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 development of a revolutionary, emotionally responsive ride vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars attraction, and a sneak peek at the load area and launch sequence for the new Monsters, Inc. attraction.

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman led the discussion, emphasizing the collaborative efforts behind these innovative park experiences.

Here are the major announcements:

The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smuggler's Run

The Mandalorian and Grogu will be incorporated into a new storyline for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. This new experience launches May 22, 2026, alongside *The Mandalorian & Grogu* movie. Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared concept art (see below) 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 mission isn't a retelling of the film but a parallel experience.

Scenes were captured directly from the set of *The Mandalorian & Grogu*, promising an authentic feel. Additionally, the popular BDX droids from Disneyland will expand to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, with a new Anzellan droid variant, Otto, occasionally appearing for repairs.

Monsters, Inc. Attraction Sneak Peek

Disney World's Hollywood Studios will soon welcome Monsters, Inc. Land, featuring a groundbreaking suspended coaster—the first of its kind in a Disney Park, incorporating a vertical lift. A first look at the load area was revealed, setting the stage for the immersive experience.

Innovative Ride Vehicle for Magic Kingdom's Cars Attraction

Pixar's Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen detailed the upcoming Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom's new Cars Land. Hundgen emphasized the creation of a novel ride vehicle designed to evoke emotion. Real-world research, including off-road vehicle testing in the Arizona desert and motocross track development, informed the design. The ride, a thrilling mountain rally race, will feature uniquely personalized vehicles, each with its own name and number.

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