Disney Spotlights World-Building at SXSW

The SXSW panel "The Future of World-building at Disney" revealed thrilling updates about upcoming Disney Parks experiences. Imagineers shared how The Mandalorian and Grogu will embark on fresh adventures aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, teased revolutionary ride vehicles for Magic Kingdom's Cars attraction, and previewed the immersive loading sequence for the new Monsters, Inc. roller coaster.

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman highlighted the power of collaboration between their teams in crafting groundbreaking park experiences. Below we've compiled all the major reveals from this exciting presentation.

Mandalorian Smuggler's Run Mission Aligns With New Film Release

Disney confirmed that the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run attraction at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will feature a brand-new Mando-themed mission launching simultaneously with The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026.

Creator Jon Favreau and Imagineers Leslie Evans/Asa Kalama unveiled concept art showcasing iconic Star Wars locations including Tatooine's Sandcrawler, Bespin's Cloud City, and the ruins of the second Death Star orbiting Endor.

Concept Art Reveals New Smuggler's Run Adventure

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"This experience expands the cinematic universe rather than retelling the film's story," Favreau explained. The attraction features footage captured on the actual Mandalorian set for maximum authenticity.

Additionally, the popular BDX droids will expand globally with a new Anzellan technician variant named Otto. These charming droids will also appear in the upcoming film.

Sneak Peek: Monsters, Inc. Coaster Loading Experience

Disney's Hollywood Studios will soon debut a revolutionary suspended coaster featuring Disney's first vertical lift as part of the new Monsters, Inc. Land. The preview showcased an immersive loading area designed to transport guests into the iconic door vault scene.

Innovative Ride Vehicles Developed for Cars Attraction

Pixar and Imagineering teams revealed they completely reimagined ride vehicle technology for Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars attraction. Imagineer Michael Hundgen explained: "We engineered emotional responsiveness into these vehicles using real-world desert off-roading data and custom dirt track testing."

Each vehicle will feature unique personalities, names, and numbers for enhanced immersion in this mountain rally race experience.

Robert Downey Jr. Unveils Stark Tech Attraction

Robert Downey Jr. surprised attendees with details about Avengers Campus' Stark Flight Lab - a groundbreaking attraction where "gyro-kinetic pods" transition between tracks and robotic arms mid-ride. "This embodies Stark Enterprises' innovative spirit," Downey remarked.

Imagineering incorporated motion capture from dancers to create lifelike robotic movements inspired by Tony Stark's lab assistant DUM-E.

Walt Disney Imagineering's Bruce Vaughn emphasized: "Normally we hide the technology - here the tech IS the story." This represents Disney's first theme park attraction to visibly showcase its mechanical elements as part of the narrative.