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

Disney's SXSW "Future of World-Building" panel unveiled exciting updates for Disney Parks. Highlights included The Mandalorian and Grogu joining a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the development of an 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.

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's a summary of the biggest announcements:

The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smuggler's Run

The Mandalorian and Grogu will be integrated into a new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run mission, launching alongside The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared concept art showcasing locations like a Jawa Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Razor Crest near Cloud City, and even the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor. Favreau emphasized this new story unfolds parallel to the film, offering a unique participatory experience.

Concept art was captured directly from The Mandalorian & Grogu 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 lineup.

The BDX 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, hinting at the immersive experience to come.

New Ride Vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars Attraction

Pixar's Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen detailed the innovative ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's new Cars land. The attraction, a thrilling mountain rally race, requires a vehicle that conveys emotion. Research included off-road vehicle testing in the Arizona desert and building a dirt track to gather data on vehicle response. Each vehicle will have 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, taking guests into Tony Stark's workshop, utilizes gyro-kinetic pods and a giant robotic arm for high-speed maneuvers. The robotic arm's design draws inspiration from DUM-E, and motion capture technology was employed to enhance realism.