Star Wars Celebration offered an exciting glimpse into the future of Disney Parks experiences, and IGN had the privilege of discussing these developments with Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna. They revealed details about the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the introduction of the charming BDX droids across various Disney Parks, and more. Kalama and Serna also shared insights into how they bring the magic of Disney to life, creating unforgettable experiences for fans of all ages.
The Mandalorian and Grogu-Themed Update to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run Will Let Engineers Take Care of Grogu
A major highlight from Star Wars Celebration was the announcement that Engineers will have the chance to care for Grogu aboard the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run when the The Mandalorian and Grogu-themed update launches alongside the film on May 22, 2026. Although the attraction's storyline will diverge from the film, it will immerse each crew member in a mission with Mando and Grogu. The Engineer's role is particularly anticipated as it allows interaction with Grogu and the ability to choose the adventure's destination in a galaxy far, far away.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
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"Throughout the mission, we're going to be giving the engineers the opportunity to actually get to communicate with Grogu," Kalama explained. "We think it's going to be a ton of fun. There may be times when Mando has to deboard the Razor Crest, leaving Grogu to his own devices, possibly getting a bit too excited on the control panel. We love the idea of these fun little vignettes and moments where you're sort of on the comm with Grogu."
The choose-your-own-adventure aspect will present guests with a critical moment where they must quickly decide which bounty to pursue, setting the course for their journey. Potential destinations include Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and the newly announced Coruscant. The overarching narrative involves Hondo Ohnaka catching wind of a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, leading to a high-stakes galactic chase. Guests will team up with Mando and Grogu to track them down and claim a bounty in a dynamic adventure.
The BDX Droids Will Be Traveling From Disney Parks Around the World Right Into Your Heart
The beloved BDX Droids, already capturing the hearts of Star Wars fans globally, are set to appear at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. These droids, also featured in The Mandalorian & Grogu, have been meticulously developed to enhance guest immersion in the beloved stories.
Image Credit: Disney
"The goal of the BDX Droids was to explore new ways of bringing characters to life in our parks," said Kalama. "This is technology merging with entertainment and a backstory we specifically created for the parks. They've appeared in games and other places, but we crafted an original story for our guests, which we've evolved across different park locations worldwide."
"These droids have fun, childlike qualities and engage in cute behaviors," Serna added. "We've given each one a unique personality, which makes them more engaging and allows us to expand their world. Just as fans connect with R2-D2 and other droids, we believe guests will form attachments to different colors of BDX droids, each representing a distinct personality."
Kalama and Serna highlighted how technology is shaping future Disney Park experiences. "The technology behind our animatronics influences our approach to robotics and character experiences," Serna noted. "We're inspired to bring these experiences out of attractions and onto the streets, using technology in unexpected ways to create up-close encounters."
"Using technology in both unexpected and invisible ways is crucial to our approach," Kalama added. "We aim to create a sense of suspension and disbelief. Unlike robots in an automotive factory, our challenge is to infuse character, emotion, and personality into these creations, which is a unique technical challenge."
From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future
Kalama and Serna, like many of us, were inspired by Disney Parks and specific attractions that fueled their passion to contribute to creating new experiences for future generations. They shared their love for iconic rides and how these experiences shape their work.
"As a kid, riding Peter Pan was the most exciting for me," Serna reminisced. "Flying in that vehicle blew my mind. Later, as a Star Wars fan, Star Tours transformed my view of what theme parks could do. Peter Pan was a great story, but Star Tours felt like a new adventure in the Star Wars universe, especially during a time when there was no new content."
"When we do our jobs well, we transport the entire family into a fantasy world," Serna continued. "It's about creating experiences that 10-year-old Michael would love, which I believe resonates with guests of all ages."
"My first visit to the park was when I was eight, and I was obsessed with science fiction," Kalama shared. "I refused to leave Tomorrowland. Star Tours was my favorite; the suspension of disbelief was incredible. I truly believed I was traveling through the galaxy. This sense of magic and fantasy is vital for both kids and adults."
Kalama and Serna are now instrumental in shaping the future of Disney Parks. They shared stories about their proudest achievements, including Serna's work on Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga at Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge.
Image Credit: Disney
"Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga was a two-year project to enhance the daily fireworks experience in Batuu," Serna explained. "We collaborated with Lucasfilm to create a Star Wars-themed fireworks show, introducing a storyteller and a droid to enrich the experience. This led to an immersive projection show using the spires, telling Anakin Skywalker's story in a new way, even on nights without fireworks."
"Our attention to detail is something I hope is appreciated, even if it's invisible to our fans," Kalama said. "We have serious discussions about minute details like the type of screw head to use, ensuring the space feels authentic and immersive."
