Disney SXSW Panel Highlights Future Park Expansions

The SXSW session on Disney's evolving world-building delivered a host of captivating insights and previews into upcoming Disney Parks developments, such as The Mandalorian and Grogu embarking on a fresh adventure aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the invention of an advanced ride vehicle designed to evoke genuine emotion for the Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom, and a preview of the boarding zone and launch for the new Monsters, Inc. experience.

Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, and Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, hosted the event, outlining their ongoing projects and the value of joint efforts in delivering immersive attractions across Disney Parks.

A wide range of topics emerged, and we've rounded up the major updates and disclosures here.

The Mandalorian and Grogu to Star in Fresh Smuggler's Run Quest Aligned with New Film Premiere

Though already announced as key elements in an updated narrative for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, Disney has now verified that this enhancement will roll out in tandem with The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026.

Jon Favreau, creator of The Mandalorian, alongside Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, offered further details on the forthcoming storyline and unveiled concept artwork depicting settings sure to thrill enthusiasts of that distant galaxy. The visuals, displayed below, feature a Jawa Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando's Razor Crest approaching Cloud City on Bespin, plus a hint at exploring the remnants of the second Death Star over Endor.

Concept Artwork for The Mandalorian and Grogu Adventure on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run

“This won't simply recap the film's events—it's about engaging in events unfolding just beyond the screen's view,” Favreau noted.

Imagineers filmed sequences for this update directly on the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu, ensuring an exceptionally genuine feel upon debut.

Moreover, the charming BDX droids spotted at Disneyland are set to arrive soon at Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. A fresh version will include an Anzellan character akin to Babu Frik, named Otto, who occasionally pops up on a BDX requiring minor repairs.

And for more on these droids, the panel disclosed their inclusion in The Mandalorian & Grogu.

First Glimpse of Boarding Zone and Launch for Upcoming Monsters, Inc. Ride at Disney World

Monsters, Inc. Land is on the horizon for Hollywood Studios at Disney World, featuring a dynamic themed coaster marking the parks' debut suspended design with a vertical ascent.

This addition seeks to fulfill visitors' fantasies of gliding through the Monsters, Inc. door storage, with Disney providing an initial view of the entry area and its role in building anticipation for the journey ahead.

Details remain sparse on this ride and its surrounding area, yet this preview sparks considerable interest.

Pixar and Imagineers Develop Custom Ride Vehicle for Magic Kingdom's New Cars Experience

Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar, and Imagineer Michael Hundgen provided fresh insights into the forthcoming Cars ride within the emerging Cars-themed section at Magic Kingdom.

“We prioritize forging heartfelt connections with visitors,” Hundgen stated. “For this Cars venture, we've engineered a novel ride system unavailable off-the-shelf, as it must deliver far beyond basic transport—we're crafting vehicles that stir emotions during the ride.”

To gather authentic insights, the group ventured into Arizona's desert, navigating off-road rigs across rugged landscapes. Unlike settings in Radiator Springs, this experience unfolds as an exhilarating mountain rally, demanding precise sensations.

They then partnered with a motocross firm to construct their own dirt course for testing, refining the final vehicle design through hands-on trials.

“We're adapting a specialized production model,” Hundgen added. “Equipped with sensors throughout, we conduct runs on our track to analyze responses to varied surfaces, transforming desired sensations into practical design.”

Infused with Disney and Pixar charm, each vehicle boasts a unique character, designation, and identifier.

Robert Downey Jr. Joins Disney SXSW Event to Detail Latest Avengers Campus Additions

Avengers Campus at Disneyland welcomes two fresh rides, among them Avengers Infinity Defense, where participants ally with Avengers heroes against King Thanos in diverse realms. Yet the spotlight fell on the other during the SXSW session, with Robert Downey Jr. appearing to reveal more.

Earlier announcements confirmed Downey Jr.'s reprise as Tony Stark in Stark Flight Lab at Avengers Campus, inviting guests into his lab to test cutting-edge innovations.

Downey Jr. described these additions as “a tangible realization of the Stark Enterprises vision.”

“That blend of wonder, enthusiasm, ingenuity, a touch of spectacle, and above all, an urge to contribute positively—enhancing lives or at least amplifying enjoyment immensely,” Downey elaborated. “Being part of this is an extraordinary honor.”

On the attraction, riders occupy gyro-kinetic capsules before a massive robotic limb engages, guiding through rapid sequences drawn from Iron Man and fellow Avengers.

“Shifting from rails to robotic grasp and returning seamlessly—such innovation is unprecedented in parks, and it thrills us,” explained Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Imagineering. “Typically, technology stays concealed to emphasize narrative; here, the mechanics drive the tale, so we showcase them prominently.”

Imagineering elevates the technology by centering on the robotic arm, inspired deeply by Tony Stark's companion DUM-E, with input from dancers and motion capture to infuse lifelike qualities into the machines.