Disney's SXSW Panel Unveils World-Building Future

The SXSW panel titled "The Future of World-building at Disney" offered a tantalizing glimpse into the future of Disney Parks, with announcements and teases that set imaginations soaring. From new adventures featuring beloved characters like The Mandalorian and Grogu to innovative ride technology and thrilling new attractions, Disney is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in theme park experiences.

Led by Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman, the panel highlighted the synergy between Disney's creative teams, emphasizing how collaboration drives the creation of groundbreaking new experiences at Disney Parks.

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 are in for a treat as The Mandalorian and Grogu are set to star in a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. This new experience is slated to debut alongside the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, the creator of The Mandalorian, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, provided insights into this exciting addition, revealing concept art that showcases iconic locations such as 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.

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

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Favreau clarified that the new mission won't retell the movie's events but will instead offer guests a chance to participate in a parallel story happening off-camera. The authenticity of the experience is further enhanced by scenes captured directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu. Additionally, the popular BDX droids from Disneyland will expand their presence to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new variant, Otto the Anzellan, making occasional appearances.

The BDX droids are also set to make an appearance in The Mandalorian & Grogu, adding even more excitement for fans.

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

Monsters, Inc. Land is on its way to Disney World's Hollywood Studios, featuring a new themed roller coaster that marks Disney Parks' first-ever suspended coaster and its first with a vertical lift. Guests will experience the thrill of soaring through the door vault of Monsters, Inc. Disney provided a first look at the load area, setting the stage for what promises to be an immersive adventure. While details about the new land and attraction are still emerging, this sneak peek is generating significant buzz.

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 shared insights into the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom, part of a new Cars-themed land. Hundgen emphasized the goal of creating an emotional experience, which necessitated the development of a new type of ride vehicle. This vehicle isn't just a mode of transport; it's designed to convey a feeling to riders. To achieve this, the team conducted research in the Arizona desert, riding off-road vehicles to gather data on how to replicate the thrill of a rally race through the mountains.

Collaborating with a motocross company, they built a dirt track to test and refine the ride vehicle, which is equipped with sensors to capture real-world data. Each vehicle will have its own personality, name, and number, adding a touch of Disney and Pixar magic to the experience.

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

Disneyland's Avengers Campus is set to expand with two new attractions. One, Avengers Infinity Defense, will see guests teaming up with the Avengers to battle King Thanos across multiple worlds. The other, Stark Flight Lab, was the highlight of the SXSW panel, with Robert Downey Jr. himself sharing details about this new experience. Returning as Tony Stark, Downey Jr. described the attraction as embodying the mission of Stark Enterprises, focusing on curiosity, passion, and innovation.

In Stark Flight Lab, guests will sit in "gyro-kinetic pods" and be maneuvered by a giant robot arm, inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers. This innovative ride system, which transitions from a track to a robot arm and back, is a first in theme park technology. Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering, explained that the technology itself is the star of the attraction, drawing inspiration from Tony Stark's robotic assistant, DUM-E. To bring these robots to life, Imagineering utilized dancers and motion capture technology, ensuring a realistic and engaging experience for guests.