Disney's SXSW Panel Unveils World-Building Future

The SXSW panel titled "The Future of World-building at Disney" was a treasure trove of exciting announcements and sneak peeks into the future of Disney Parks. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman led the discussion, highlighting the synergy between their teams in creating innovative park experiences. Here's a detailed look at the major reveals from the panel:

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

Disney confirmed that The Mandalorian and Grogu will feature in a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, set to debut alongside the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared insights into this new story, accompanied by concept art showcasing iconic 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.

Favreau emphasized that the new mission will not retell the movie's plot but will instead offer an experience that feels like participating in events happening off-camera. The authenticity of the experience is enhanced by scenes captured directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu. Additionally, the beloved BDX droids, previously seen at Disneyland, will expand to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan variant named Otto making appearances on BDX units needing repairs.

Here's a Sneak Peak 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—the park's first-ever suspended coaster with a vertical lift. This attraction will immerse guests in the world of Monsters, Inc., allowing them to soar through the door vault. Disney provided a first look at the load area, which sets the stage for the thrilling experience to come.

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 new details about the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom. The focus is on creating an emotional experience, necessitating the development of a new type of ride vehicle. This vehicle, designed to convey feelings during the ride, will take guests on a thrilling rally race through the mountains, distinct from Radiator Springs.

To ensure authenticity, the team conducted research in the Arizona desert, riding off-road vehicles over rocky terrain. They collaborated with a motocross company to build a dirt track for testing and development. The ride vehicles will be customized production vehicles equipped with sensors to gather data on terrain response, and each car will have its own personality, name, and number, adding a touch of Disney and Pixar 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 set to introduce two new attractions. The first, Avengers Infinity Defense, will see guests teaming up with 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 take guests into Tony's workshop to experience his latest tech innovations.

Downey Jr. described these experiences as embodying the Stark Enterprises mission statement, emphasizing curiosity, passion, inventiveness, and a drive to enhance the world. Guests will ride in "gyro-kinetic pods" and be maneuvered by a giant robot arm inspired by Tony Stark's DUM-E, performing high-speed maneuvers reminiscent of Iron Man and other Avengers.

Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn noted the uniqueness of this attraction, where the technology itself is part of the story. The team used dancers and motion capture to make the robotic arm feel as lifelike as possible, showcasing the blend of technology and storytelling that Disney is known for.