Star Wars Celebration unveiled exciting updates for Disney Parks, and IGN had the opportunity to discuss these developments with Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna. They shared insights into the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the introduction of adorable BDX droids to various Disney Parks, and their approach to creating memorable experiences.
Kalama and Serna emphasized the magic behind bringing beloved stories and characters to life, creating moments that resonate with guests long after their visit.
The Mandalorian and Grogu-Themed Update to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Will Let Engineers Take Care of Grogu
A highlight of Star Wars Celebration was the announcement that Engineers will have the unique opportunity to care for Grogu aboard the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run when the themed update launches on May 22, 2026. While the attraction's storyline will diverge from the film's plot, guests will team up with Mando and Grogu, with Engineers playing a pivotal role by interacting with Grogu and deciding the mission's destination.
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 lot of fun, especially when Mando has to leave the Razor Crest, and Grogu might get a little playful with the controls. We've designed these fun vignettes where guests are on the comm with Grogu."
The update introduces a choose-your-own-adventure element, where guests make critical decisions that lead to destinations like Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and Coruscant. This new narrative involves Hondo Ohnaka discovering a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, setting the stage for a thrilling chase across the galaxy as guests team up with Mando and Grogu to pursue a bounty.
The BDX Droids Will Be Traveling From Disney Parks Around the World Right Into Your Heart
The beloved BDX Droids, featured in The Mandalorian & Grogu, are set to enchant guests at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. These droids, developed to enhance the immersive experience at Disney Parks, bring new stories and interactions to life.
"The goal with the BDX Droids was to explore how we can bring characters to life in our parks differently, merging technology with entertainment and creating original backstories," Kalama said. "They've appeared in various media, but we crafted a unique narrative for the parks, which we've continued to develop across different locations worldwide."
"These droids have childlike qualities that make them engaging," Serna added. "We've given each droid a distinct personality, which allows guests to connect with them on a personal level, much like with R2-D2 and other iconic droids."
The introduction of BDX Droids reflects Disney's commitment to evolving park experiences, with Kalama and Serna discussing how technology influences the creation of more intimate and engaging moments for guests.
From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future
Both Kalama and Serna were inspired by their childhood experiences at Disney Parks, which led them to contribute to the next generation of attractions. They shared how classic rides like Peter Pan and Star Tours shaped their vision for creating immersive, magical experiences.
"Riding Peter Pan as a child was exhilarating, and later, Star Tours transformed my understanding of what theme parks could offer," Serna reminisced. "These experiences inspired me to create attractions that transport guests into a fantasy, regardless of their age."
"My first visit to the park was at eight years old, and I was fascinated by Tomorrowland and Star Tours," Kalama added. "That sense of being transported into another world is what we aim to achieve for all guests, creating a truly immersive experience."
Serna highlighted 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 narrative. "We saw an opportunity to enrich the fireworks experience with a Star Wars story, creating a performance that also works on nights without fireworks," he explained.
Kalama emphasized the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every aspect of the parks, from the type of screws used to the authenticity of receipts, ensuring a truly immersive and authentic experience for guests.
