Disney's World-Building Future Unveiled at SXSW

At the SXSW panel titled "The Future of World-building at Disney," attendees were treated to a plethora of exciting updates and teases about the future of Disney Parks. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman spearheaded the event, highlighting the collaborative efforts between their teams to enhance the guest experience across Disney Parks worldwide.

The panel revealed that The Mandalorian and Grogu will embark on a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, coinciding with the launch of The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared concept art that promises to excite fans, featuring iconic locations like a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Razor Crest near Cloud City on Bespin, and a visit to the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor. Favreau emphasized that the experience is designed to feel like an extension of the film's universe, capturing scenes directly from the set for an authentic feel.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run

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Additionally, the beloved BDX droids from Disneyland will expand their presence to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new variant featuring an Anzellan named Otto, akin to Babu Frik, set to appear on a BDX requiring maintenance. These droids are also slated to appear in The Mandalorian & Grogu movie.

Disney World's Hollywood Studios is set to welcome Monsters, Inc. Land, featuring a new themed roller coaster. This attraction will be Disney's first-ever suspended coaster with a vertical lift, aiming to immerse guests in the magical world of Monsters, Inc. by soaring through the door vault. A sneak peek at the load area and lift off was shared, setting the stage for what guests can expect from this thrilling new experience.

Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen provided insights into the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom, which requires a new type of ride vehicle. Hundgen explained that the goal is to create an emotional experience for guests, necessitating a vehicle that goes beyond mere transportation. To achieve this, the team conducted research in the Arizona desert and collaborated with a motocross company to build a dirt track for testing. The resulting ride vehicle will not only feature sensors to adapt to different terrains but will also embody a unique personality, name, and number, blending Disney and Pixar magic.

The panel also featured a surprise appearance by Robert Downey Jr., who shared details about the new Avengers Campus attractions at Disneyland. One of these, Avengers Infinity Defense, will involve guests teaming up with Avengers to combat King Thanos across multiple worlds. The highlight, however, was Stark Flight Lab, where Downey Jr. will reprise his role as Tony Stark. Guests will experience Tony's latest technological innovations in "gyro-kinetic pods," maneuvered by a giant robot arm inspired by DUM-E, Tony Stark's robotic assistant. This attraction promises to blend technology and storytelling in an unprecedented way, showcasing the tech as a central element of the narrative.

These announcements and reveals from Disney's SXSW panel underscore the company's commitment to innovative storytelling and immersive experiences, promising exciting new adventures for Disney Parks visitors worldwide.