The SXSW panel on "The Future of World-building at Disney" was packed with thrilling announcements and glimpses into the future of Disney Parks. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman highlighted the collaborative efforts between their teams to create immersive new experiences. Here's a comprehensive 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

Fans of the Star Wars universe have something special to look forward to as The Mandalorian and Grogu are set to enhance the experience of Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. This new mission, which will launch alongside the eagerly awaited film "The Mandalorian & Grogu" on May 22, 2026, promises an authentic adventure. Jon Favreau, alongside Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared insights and concept art that depict iconic locations such as a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest flying toward Cloud City on Bespin, and a visit to the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor.

Favreau emphasized that this experience is designed to feel like participating in a side story happening just off-camera from the movie. The authenticity is further enhanced by scenes captured directly from the film's set. Additionally, the beloved BDX droids seen at Disneyland will soon grace Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan variant named Otto occasionally appearing on a BDX in need of a tune-up. These droids will also feature in The Mandalorian & Grogu film, adding to the excitement.

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

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

Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney World's Hollywood Studios is set to introduce a groundbreaking themed roller coaster, marking Disney Park's first-ever suspended coaster and its first with a vertical lift. The new attraction aims to immerse guests in the dream-like experience of soaring through Monsters, Inc.'s door vault. Disney shared an exciting first look at the load area, setting the stage for the thrilling adventure 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 primary focus is on creating an emotional experience for guests, necessitating the invention of a new type of ride vehicle. This vehicle isn't just a means of transportation but is designed to evoke feelings and emotions. To achieve this, the team conducted research in the Arizona desert, riding off-road vehicles to understand how to replicate the thrill of a rally race through mountainous terrain.

Collaborating with a motocross company, they built a dirt track to test a customized production vehicle equipped with sensors. This data collection helped them engineer a vehicle that responds authentically to different terrains. Each car will feature its own personality, name, and number, adding a touch of Disney and Pixar magic to the experience.

Image Credit: Disney

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

Image Credit: Disney

Disneyland's Avengers Campus is expanding with two new attractions. The first, Avengers Infinity Defense, will see guests teaming up with Avengers to combat King Thanos across multiple worlds. The second attraction, Stark Flight Lab, took center stage at the SXSW panel, with Robert Downey Jr. himself sharing new details. Returning as Tony Stark, Downey Jr. described the new experiences as embodying the mission of Stark Enterprises, emphasizing curiosity, passion, and inventiveness.

In Stark Flight Lab, guests will sit 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, a first in theme parks, showcases technology as a central element of the story. The robot arm, inspired by Tony Stark's DUM-E, was developed with the help of dancers and motion capture to enhance its lifelike movements.

These announcements from Disney's SXSW panel highlight 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.