Star Wars Experiences Come to Life with Disney's Imagineering and Live Entertainment at Celebration

Star Wars Celebration provided an exciting glimpse into the future of Disney Parks experiences, and IGN had the opportunity to sit down 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, as well as the charming BDX droids set to enhance the Disney Parks experience worldwide. These updates are part of Disney's ongoing efforts to immerse guests in their beloved stories and characters, creating unforgettable moments.

The Mandalorian and Grogu-Themed Update to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Will Let Engineers Take Care of Grogu

A major highlight from Star Wars Celebration was the announcement that engineers will have the chance to care for Grogu aboard the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, with the themed update set to launch alongside a new film on May 22, 2026. While the attraction's storyline will diverge from the film, it will integrate guests into a team with Mando and Grogu. The engineer's role is particularly exciting, allowing interaction with Grogu and the opportunity to choose the mission's destination across the galaxy.

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 communicate with Grogu," Kalama explained. "This will be a lot of fun, as there may be moments when Mando has to leave the Razor Crest, leaving Grogu to play with the controls. We love the idea of having these fun vignettes where you're on the comm with Grogu."

The adventure also features a choose-your-own-path element, where guests face a critical moment and must quickly decide which bounty to pursue. This decision influences the journey, taking players to iconic locations such as Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and Coruscant. The new story revolves around Hondo Ohnaka's discovery of a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, leading guests on a thrilling chase across the galaxy alongside Mando and Grogu.

The BDX Droids Will Be Traveling From Disney Parks Around the World Right Into Your Heart

The adorable BDX droids, already beloved by Star Wars fans, are set to make their way to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. These droids, featured in The Mandalorian & Grogu, have been developed to enrich guests' experiences by deepening their connection to the stories they love.

"The goal with the BDX Droids was to explore new ways of bringing characters to life in our parks," Kalama stated. "This involves merging technology with entertainment and crafting a unique backstory for the parks. They've appeared in games and other media, but we created an original narrative specifically for our parks, which we've evolved as we introduced them globally."

Serna added, "These droids have childlike qualities and engage in playful behaviors, much like people do. We've given each one a distinct personality, making them more relatable and allowing us to expand their world. Just as fans connect with R2-D2, we believe they'll form attachments to the different colored BDX droids, each representing a unique personality."

The introduction of BDX droids is just one example of how Disney is enhancing its park experiences. Kalama and Serna discussed their approach to leveraging technology to create more engaging and memorable interactions for guests.

"The technology behind our animatronics is shaping how we approach robotics and character experiences," Serna noted. "For instance, seeing the animatronics in the Frozen attraction inspires us to bring similar experiences to life outside of attractions, right onto the park streets. We're excited to use technology in unexpected ways to enhance the park experience."

Kalama emphasized the importance of using technology subtly to maintain the magic and immersion. "We aim to create a sense of disbelief and bring characters to life through robotics. But our challenge is to infuse these robots with emotion and personality, which is far more complex than just making them functional."

From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future

Both Kalama and Serna shared how their childhood experiences at Disney Parks inspired their current roles in creating new attractions for future generations. Their personal stories highlight the lasting impact of Disney's magic on both young and old.

"As a child, riding Peter Pan was exhilarating for me," Serna reminisced. "The sensation of flying was mind-blowing. Later, as a Star Wars fan, Star Tours transformed my view of what theme parks could achieve. It wasn't just a story from the past but a new adventure in the Star Wars universe. Our goal is to transport guests of all ages into a fantasy world where they can lose themselves completely."

Kalama added, "My first visit to the park was at eight years old, and I was obsessed with science fiction. I refused to leave Tomorrowland until I became a cast member. Star Tours was my favorite; it completely suspended my disbelief and made me feel like I was part of the Star Wars galaxy. This magic is crucial for both children and adults."

Their work reflects this passion. Serna discussed the development of 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.

"It took about two years to transform the daily fireworks into a Star Wars-themed show," Serna explained. "We created a character and a droid to enrich the experience, even on nights without fireworks. Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga uses the spires for projections, offering a new way to immerse guests in Anakin Skywalker's story."

Kalama highlighted Disney's attention to detail, which, though often invisible to guests, contributes significantly to the authenticity and immersion of the park experience. "We have serious discussions about minute details, like the type of screw head used or the receipt paper from printers, ensuring every element aligns with the Star Wars timeline and enhances the overall experience."