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

SXSW's "The Future of World-Building at Disney" panel unveiled exciting developments for Disney Parks. Highlights included The Mandalorian and Grogu joining a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the creation of a revolutionary, emotionally responsive ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars attraction, and a sneak peek at the Monsters, Inc. attraction's load area and lift-off sequence.

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman led the discussion, emphasizing the collaborative efforts driving these innovative park experiences.

Here are the key announcements:

The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smuggler's Run

The Mandalorian and Grogu will feature in a new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run mission, launching simultaneously with The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, alongside Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared concept art showcasing locations like Tatooine's Jawa Sandcrawler, the Millennium Falcon and Razor Crest near Bespin's Cloud City, and even the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor. Favreau clarified that this new story isn't a retelling of the film, but rather a parallel experience. Scenes were captured directly on The Mandalorian & Grogu's set, ensuring authenticity. Additionally, the popular BDX droids from Disneyland will expand to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan droid, Otto, joining the ranks. These droids will also appear in The Mandalorian & Grogu.

Monsters, Inc. Attraction Sneak Peek

Disney World's Hollywood Studios' upcoming Monsters, Inc. Land will feature a suspended coaster—a first for Disney Parks—with a vertical lift. A first look at the load area was shared, setting the stage for the immersive experience.

Revolutionary Ride Vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars Attraction

Pixar's Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen detailed the new Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars Land. They emphasized the creation of a novel ride vehicle designed to evoke emotion. Real-world off-road testing in Arizona and motocross track development informed the vehicle's design for a thrilling mountain rally race experience. Each vehicle will possess a unique personality, name, and number.

Robert Downey Jr. on Avengers Campus Attractions

Robert Downey Jr. joined the panel to discuss Avengers Campus' new attractions. He highlighted the "living embodiment" of the Stark Enterprises mission statement in these experiences. Stark Flight Lab will immerse guests in Tony Stark's workshop, featuring high-speed maneuvers in gyro-kinetic pods guided by a giant robotic arm inspired by DUM-E. The robotic arm's creation involved dancers and motion capture for realistic movement.