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. Highlights included The Mandalorian and Grogu joining a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the creation of a revolutionary, emotionally responsive ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's 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 led the presentation, emphasizing the collaborative efforts driving these innovative park experiences.

Here's a summary of the major announcements:

The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smuggler's Run

The Mandalorian and Grogu will feature in a new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run mission, launching alongside The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, alongside 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. Favreau clarified this new story will be a unique experience, not a retelling of the film's plot.

Scenes were captured directly from 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.

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 was revealed, setting the stage for this thrilling new attraction.

Innovative Ride Vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars Attraction

Pixar's Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen detailed the development of a new ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars attraction. Hundgen emphasized the focus on creating an emotional experience, requiring the invention of a vehicle capable of conveying feeling. Research included off-road testing in Arizona and building a dirt track to gather data. Each vehicle will have a unique personality, name, and number.

Robert Downey Jr. on Avengers Campus Attractions

Robert Downey Jr. shared details about Avengers Campus' Stark Flight Lab, describing the experience as embodying the Stark Enterprises mission statement. Guests will ride in gyro-kinetic pods, manipulated by a giant robotic arm, performing high-speed maneuvers. The robotic arm's design is heavily inspired by DUM-E, with dancers and motion capture used to create realistic movement.