Star Wars Celebration offered fans an exciting glimpse into the future of Disney Parks experiences, and IGN had the privilege of speaking with Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna. They discussed the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the introduction of charming BDX droids to Disney Parks worldwide, and much more.

Kalama and Serna shared insights into how they bring Disney magic to life, creating memorable experiences that resonate with guests and allow them to immerse themselves in beloved stories and characters.

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

One of the major announcements at Star Wars Celebration was the addition of a The Mandalorian and Grogu-themed update to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, set to debut alongside a new film on May 22, 2026. This update will allow Engineers to care for Grogu during the attraction's adventure. While the storyline will diverge from the film, it will integrate Mando and Grogu into the crew's mission, with a special focus on the Engineer's role. Engineers will interact directly with Grogu and make critical decisions about 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. There may be moments when Mando has to leave the Razor Crest, and Grogu, left alone, might get a bit playful with the control panel. We love the idea of these fun, interactive vignettes where guests are directly communicating with Grogu."

The update will also feature a choose-your-own-adventure element, where guests must make quick decisions that affect the mission's outcome. Possible destinations include Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and the newly announced location of Coruscant. The narrative revolves around a high-stakes chase across the galaxy, triggered by Hondo Ohnaka's discovery of a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates. Guests will join forces with Mando and Grogu to pursue a bounty in this dynamic adventure.

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

The beloved BDX Droids, known for capturing the hearts of Star Wars fans, are set to make their way to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. These droids, also featured in The Mandalorian & Grogu, have been designed to enhance the immersive experience at Disney Parks.

Image Credit: Disney

"The goal of the BDX Droids was to explore new ways to bring characters to life in our parks, merging technology with entertainment," Kalama stated. "While they've appeared in games and other media, we've crafted an original story specifically for the parks, evolving it as we expand to different locations worldwide."

"These droids have childlike qualities and engage in playful behaviors, each with a distinct personality," Serna added. "We've given each color a unique character, allowing guests to form connections with them, similar to how people feel about R2-D2 and other iconic droids."

The introduction of BDX Droids is part of Disney's ongoing efforts to evolve park experiences, utilizing advanced technology to create more engaging and memorable interactions for guests.

"The technology behind our animatronics is inspiring us to explore new possibilities in robotics and character experiences," Serna noted. "We're considering how to bring these experiences out of attractions and into the streets of our parks, using technology in unexpected ways to create up-close interactions."

"Using technology in both surprising and seamless ways is key to our approach," Kalama added. "Our goal is to create a sense of immersion and disbelief, bringing characters to life with emotion and personality, which presents unique technical challenges."

From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future

Kalama and Serna, like many Disney fans, were inspired by their childhood experiences at Disney Parks, particularly with rides like Peter Pan and Star Tours. These attractions fueled their passion to create new experiences that inspire future generations.

"As a child, riding Peter Pan was incredibly exciting," Serna reminisced. "The sensation of flying was mind-blowing. Later, as a Star Wars enthusiast, Star Tours changed my perception of what theme parks could offer. It was a new adventure within the Star Wars universe, transporting me into the story itself."

"When we do our jobs well, we transport guests of all ages into a fantasy world," Serna continued. "My goal is to create experiences that my 10-year-old self would love, knowing that guests of any age will appreciate them."

"My first visit to the park was as an eight-year-old, and I was obsessed with science fiction," Kalama shared. "I spent the entire day in Tomorrowland. Star Tours was a defining moment for me, fully immersing me in the galaxy. The magic of stepping into another world is crucial for both children and adults."

Both Kalama and Serna are now instrumental in shaping the future of Disney Parks experiences. 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-themed narrative.

Image Credit: Disney

"We saw an opportunity to enhance the daily fireworks experience at Galaxy's Edge," Serna explained. "We collaborated with Lucasfilm to create a show that integrates storytelling with fireworks, introducing a character and a droid to enhance the experience. Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga uses the spires for projections, offering an immersive experience that tells the story of Anakin Skywalker in a new way, even on nights without fireworks."

Kalama emphasized the importance of attention to detail in creating immersive environments. "We have intense discussions about elements like the type of screw head used on panel walls, ensuring they fit within the Star Wars universe," he said. "These small details, often invisible to guests, contribute to the authentic and immersive feel of our spaces."