Disney Showcases New Star Wars Attractions at Celebration

Star Wars Celebration offered a glimpse into upcoming Disney Parks attractions, 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.

In addition to unveiling these thrilling new additions to Disney Parks globally, Kalama and Serna shared insights into how they craft immersive Disney magic, 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

A major highlight from Star Wars Celebration was the reveal that Engineers will interact with Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run when The Mandalorian and Grogu-themed update launches alongside the film on May 22, 2026.

While the attraction's storyline diverges from the movie, it places each crew member alongside Mando and Grogu. The Engineer role stands out, offering fans the chance to engage with Grogu and choose destinations in the Star Wars galaxy.

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

"Engineers will have the chance to communicate directly with Grogu during the mission," Kalama explained. "There will be moments when Mando steps off the Razor Crest, leaving Grogu to playfully interact with the control panel, creating fun, engaging vignettes."

On the choose-your-own-adventure element, Kalama noted, "At a pivotal moment, you'll face a time-sensitive decision about which bounty to pursue, determining the destinations you visit."

This choice leads guests 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 between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, sparking a thrilling galaxy-wide chase where guests join Mando and Grogu to secure a bounty.

BDX Droids Set to Win Hearts at Disney Parks Worldwide

The beloved BDX Droids, captivating Star Wars fans globally, will soon arrive at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney, delighting visitors.

Featured in The Mandalorian & Grogu, these droids have been in development to enhance guest experiences at Disney Parks, immersing them deeper into cherished stories.

"The BDX Droids were designed to bring characters to life in unique ways, blending technology with entertainment and a backstory crafted for the parks," Kalama said. "They originated in the parks and have evolved across global locations."

"These droids have playful, childlike traits, each with a distinct personality tied to their color," Serna added. "Like R2-D2, they foster connections with guests, offering endless possibilities to expand their world."

The BDX Droids are part of Disney’s efforts to evolve park experiences, with Kalama and Serna emphasizing innovative approaches to guest interactions.

"Advanced animatronics inspire us to explore robotics and up-close character experiences," Serna said. "We’re thinking about bringing elements from attractions like Frozen into open spaces, using technology in unexpected ways."

"We focus on using technology invisibly to create a sense of wonder," Kalama added. "Our challenge is infusing robotics with character, emotion, and personality, making guests feel something special."

From Peter Pan to Star Tours: Shaping the Future of Disney Parks

Like many fans, Disney’s Kalama and Serna were inspired by childhood visits to Disney Parks, fueling their passion to create transformative experiences for new generations.

Reflecting on their inspirations, Serna shared, "As a kid, Peter Pan’s flight was mind-blowing. Later, Star Tours changed how I viewed theme parks, placing me inside a Star Wars story during a time with little new Star Wars content."

"We aim to transport families of all ages into a fantasy world," Serna continued. "I design for the wonder 10-year-old me felt, ensuring guests of any age feel that magic."

Kalama added, "As a child, I was obsessed with Tomorrowland and Star Tours. The immersion was so powerful I believed I was in a star speeder. That sense of fantasy is vital for both kids and adults."

Now, Kalama and Serna are shaping 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 unique Star Wars story.

"We saw guests watching fireworks in silence at Batuu and created a storytelling experience with Lucasfilm," Serna explained. "Using a droid and a narrator, we crafted an immersive tale about Anakin Skywalker, projected on Galaxy’s Edge spires."

Kalama emphasized the importance of details: "We obsess over tiny elements, like the type of screw on a panel or receipt paper from a purchase, to ensure authenticity. These small touches create a truly immersive environment."