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

Disney's SXSW "Future of World-Building" panel unveiled exciting developments 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 upcoming *Cars* attraction, and a sneak peek at the load area and lift-off sequence for the new *Monsters, Inc.* attraction.

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 be featured in a new mission for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, launching concurrently with *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 that this new experience complements, rather than retells, the movie's narrative.

Scenes were captured directly from *The Mandalorian & Grogu*'s set, ensuring authenticity. Additionally, the popular BDX droids will expand to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan droid, Otto, joining the lineup.

Monsters, Inc. Attraction Sneak Peek

Disney World's Hollywood Studios will soon welcome *Monsters, Inc.* Land, featuring a groundbreaking suspended coaster—Disney's first—with a vertical lift. A first look at the load area was revealed, hinting at the immersive experience to come.

Revolutionary Ride Vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars Attraction

Pixar's Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen detailed the innovative ride vehicle being developed for Magic Kingdom's new *Cars*-themed land. The attraction, a thrilling mountain rally race, necessitates a custom-built vehicle designed to evoke specific emotions. Real-world testing in the Arizona desert and on a custom-built dirt track informs the vehicle's design, which will also incorporate unique Disney and Pixar personalities, names, and numbers.

Robert Downey Jr. on Avengers Campus' Stark Flight Lab

Robert Downey Jr. joined the panel to discuss Avengers Campus' Stark Flight Lab, an attraction where guests will experience Tony Stark's latest inventions. The ride utilizes gyro-kinetic pods and a giant robotic arm, inspired by DUM-E, for high-speed maneuvers. Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn highlighted the innovative use of technology as a central element of the storytelling.