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

The SXSW panel, "The Future of World-building at Disney," provided an exhilarating glimpse into the upcoming attractions and enhancements at Disney Parks. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman highlighted the collaborative efforts between their teams, promising a thrilling future for Disney enthusiasts.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Will Join Smuggler's Run in a New Mission at the Launch of The Mandalorian & Grogu Film

Disney Parks announced that The Mandalorian and Grogu will feature in a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. This new experience, debuting alongside the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026, promises to immerse guests in an adventure that complements the movie's narrative without retelling it.

Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared insights and concept art showcasing locations such as a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest approaching Cloud City on Bespin, and a visit to the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor. The mission's authenticity is ensured by scenes captured directly from the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu.

Additionally, the beloved BDX droids from Disneyland will expand to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new variant named Otto, an Anzellan akin to Babu Frik, adding a unique twist to the droid experience. These droids will also feature in The Mandalorian & Grogu film.

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Here's a Sneak Peek at the Load Area and Lift Off of the New Monsters, Inc. Attraction at Disney World

Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney World's Hollywood Studios will soon feature a groundbreaking themed roller coaster, marking Disney Park's first-ever suspended coaster with a vertical lift. Guests will experience the thrill of soaring through the iconic door vault of Monsters, Inc. Disney provided a first look at the load area, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable ride.

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 details about the new Cars-themed attraction at Magic Kingdom. The focus is on creating an emotional experience, necessitating the invention of a new type of ride vehicle. This vehicle, designed to convey feelings during the ride, will take guests on a thrilling rally race through the mountains, distinct from Radiator Springs.

To ensure authenticity, the team conducted research in the Arizona desert, riding off-road vehicles over rocky terrain. They collaborated with a motocross company to build a dirt track for testing, gathering data to refine the ride vehicle's design. Each vehicle will have its own personality, name, and number, adding a personal touch to the experience.

Robert Downey Jr. Stops by Disney's SXSW Panel to Help Share More About the New Avengers Campus Attractions

Avengers Campus at Disneyland is set to introduce two new attractions, including Avengers Infinity Defense, where guests will join forces with the Avengers to combat King Thanos across multiple worlds. The highlight of the panel was Robert Downey Jr.'s appearance, sharing details about the Stark Flight Lab.

Downey Jr. will reprise his role as Tony Stark, inviting guests into his workshop to explore new technology. The attraction features "gyro-kinetic pods" and a giant robot arm inspired by Tony Stark's DUM-E, executing high-speed maneuvers reminiscent of Iron Man and other Avengers. This innovative ride, which transitions from a track to a robot arm, showcases technology as the central element of the story.

The panel underscored Disney's commitment to pushing the boundaries of theme park experiences, blending storytelling with cutting-edge technology to create immersive and emotionally engaging attractions.