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 novel, emotionally responsive ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars attraction, and a sneak peek at the load area and launch sequence for the new Monsters, Inc. attraction.

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 are the key announcements:

The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smuggler's Run

The Mandalorian and Grogu will be incorporated into a new storyline for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. This new experience launches alongside The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, creator of The Mandalorian, and 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 emphasized this new story isn't a retelling of the film, but rather a parallel experience. Scenes were filmed on the Mandalorian 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, occasionally appearing for repairs. These droids will also feature in The Mandalorian & Grogu.

Monsters, Inc. Attraction Sneak Peek

Disney World's Hollywood Studios' upcoming Monsters, Inc. Land will include a suspended coaster—a first for Disney Parks—featuring a vertical lift. The panel offered a first look at the load area, setting the stage for this exciting new attraction.

Magic Kingdom's Cars Attraction: A New Ride Vehicle

Pixar's Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen detailed the new Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars Land. Hundgen highlighted the creation of a completely new ride vehicle designed to evoke specific emotions. Research included off-road vehicle testing in the Arizona desert and building a dirt track for testing prototypes with a motocross company. The ride, a rally race through the mountains, will feature customized vehicles with unique personalities, names, and numbers.

Avengers Campus: Stark Flight Lab

Robert Downey Jr. joined the panel to discuss Avengers Campus' Stark Flight Lab, an attraction placing guests within Tony Stark's workshop. Downey Jr. described the experience as embodying the Stark Enterprises mission statement—curiosity, passion, and a drive to create fun and positive experiences. The ride uses gyro-kinetic pods manipulated by a giant robotic arm, inspired by DUM-E, for high-speed maneuvers. Walt Disney Imagineering's Bruce Vaughn emphasized the unique integration of technology as a central storytelling element. Dancers and motion capture were used to bring the robotic arm to life.