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 load area and lift-off sequence for the new Monsters, Inc. attraction.

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman led the presentation, emphasizing the collaborative efforts driving these innovative park experiences. Here's a summary of the major 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 alongside The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, alongside Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared concept art (see below) 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 clarified that this new experience will be a unique, off-camera adventure, rather than a retelling of the film's plot. Scenes were captured directly from the set, ensuring authenticity. Additionally, the popular BDX droids, currently at 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

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

A New Kind of Ride Vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars Attraction

Pixar's Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen detailed the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom's new Cars land. To achieve an emotionally resonant experience, they've designed a completely new ride vehicle, undergoing rigorous testing in the Arizona desert and on a custom-built dirt track. Each vehicle will boast a unique personality, name, and number.

Avengers Campus Updates with Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. joined the panel to discuss Avengers Campus' new attractions. He highlighted the upcoming Stark Flight Lab, where guests will experience Tony Stark's latest inventions in a ride featuring gyro-kinetic pods and a giant robotic arm inspired by DUM-E. The technology itself is a key element of the attraction's narrative.