Star Wars Celebration offered a thrilling glimpse into the future of Disney Parks experiences, and IGN had the privilege of speaking with Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna. They shared exciting details about the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the adorable BDX droids set to charm guests worldwide, and much more.
Kalama and Serna also provided insights into the magic behind bringing beloved stories and characters to life, creating unforgettable moments for guests across the globe.
The Mandalorian and Grogu-Themed Update to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run Will Let Engineers Take Care of Grogu
One of the standout announcements from Star Wars Celebration is the integration of The Mandalorian and Grogu into Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run. Set to launch alongside the film on May 22, 2026, this update allows engineers to care for Grogu during the ride. Although the storyline diverges from the film, each crew member will work alongside Mando and Grogu. Engineers, in particular, will have a unique role, interacting with Grogu and making pivotal decisions about the adventure's destination.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
View 16 Images
"Throughout the mission, engineers will have the chance to communicate directly with Grogu," Kalama explained. "It's going to be incredibly fun. There might be moments when Mando needs to leave the Razor Crest, leaving Grogu to his own devices, possibly playing with the control panel. These little vignettes will add delightful moments to the experience."
The choose-your-own-adventure aspect will see guests making critical, time-sensitive decisions about which bounty to pursue, leading to different destinations such as Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and Coruscant. The narrative will revolve around Hondo Ohnaka discovering a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, setting the stage for a high-stakes chase across the galaxy. Guests will join forces with Mando and Grogu to track down the culprits and claim the bounty.
The BDX Droids Will Be Traveling From Disney Parks Around the World Right Into Your Heart
The beloved BDX Droids, known for capturing the hearts of Star Wars fans, will soon be enchanting guests at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. These droids, which will also feature in The Mandalorian & Grogu, have been developed to enhance guests' immersion in the Star Wars universe.
Image Credit: Disney
"Our goal with the BDX Droids was to explore new ways to bring characters to life in our parks," Kalama stated. "This project merges technology with entertainment and a backstory we created specifically for the parks. They've appeared in games and other media, but we crafted an original story for our guests, evolving it as we introduced them worldwide."
"They exhibit childlike qualities and perform various adorable actions," Serna added. "We've given each droid a distinct personality, making them more engaging and allowing us to expand their world. Just like fans connect with R2-D2, we believe guests will form bonds with these droids based on their unique colors and traits."
The BDX Droids represent just one aspect of how Disney is enhancing park experiences. Kalama and Serna discussed how they're leveraging technology to create more memorable interactions, drawing inspiration from animatronics seen in attractions like Frozen and envisioning how to bring such technology into more intimate, up-close settings throughout the parks.
From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future
Like many of us, Kalama and Serna were inspired by their childhood experiences at Disney Parks. They shared how attractions like Peter Pan and Star Tours fueled their passion for creating new experiences that would inspire future generations.
"Riding Peter Pan was exhilarating as a kid," Serna reminisced. "The feeling of flying was mind-blowing. Later, as a Star Wars fan, Star Tours transformed my understanding of what theme parks could achieve. It was a new adventure in a time when new Star Wars content was scarce. That sense of being part of a Star Wars story was magical."
"When we do our jobs well, we transport guests of all ages into a complete fantasy world," Serna continued. "That's what inspired me every day. If 10-year-old Michael would love it, chances are, guests of any age will too."
"My first park visit was when I was eight, and I was obsessed with science fiction," Kalama shared. "I wouldn't leave Tomorrowland. Star Tours was the highlight, with its incredible suspension of disbelief. That sense of entering a fantasy world is crucial for both kids and adults."
Now, Kalama and Serna are shaping the future of Disney Parks. Serna discussed his work on Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga at Disneyland, a projection show at Galaxy's Edge that enhances the nightly fireworks with a Star Wars-themed story.
Image Credit: Disney
"We saw an opportunity with the daily fireworks at Batuu," Serna explained. "People watched them in silence, so we created a Star Wars-inspired show. We developed a character as our storyteller, added a droid, and crafted a performative piece. This evolved into Shadows of Memory, which uses the spires for projections and tells Anakin Skywalker's story in a new, immersive way."
Kalama highlighted the meticulous attention to detail that goes into their work. "We have serious conversations about seemingly minor elements, like the type of screw head used on a panel wall, because Phillips screws don't exist in the Star Wars timeline. Even the receipt paper from our printers is carefully considered. These small details, when combined, create a truly authentic and immersive environment."
