Disney's SXSW Panel Unveils World-Building Future

At SXSW's The Future of World-building at Disney Panel, attendees were treated to a host of thrilling updates and sneak peeks about upcoming attractions at Disney Parks. From the integration of beloved characters like The Mandalorian and Grogu into existing rides to the development of innovative ride vehicles, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman outlined a future filled with exciting new experiences crafted through the synergy of their teams.

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

Disney enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into the iconic Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run ride at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The wait is now over, as Disney has confirmed that this new adventure will coincide with the premiere of The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026.

Jon Favreau, the creative mind behind The Mandalorian, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, provided insights into the new narrative. They unveiled captivating concept art that showcases scenes from a galaxy far, far away, including a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest soaring towards Cloud City on Bespin, and a glimpse of the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor.

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

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Favreau clarified that the experience won't retell the movie's plot but will immerse guests in events unfolding just off-screen. Authenticity is key, as Imagineers have captured scenes directly from the film set. Additionally, the popular BDX droids seen at Disneyland are set to make appearances at Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan variant named Otto occasionally joining the mix.

The BDX droids will also feature in The Mandalorian & Grogu, adding more excitement for fans.

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

Disney World's Hollywood Studios will soon welcome Monsters, Inc. Land, featuring the park's first-ever suspended roller coaster with a vertical lift. The new attraction promises guests an exhilarating journey through Monsters, Inc.'s door vault. Disney provided a tantalizing first look at the load area, setting the stage for what's to come. While details about the land and the full ride experience are yet to be unveiled, this sneak peek has already generated significant buzz.

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 new insights into the upcoming Cars-themed attraction at Magic Kingdom. The goal, as Hundgen emphasized, is to create an emotional experience for guests. To achieve this, a new type of ride vehicle is being developed, one that transcends the typical function of merely transporting guests.

To gather real-world data, the team ventured into the Arizona desert, riding off-road vehicles over rocky terrain. This research will inform the development of a thrilling rally race through the mountains, distinct from Radiator Springs. Collaborating with a motocross company, they constructed a dirt track for testing. Hundgen detailed how these customized production vehicles, equipped with sensors, are being tested to capture the feeling they aim to deliver.

Each vehicle will be infused with Disney and Pixar magic, featuring unique personalities, names, and numbers.

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

Disneyland's Avengers Campus is expanding with two new attractions. One, Avengers Infinity Defense, will see guests teaming up with Avengers to battle King Thanos across various worlds. The other, Stark Flight Lab, stole the spotlight at the SXSW panel, with Robert Downey Jr. himself sharing details about his return as Tony Stark.

Stark Flight Lab will immerse guests in Tony's workshop, showcasing his latest technological innovations. Downey Jr. described these experiences as embodying the mission of Stark Enterprises, highlighting curiosity, passion, inventiveness, and the desire to enhance the world.

Guests will ride in "gyro-kinetic pods" and experience high-speed maneuvers inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers, facilitated by a giant robot arm. This innovative ride system, as explained by Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn, marks a first in theme parks by making the technology itself a central part of the story.

The robotic arm, inspired by Tony Stark's DUM-E, has been brought to life with the help of dancers and motion capture technology, ensuring a lifelike experience for guests.