Bringing Star Wars Experiences to Life With Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment - Star Wars Celebration

Star Wars Celebration unveiled exciting updates for Disney Parks, and IGN had the opportunity to interview Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna. They discussed the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed enhancements for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run and the introduction of the adorable BDX droids to various Disney Parks globally.

Kalama and Serna shared insights into how they bring Disney magic to life, creating immersive experiences that resonate with fans and allow them to live out their favorite stories and characters in unforgettable ways.

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

A highlight from Star Wars Celebration was the announcement that engineers will be able to interact with Grogu on 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 movie, it will involve players teaming up with Mando and Grogu. Engineers, in particular, will enjoy unique interactions with Grogu and the ability to choose their galactic destination.

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

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"Throughout the mission, engineers will have the chance to communicate directly with Grogu," Kalama explained. "It's going to be a lot of fun, especially when Mando leaves Grogu alone, and he might get a bit too playful with the controls. We're excited about these fun, spontaneous moments where guests are connected with Grogu via communications."

The attraction will also feature a choose-your-own-adventure element, where players must quickly decide which bounty to pursue, leading to different destinations such as Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and Coruscant. The new storyline involves Hondo Ohnaka uncovering a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, setting the stage for a thrilling galaxy-spanning adventure with Mando and Grogu.

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

The beloved BDX droids, featured in The Mandalorian & Grogu, are set to charm guests at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. These droids have been developed to deepen guests' immersion in beloved Star Wars stories.

Image Credit: Disney

"The BDX Droids represent our effort to bring characters to life in innovative ways within our parks," Kalama said. "They're a blend of technology and entertainment, with a unique backstory developed specifically for our parks. Though they've appeared in games and other media, their story here is original and tailored to each location around the world."

"We've given each droid a distinct personality, much like beloved droids such as R2-D2," Serna added. "This approach allows guests to connect with them in a personal way, and we plan to expand their world further."

Kalama and Serna also discussed how technology is shaping the future of Disney Parks experiences, with animatronics and robotics bringing characters to life in new, intimate ways across the parks.

From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future

Both Kalama and Serna, inspired by their childhood experiences at Disney Parks, are now part of the team crafting future attractions. Serna reminisced about the thrill of flying on Peter Pan and the transformative experience of Star Tours, which fueled his passion for theme park storytelling.

"Riding Peter Pan as a kid was exhilarating, but Star Tours, as a Star Wars fan, truly changed my perspective on what theme parks could achieve," Serna said. "These experiences are about transporting guests of all ages into a fantasy world."

Kalama shared a similar sentiment, recalling his obsession with Tomorrowland and the immersive magic of Star Tours. "The ability to completely disassociate from reality and enter a fantasy world is crucial, not just for kids but for adults too," he said.

Serna highlighted his involvement in 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, even on nights without fireworks.

Image Credit: Disney

"We turned a simple fireworks viewing into an immersive Star Wars experience," Serna explained. "We created a character and a droid as part of the storytelling, which has evolved into a unique use of the park's spires for projections, telling Anakin Skywalker's story in a fresh way."

Kalama emphasized the meticulous attention to detail that goes into creating authentic and immersive environments. "From the type of screw head used to the texture of receipt paper, every small detail contributes to a truly believable experience," he noted.