Star Wars Celebration offered a thrilling glimpse into the future of Disney Parks, with IGN sitting down with Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna. They delved into exciting new additions like the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run and the adorable BDX droids set to enchant Disney Parks worldwide. These insights not only highlighted the new experiences but also shed light on the creative process behind bringing beloved stories and characters to life in unforgettable ways.
The Mandalorian and Grogu-Themed Update to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run Will Let Engineers Take Care of Grogu
A major highlight from Star Wars Celebration was the announcement that Engineers will soon have the chance to care for Grogu aboard the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run. This update, set to launch alongside a new film on May 22, 2026, will feature a unique storyline diverging from the movie's plot. Each crew member will team up with Mando and Grogu, but the Engineer's role stands out, offering interactive moments with Grogu and the ability to choose the adventure's destination within the Star Wars universe.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
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"Throughout the mission, we're going to be giving the engineers the opportunity to actually get to communicate with Grogu," Kalama explained. "It's going to be a ton of fun. There might be moments when Mando has to leave the Razor Crest, leaving Grogu to play with the control panel. These fun little vignettes and moments where you're on the comm with Grogu will be delightful."
The update will also introduce a choose-your-own-adventure element, where players face critical decisions that determine their journey's path. Destinations include Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and the newly announced location, Coruscant. The narrative revolves around a high-stakes chase initiated by Hondo Ohnaka's discovery of a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates. Guests will join forces with Mando and Grogu to pursue this bounty across the galaxy.
The BDX Droids Will Be Traveling From Disney Parks Around the World Right Into Your Heart
The charming BDX Droids, beloved by Star Wars fans, are set to make their way to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. These droids, also featured in The Mandalorian & Grogu, are designed to enhance guest immersion in the stories they love.
"The goal of the BDX Droids was to explore how we can bring characters to life in our parks in innovative ways," Kalama said. "This is where technology meets entertainment and a unique backstory created for the parks. They've appeared in games and other media, but we crafted an original story specifically for our guests, which we've continued to evolve as we introduce them globally."
Serna added, "These droids have childlike qualities and engage in cute behaviors, making them relatable and endearing. We've given each color a distinct personality, allowing guests to connect with them much like they do with R2-D2 and other iconic droids."
The BDX Droids are part of Disney's ongoing efforts to enhance park experiences through technology. Serna highlighted how advancements in animatronics are shaping new robotic and character interactions, bringing these experiences closer to guests in unexpected ways.
"Using technology in both unexpected and seamless ways is crucial to our approach," Kalama emphasized. "We're focused on creating a sense of disbelief, bringing characters to life with emotion and personality, which presents unique technical challenges distinct from industrial applications."
From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future
Both Kalama and Serna shared their personal connections to Disney Parks, reflecting on childhood experiences that inspired their careers. Serna reminisced about the magic of flying on Peter Pan and the impact of Star Tours, which brought the Star Wars universe to life in a new way. "As a child, riding Peter Pan was exhilarating," he said. "But Star Tours changed my perception of what theme parks could do. It transported me into a Star Wars story, which was a new adventure at a time when there was little new content."
Kalama, similarly influenced by Star Tours, shared his obsession with Tomorrowland and science fiction. "Star Tours was the attraction that fully suspended my disbelief. It made me feel like I was traveling through the galaxy," he said. "This sense of magic and fantasy is crucial not just for kids but for adults too."
Now, these childhood inspirations fuel their work in crafting future Disney Parks experiences. Serna discussed his role in creating Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga at Disneyland, a projection show at Galaxy's Edge that enhances the nightly fireworks with a Star Wars narrative.
"We saw an opportunity to enhance the daily fireworks with a Star Wars-themed show," Serna explained. "We created a character and a droid to tell the story of Anakin Skywalker, using the spires for projections to create an immersive experience unlike anything seen before in a theme park."
Kalama emphasized the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every aspect of Disney's attractions. "We have serious discussions about elements like the type of screw head used, ensuring everything aligns with the Star Wars timeline," he said. "These small details might seem insignificant alone, but together, they create an authentic and immersive environment."
