Disney Unveils Star Wars-Themed Park Upgrades at Celebration

Star Wars Celebration offered a glimpse into the future of Disney Parks, with IGN interviewing Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna. They discussed the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed enhancement for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the charming BDX droids arriving at Disney Parks, and more.

Kalama and Serna shared insights on how they craft immersive Disney experiences, bringing beloved stories and characters to life in unforgettable ways.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run Puts Engineers in Charge of Grogu

At Star Wars Celebration, a major highlight was the reveal that Engineers will care for Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run with the The Mandalorian and Grogu-themed update, launching alongside the film on May 22, 2026.

While the attraction's storyline diverges from the movie, it teams guests with Mando and Grogu. Engineers will enjoy a special role, interacting with Grogu and choosing destinations in the Star Wars galaxy.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run

"Engineers will have chances to connect with Grogu during the mission," Kalama explained. "When Mando steps off the Razor Crest, Grogu might playfully tinker with the controls, creating fun moments where you're communicating with him."

Kalama noted the choose-your-own-adventure element, saying, "At a critical point, you'll make a quick decision about which bounty to pursue, determining the destinations you'll visit."

This choice leads to locations like Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and the newly introduced Coruscant. The story centers on Hondo Ohnaka uncovering a deal on Tatooine involving ex-Imperial officers and pirates, sparking a thrilling galaxy-wide chase where guests join Mando and Grogu to secure a bounty.

BDX Droids to Charm Guests at Disney Parks Worldwide

The beloved BDX Droids, featured in The Mandalorian & Grogu, will soon appear at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney, delighting Star Wars fans.

Developed to enhance park experiences, these droids aim to immerse guests in the stories they love.

"The BDX Droids blend technology and storytelling, created specifically for the parks with an original backstory," Kalama said. "They've evolved as we've expanded to parks worldwide."

"Their playful, childlike traits make them engaging," Serna added. "Each droid's color reflects a unique personality, fostering connections like those with R2-D2."

These droids are part of Disney's efforts to advance park experiences, with Kalama and Serna exploring ways to elevate guest interactions.

"Advanced animatronics inspire us to bring characters out of attractions and into the parks," Serna said. "Expect more innovative, up-close experiences."

"We use technology in unexpected, seamless ways to create immersive moments," Kalama added. "Our challenge is infusing robotics with character and emotion, making guests feel something special."

From Childhood Favorites to Shaping Disney's Future

Like many fans, Kalama and Serna were inspired by Disney Parks attractions, driving them to create new experiences for future generations.

Reflecting on their inspirations, Serna shared, "As a kid, Peter Pan's flight amazed me—I felt like I was flying. Later, Star Tours blew me away as a Star Wars fan, immersing me in a new adventure during a time with little new Star Wars content."

"Our goal is to transport guests of all ages into a fantasy world," Serna continued. "I design for the wonder I felt as a 10-year-old, hoping to spark that for others."

"I visited the park once as a kid and was obsessed with Tomorrowland," Kalama recalled. "Star Tours made me believe I was in a star speeder, traveling the galaxy. That sense of fantasy is vital for both kids and adults."

Kalama and Serna now shape Disney Parks' future. Serna highlighted his work on Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga at Disneyland, a Galaxy's Edge projection show enhancing fireworks with a Star Wars narrative.

"We saw guests watching fireworks in Batuu without music and created a show with Lucasfilm," Serna said. "We introduced a storyteller droid and used the spires for projections, crafting an immersive tale about Anakin Skywalker, even on non-fireworks nights."

Kalama emphasized the unseen details, saying, "We obsess over tiny elements, like the type of screw head on a panel or the receipt paper from a purchase. These details add up to make the experience feel authentic and immersive."