Star Wars Celebration offered a glimpse into the future of Disney Parks, revealing exciting new experiences that bring beloved stories to life in unforgettable ways. IGN had the opportunity to speak with Walt Disney Imagineering’s Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment’s Michael Serna about the upcoming *The Mandalorian & Grogu*-themed update coming to *Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run*, the adorable BDX droids making their way into Disney Parks globally, and more.
Beyond sharing details on these immersive new attractions, Kalama and Serna also provided insight into how they craft these magical moments—moments that allow guests to step inside iconic Star Wars adventures and create lasting memories.
The Mandalorian and Grogu-Themed Update to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Will Let Engineers Take Care of Grogu
One of the biggest announcements from Star Wars Celebration was the news that *Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run* will be receiving a *The Mandalorian & Grogu*-themed update set to debut alongside the film on May 22, 2026. While the storyline of the attraction will differ from the movie, it will place each guest aboard the Falcon as part of a crew working alongside Mando and Grogu.
Of all the roles, the Engineer seems to offer the most unique experience—interacting directly with Grogu during the mission. Guests will even get to choose where in the galaxy the adventure continues, adding an element of unpredictability to every ride.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission Concept Art for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
View 16 Images
"Throughout the mission, we're giving engineers the opportunity to actually communicate with Grogu," Kalama explained. "There may be times when Mando has to deboard the Razor Crest, and Grogu, left to his own devices, might play around on the control panel. We love the idea of fun little vignettes where you’re communicating with Grogu through comms."
As for the interactive decision-making, Kalama noted there will be a pivotal moment where guests must quickly decide which bounty to pursue. This choice determines the destinations visited during the mission, which include Bespin, the wreckage of the Death Star above Endor, and the newly revealed Coruscant.
All of this unfolds within a new narrative framework: "Hondo Ohnaka catches wind of a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, setting the stage for a high-stakes chase across the galaxy. Guests team up with Mando and Grogu to track them down and claim a bounty in a dynamic, galaxy-spanning adventure."
The BDX Droids Will Be Traveling From Disney Parks Around the World Right Into Your Heart
The incredibly popular BDX Droids, already winning over fans worldwide, are officially coming to Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. These lovable droids have been in development for some time, designed to deepen guest immersion in the worlds they love.
Image Credit: Disney
"The goal of the BDX Droids was to explore how we can bring characters to life in our parks in new and engaging ways," Kalama said. "This is technology merging with storytelling—we created an original story just for the parks, one that has since expanded into games and other media."
Serna added, "They have a lot of fun, childlike qualities and do all sorts of cute things. We realized early on that giving each droid a distinct personality would make them more engaging. Just like how people connect with R2-D2 or BB-8, we believe guests will form attachments to specific BDX droid colors, each representing a different personality."
These droids represent just one example of how Disney continues to evolve its theme park experiences. Kalama and Serna shared insights into how they use technology in creative, emotionally resonant ways.
"The animatronics technology used in attractions like Frozen is influencing how we approach robotics and character interactions," Serna explained. "We want to take those experiences beyond rides and onto the streets of the parks. You’ll see more of these lifelike characters interacting with guests in unexpected ways."
Kalama added, "Using technology in invisible yet meaningful ways is key to creating that sense of wonder. Our challenge isn’t just technical—it’s emotional. How do you program a robot to express character, emotion, and personality? That’s what makes our work truly special."
From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future
Just like many fans, Kalama and Serna grew up inspired by classic Disney attractions. Now, they’re helping shape the next generation of immersive experiences.
"As a kid, riding Peter Pan was magical for me," Serna recalled. "I believed I was flying. Later, Star Tours showed me what theme parks could really do. It made me feel like I was part of a Star Wars story—and that changed everything."
He continued, "When we do our jobs well, we transport guests of all ages into a fantasy world. It’s not about what I want today, but what 10-year-old Michael really wanted. If he loves it, chances are you will too."
Kalama shared a similar sentiment: "My first trip to the park was at age eight, and I never left Tomorrowland. Star Tours was the moment that made me believe I was on a star speeder traveling through space. That feeling of magic is powerful for both kids and adults alike."
Today, both contribute to creating those same kinds of magical moments for new generations. When asked about projects they were proud of, they shared two standout examples.
Serna helped develop *Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga* at Disneyland—a projection show at Galaxy's Edge that enhances the fireworks display with a full Star Wars story even on non-firework nights.
Image Credit: Disney
"We saw an opportunity to turn silent fireworks viewing into something more," Serna explained. "Working with Lucasfilm, we created a storyteller character and a droid companion to guide guests through Anakin Skywalker’s journey using the spires of Batuu as a projection canvas. The result is an entirely new kind of immersive experience."
For Kalama, the pride lies in the smallest, often unnoticed details that collectively create authenticity.
"I hope guests never notice the level of detail we put in, but still feel its impact," Kalama said. "We’ve had serious conversations about screw head types on panel walls because Phillips screws don’t exist in Star Wars. Or the receipt paper from a shop register. Every tiny element adds up to make the world feel real and immersive."
