Disney Unveils Galactic Adventures at Star Wars Celebration

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

In addition to showcasing these thrilling new additions to Disney Parks worldwide, Kalama and Serna shared insights into how they craft immersive Disney magic, bringing beloved stories and characters to life in unforgettable moments.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run Lets Engineers Bond with 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 this faraway galaxy.

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

"Engineers will have moments to connect with Grogu during the mission," Kalama explained. "When Mando steps off the Razor Crest, Grogu might get playful with the controls, creating fun, interactive vignettes where you’re communicating with him."

On the choose-your-own-adventure aspect, Kalama noted, "At a critical moment, you’ll make a split-second decision about which bounty to pursue, shaping the journey to different destinations."

Choices lead to locations like Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and the newly revealed 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 Capture Hearts at Disney Parks Worldwide

The beloved BDX Droids, enchanting Star Wars fans globally, are coming to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney, bringing joy to park guests.

Featured in The Mandalorian & Grogu, these droids have been in development to deepen guest immersion in Disney Parks’ storytelling.

"BDX Droids blend technology and storytelling, created with a unique backstory for the parks," Kalama said. "They originated here and have evolved across global sites."

"Their playful, childlike traits make them engaging," Serna added. "Each droid’s color reflects a distinct personality, fostering connections similar to those with R2-D2, letting guests bond with their favorites."

These droids are part of Disney’s push to enhance park experiences, with Kalama and Serna emphasizing innovative ways to elevate guest interactions.

"Advanced animatronics inspire us to bring characters out of attractions and into the parks," Serna said. "You’ll see more unexpected, up-close technology-driven moments."

"We focus on using technology invisibly to create disbelief," Kalama added. "Our challenge is infusing robotics with character and emotion, making guests feel something unique, unlike standard robotics tasks."

From Peter Pan to Star Tours: Shaping Disney’s Future

Like many fans, Kalama and Serna were inspired by Disney Parks attractions as children, driving their passion to create experiences that inspire new generations.

Reflecting on their influences, they shared how personal connections to attractions shape their work.

"Peter Pan’s flight was mind-blowing as a kid," Serna recalled. "Later, Star Tours redefined what theme parks could be, immersing me in a new Star Wars adventure when little else was available."

"When we do our jobs well, we transport families of all ages into a fantasy," Serna continued. "I aim to create what 10-year-old me would love, ensuring guests of any age feel that magic."

"I was obsessed with Tomorrowland as a kid," Kalama shared. "Star Tours made me believe I was traveling the galaxy. That sense of fantasy is vital for both kids and adults, and we strive to deliver it."

Now, Kalama and Serna are shaping Disney Parks’ future. They shared proud moments from their work.

Serna highlighted Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga at Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge, a projection show enhancing fireworks with a Star Wars narrative, even on non-fireworks nights.

"We saw an opportunity to elevate the fireworks experience in Batuu," Serna explained. "Working with Lucasfilm, we crafted a story with a droid narrator, using Galaxy’s Edge spires as a projection space to share Anakin Skywalker’s tale in a fresh, immersive way."

For Kalama, it’s the subtle details that matter. "We obsess over every element, like the type of screw head on a panel or the receipt paper from a purchase," he said. "These small touches create an authentic, immersive world when combined."