Exciting Disney Park Updates from SXSW: The Future of Attractions and Immersive Experiences

Disney fans, the future of Disney parks is shaping up to be even more immersive and thrilling than ever before! At the 2025 SXSW panel, Disney shared exciting updates and reveals about upcoming attractions, new ride technologies, and beloved characters coming to Disney parks worldwide. From The Mandalorian joining Smuggler's Run to groundbreaking new rides in Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, here’s everything you need to know about the future of Disney theme parks.

Artwork from Disney

1. The Mandalorian & Grogu Arrive on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run

One of the most anticipated updates for Disney parks is the introduction of The Mandalorian and Grogu to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. Set to debut alongside The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on May 22, 2026, this new experience will bring guests into an all-new adventure within the Star Wars galaxy. With concept art showing iconic locations like Tatooine, Cloud City, and Endor, fans can expect to embark on an adventure that’s happening just off-camera from the movie’s storyline. This groundbreaking addition will be available at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Galaxy’s Edge.

2. Monsters, Inc. Roller Coaster: Disney’s First Suspended Coaster

Get ready to scream with excitement! Disney is introducing a Monsters, Inc.-themed roller coaster at Hollywood Studios, replacing the Muppet*Vision 3D attraction in 2025. This marks Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster, with the track positioned above riders' seats for a completely new experience. During boarding, the coaster train will detach and lift into the air to rejoin the rest of the ride path, offering guests a truly unique thrill. While the official name and opening date of the attraction remain under wraps, concept videos revealed during SXSW give fans a glimpse of the ride’s load station and thrilling track movements.

This coaster is part of the new Monstropolis-themed land, which is sure to be a big hit with Monsters, Inc. fans.

Model Image from Disney

3. Cars Attraction Takes a Ride Through the Rugged Wilderness

At Magic Kingdom, Pixar's Cars franchise is getting a major upgrade with a new off-road adventure ride. During SXSW, Disney Imagineers revealed their research process, which included off-roading in the Arizona desert to gather data for the ride’s path and vehicle design. This Cars attraction will take guests beyond Radiator Springs, through rugged wilderness on a thrilling journey. While the ride’s name and opening date are yet to be announced, concept sketches of new characters and the ride vehicle promise an exciting and emotional experience for guests.

In addition to the new Cars attractions, Disney will close several attractions at Magic Kingdom, including Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Belle Riverboat, to make way for this highly anticipated new land.

4. Avengers Campus Expands with Stark Flight Lab

The Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure is about to get a major upgrade with Stark Flight Lab, an attraction that features a robotic arm for high-speed maneuvers, inspired by Tony Stark’s technology. Robert Downey Jr., who reprises his role as Tony Stark, joined the panel to share more details about the attraction and how he plans to stay involved with Imagineering for years to come. Guests will board “gyro-kinetic pods” for an exhilarating ride, with the tech playing a central role in the story, making it a truly unique experience. This ride promises to be unlike anything else in a theme park, with cutting-edge robotic technology at the heart of the action.

Photos from SXSW

5. Introducing BDX Droids and Otto: The New Faces of Disney Parks

In a delightful surprise, Disney announced that BDX droids, the lovable free-roaming Audio-Animatronics seen at Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line, will soon make their way to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. These charming droids will also appear in the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu movie. Additionally, a new character, Otto (an Anzellan droid, like Babu Frik), will appear alongside the BDX units at these parks, adding even more charm to the already beloved Star Wars universe.

6. The Fantastic Four Coming to Disneyland’s Tomorrowland

Exciting news for Marvel fans: The Fantastic Four characters will be joining Disneyland’s Tomorrowland this summer, coinciding with the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps movie. This is a unique departure from the usual Marvel characters found in Avengers Campus, as these iconic superheroes will make their debut in Tomorrowland. Disney Imagineers are also developing a new animatronic of H.E.R.B.I.E., the robotic character from The Fantastic Four, adding even more excitement to the Marvel universe at Disneyland.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Disney Parks

From the new Monsters, Inc. roller coaster to the incredible Stark Flight Lab attraction, Disney is constantly pushing the boundaries of technology and storytelling in their theme parks. The new Mandalorian mission and Cars adventure are just the beginning of an exciting wave of attractions coming to Disney parks worldwide. Whether you’re a fan of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, or Monsters, Inc., Disney is sure to deliver unforgettable experiences that will captivate and thrill guests for years to come.

So, mark your calendars and get ready for a future filled with magic, innovation, and jaw-dropping attractions at Disney Parks. The future is bright, and it's just around the corner!