The Future of World-Building at Disney Panel From SXSW: Everything Announced

Disney's SXSW "Future of World-Building" panel unveiled exciting updates for Disney Parks. Key reveals included The Mandalorian and Grogu joining a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the development of a revolutionary, emotionally responsive ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's upcoming *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 highlighted the collaborative efforts driving these innovative park experiences.

Here's a summary of the biggest announcements:

The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smuggler's Run

The Mandalorian and Grogu will be central to a new storyline on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, launching concurrently with *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 emphasized this new experience complements, rather than retells, the film's narrative.

Scenes for this new story were filmed on the set of *The Mandalorian & Grogu*, 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 named Otto joining the lineup.

The BDX droids will also appear in *The Mandalorian & Grogu*.

Monsters, Inc. Attraction Sneak Peek

Disney World's Hollywood Studios' upcoming *Monsters, Inc.* Land will feature a suspended coaster—a first for Disney Parks—with a vertical lift. A video preview (embedded below) showcased the load area, hinting at the immersive experience to come.

Innovative Ride Vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars Attraction

Pixar's Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen revealed the development of a novel ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's *Cars* land. Hundgen emphasized the focus on creating an emotional experience, requiring the invention of a vehicle that conveys feeling beyond simple transportation. Research included off-road testing in Arizona and building a dirt track for data collection, resulting in customized vehicles with unique personalities, names, and numbers.

Robert Downey Jr. on Avengers Campus Attractions

Robert Downey Jr. joined the panel to discuss Avengers Campus' upcoming attractions. He highlighted the "living embodiment" of the Stark Enterprises mission statement in these new experiences. Stark Flight Lab, previously announced, will immerse guests in Tony Stark's workshop, featuring high-speed maneuvers in gyro-kinetic pods controlled by a giant robotic arm inspired by DUM-E. The robotic arm's movements were developed using dancers and motion capture technology.