Disney's SXSW "Future of World-Building" panel unveiled exciting updates for Disney Parks. Highlights included the integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into a new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run mission, the creation of a revolutionary, emotionally responsive ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars land, and a sneak peek at the load area and launch sequence for the upcoming Monsters, Inc. attraction.

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman emphasized the collaborative efforts driving these innovative park experiences.

Here's a summary of the key announcements:

The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smuggler's Run

The Mandalorian and Grogu will be central to a new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run mission, launching May 22, 2026, alongside the release of *The Mandalorian & Grogu* movie. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, showcased concept art depicting locations such as 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. This new story will be distinct from the movie's plot, offering a unique, off-camera experience.

Scenes were captured directly from the *Mandalorian & Grogu* set, ensuring authenticity. Furthermore, the popular Disneyland BDX droids are expanding to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan droid, Otto, joining the lineup.

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

Monsters, Inc. Attraction: Load Area and Lift-Off

Disney World's Hollywood Studios' upcoming Monsters, Inc. Land will feature a suspended coaster—a first for Disney Parks—with a vertical lift. A sneak peek at the load area was shown, hinting at the immersive experience to come.

Magic Kingdom's Cars Land: A New Ride Vehicle

Pixar's Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen revealed the development of a novel ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars land. The vehicle, designed for an emotional experience, will be unlike anything seen before, requiring extensive research and testing. The team conducted off-road testing in Arizona and built a dirt track to gather data for the rally-race-themed attraction. Each vehicle will have a unique personality, name, and number.

Avengers Campus: Stark Flight Lab

Robert Downey Jr. joined the panel to discuss Avengers Campus' Stark Flight Lab, an attraction that will immerse guests in Tony Stark's workshop. Downey described the experience as embodying the Stark Enterprises mission statement. Guests will ride in gyro-kinetic pods, manipulated by a giant robotic arm, inspired by DUM-E, creating a unique, tech-focused ride.