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

Disney's SXSW "Future of World-Building" panel unveiled exciting developments across its parks. Highlights included the integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into a new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run mission, a revolutionary ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars attraction, and a sneak peek at the Monsters, Inc. attraction's load area and lift-off sequence.

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

The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smuggler's Run

The Mandalorian and Grogu will star in a new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run mission launching alongside The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, showcased concept art featuring iconic locations like Tatooine's Jawa Sandcrawler, the Millennium Falcon and Razor Crest above Bespin's Cloud City, and even the wreckage of the second Death Star over Endor. Favreau emphasized this new story won't retell the film but offers an "off-camera" experience.

Scenes were captured directly from The Mandalorian & Grogu set, ensuring authenticity. The popular BDX droids will expand 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 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 first look at the load area promises a captivating prelude to the ride's experience.

Revolutionary Ride Vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars Attraction

Pixar's Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen detailed the development of a unique ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's new Cars land. Hundgen highlighted the need for a vehicle that conveys emotion, leading to extensive research, including off-road testing in the Arizona desert and building a custom dirt track for data collection. The ride, a thrilling mountain rally race, will feature personalized cars with unique names and numbers.

Robert Downey Jr. on Avengers Campus Attractions

Robert Downey Jr. joined the panel to discuss Avengers Campus' new attractions. He highlighted the "living embodiment" of the Stark Enterprises mission statement for Stark Flight Lab, where guests will experience Tony Stark's latest technology in his workshop. The ride utilizes "gyro-kinetic pods" manipulated by a giant robotic arm, inspired by DUM-E, performing high-speed maneuvers. Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn emphasized the innovative technology as a central element of the story.