Disney's World-Building Future Unveiled at SXSW

At the recent SXSW panel, "The Future of World-building at Disney," attendees were treated to a plethora of exciting updates about upcoming projects in Disney Parks. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman spearheaded the discussions, emphasizing the synergy between their teams to create groundbreaking experiences for park visitors.

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 Walt Disney World and Disneyland has been eagerly anticipated, and now Disney has confirmed that this new experience will launch in tandem with the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, provided insights into the new storyline, which will not merely retell the film's plot but rather offer an off-camera adventure. The authenticity of this experience is heightened by scenes captured directly from the movie set.

Concept art revealed tantalizing glimpses of locations like 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. Additionally, the beloved BDX droids from Disneyland are set to make their debut at Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, featuring a new Anzellan variant named Otto.

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

Here's a Sneak Peek 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 new themed roller coaster. This attraction will be Disney's first-ever suspended coaster and the first with a vertical lift, promising an exhilarating journey through Monsters, Inc.'s door vault. A sneak peek at the load area has set the stage for what promises to be an immersive 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 unveiled details about the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom. The focus is on creating an emotional connection with guests, necessitating a new type of ride vehicle that not only transports but also evokes feelings. To achieve this, the team conducted research in the Arizona desert and collaborated with a motocross company to develop a vehicle that captures the thrill of a rally race through the mountains. Each vehicle will have its own personality, name, and number, enhancing the experience with Disney and Pixar's signature magic.

Robert Downey Jr. Stops by Disney's SXSW Panel to Help Share More About the New Avengers Campus Attractions

Avengers Campus at Disneyland is expanding with two new attractions. The first, Avengers Infinity Defense, will see guests teaming up with the Avengers to battle King Thanos across multiple worlds. The second, Stark Flight Lab, was highlighted by Robert Downey Jr., who will reprise his role as Tony Stark. This attraction will immerse guests in Tony's workshop, showcasing new technology through "gyro-kinetic pods" and a giant robot arm inspired by DUM-E, Tony's robotic assistant. This innovative ride combines track and robotic arm technology, putting the tech front and center as part of the story.

These updates from Disney's SXSW panel showcase the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of theme park experiences, blending storytelling with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable adventures for guests around the world.