the help of dancers and motion capture technology, aims to bring a lifelike quality to the experience, showcasing the seamless integration of tech and narrative in a way that has never been done before in a theme park.
