Disney's SXSW Panel Unveils World-Building Future

The SXSW panel titled "The Future of World-building at Disney" was brimming with thrilling updates and teases about the future of Disney Parks. Highlights included the integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into a new mission for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the development of a unique ride vehicle with emotional expressiveness for Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars attraction, and a glimpse into the load area and launch of the new Monsters, Inc. attraction at Disney World.

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman led the panel, showcasing the synergy between their teams and how their collaboration enhances the guest experience at Disney Parks. The panel covered a wide array of topics, and here are the most significant announcements and revelations:

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

The integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland was confirmed to coincide with the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared insights into the new storyline and unveiled concept art showcasing iconic locations such as a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest approaching Cloud City on Bespin, and a visit to the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor.

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

3 Images

Jon Favreau emphasized that the experience would not merely retell the movie's plot but rather allow guests to participate in events happening just off-screen. The authenticity of the experience is enhanced by scenes captured directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu. Additionally, the beloved BDX droids from Disneyland will expand to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new variant featuring an Anzellan named Otto, akin to Babu Frik, occasionally appearing on a BDX needing maintenance.

Image Credit: Disney

Excitingly, these droids will also feature in The Mandalorian & Grogu film.

Here's a Sneak Peak at the Load Area and Lift Off of the New Monsters, Inc. Attraction at Disney World

The new Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney World's Hollywood Studios will feature a thrilling themed roller coaster, marking Disney Parks' first-ever suspended coaster with a vertical lift. The attraction aims to immerse guests in the dream-like experience of soaring through the door vault of Monsters, Inc. Disney shared a first look at the load area, which sets the tone for what guests can expect from this new addition.

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 discussed the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom, emphasizing the creation of an emotional experience. For this attraction, a novel ride vehicle was necessary, one that not only transports guests but also conveys emotion. To achieve this, the team conducted real-world research in the Arizona desert, experiencing off-road vehicles over rocky terrain. The attraction, set in a thrilling rally race through the mountains rather than Radiator Springs, aims to capture this exhilarating feel.

Collaborating with a motocross company, they built a dirt track to test and develop the ride vehicle, equipped with sensors to gather data on its performance across different terrains. Each vehicle will have its own personality, name, and number, infusing Disney and Pixar's signature magic into the experience.

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

Disneyland's Avengers Campus will introduce two new attractions, including Avengers Infinity Defense, where guests join forces with the Avengers to combat King Thanos across multiple worlds. The spotlight, however, was on the Stark Flight Lab, where Robert Downey Jr. appeared to share new details. Returning as Tony Stark, Downey Jr. described these new experiences as embodying Stark Enterprises' mission to innovate and entertain.

The Stark Flight Lab will allow guests to explore Tony's workshop and engage with his latest technologies. The ride features "gyro-kinetic pods" and a giant robot arm that performs high-speed maneuvers inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers. Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn highlighted the unique aspect of this attraction, where the technology itself becomes part of the story, prominently featuring a robotic arm inspired by Tony Stark's DUM-E. To achieve realistic movements, Imagineering collaborated with dancers and used motion capture technology.