The SXSW panel titled "The Future of World-building at Disney" offered a thrilling glimpse into the upcoming attractions and innovations at Disney Parks. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman spearheaded the event, emphasizing the synergy between their teams to deliver unparalleled guest experiences. From new rides to cutting-edge technology, the panel was brimming with exciting announcements.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Will Join Smuggler's Run in a New Mission at the Launch of The Mandalorian & Grogu Film
Set to debut alongside the highly anticipated The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026, a new mission will be added to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Jon Favreau, the creator of The Mandalorian, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared insights and concept art of the new experience. The art showcases iconic locations like a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest near Cloud City on Bespin, and a glimpse of the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor.
Favreau emphasized that this new mission will not retell the movie's plot but rather offer an immersive experience occurring concurrently with the film's events. To ensure authenticity, scenes for the ride were captured directly on the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu. Additionally, the beloved BDX droids, familiar to Disneyland visitors, will expand their presence to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. A new variant featuring an Anzellan droid named Otto will also make appearances.
Image Credit: Disney
Here's a Sneak Peak at the Load Area and Lift Off of the New Monsters, Inc. Attraction at Disney World
Disney World's Hollywood Studios is set to introduce Monsters, Inc. Land, featuring a groundbreaking themed roller coaster—the park's first-ever suspended coaster with a vertical lift. Guests will soar through the iconic door vault of Monsters, Inc., and Disney provided a sneak peek of the load area, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating ride. While details about the land and the attraction are still unfolding, this preview has sparked excitement among fans.
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-themed attraction at Magic Kingdom. The focus is on creating an emotional experience, necessitating the invention of a unique ride vehicle. This vehicle, designed to convey feelings as guests ride, will take them on a thrilling rally race through mountainous terrain, rather than Radiator Springs.
To gather real-world data, the team ventured to the Arizona desert to test off-road vehicles. They collaborated with a motocross company to create a dirt track, using it to develop the ride vehicle. These vehicles will be equipped with sensors and will feature individual personalities, names, and numbers, 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
Disneyland's Avengers Campus is expanding with two new attractions, one of which, Avengers Infinity Defense, involves teaming up with the Avengers to battle King Thanos across multiple worlds. The highlight of the panel was Robert Downey Jr.'s appearance, sharing insights about the Stark Flight Lab, where guests will delve into Tony Stark's workshop and interact with his latest technological innovations.
Downey Jr. described these new experiences as embodying the mission of Stark Enterprises, emphasizing curiosity, passion, and the drive to improve the world. The Stark Flight Lab ride features "gyro-kinetic pods" and a giant robot arm that facilitates high-speed maneuvers inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers. This innovative use of technology, inspired by Tony Stark's robotic assistant DUM-E, aims to make the tech itself a central part of the narrative.
Image Credit: Disney
