Star Wars Celebration: Disney Brings Experiences to Life

Star Wars Celebration offered 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 shared insights on the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the introduction of the adorable BDX droids to Disney Parks worldwide, and much more. Kalama and Serna also discussed the magic behind bringing these beloved stories and characters to life, creating unforgettable moments for guests.

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 unique opportunity to care for Grogu aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run when the The Mandalorian and Grogu-themed update launches alongside the film on May 22, 2026. While the attraction's storyline will diverge from the film, it will immerse each crew member in a mission alongside Mando and Grogu. The Engineer's role is particularly exciting, as players will interact with Grogu and make critical decisions about their galactic 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 ton of fun. There may be times when Mando has to leave the Razor Crest, leaving Grogu to his own devices, which might lead to some playful moments at the control panel. We love the idea of these fun little vignettes where you're on the comm with Grogu."

The choose-your-own-adventure aspect will allow players to make quick decisions about which bounties to pursue, leading to destinations like Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and the newly-announced Coruscant. This new story revolves around Hondo Ohnaka's discovery of a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, setting the stage for a thrilling chase across the galaxy. Guests will join 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 beloved BDX Droids, which have captured the hearts of Star Wars fans globally, 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 in development to enhance guest experiences and deepen immersion in the stories they love.

"The goal of the BDX Droids was to explore new ways to bring characters to life in our parks," Kalama said. "This is where technology meets entertainment and a unique backstory we created specifically for the parks. They've appeared in games and other places, but we crafted an original story for our guests, which we've evolved as we've expanded to parks worldwide."

"These droids have childlike qualities and engage in cute behaviors," Serna added. "We've given each one a distinct personality, which makes them more engaging and allows us to expand their world. Just as fans connect with R2-D2 and other droids, we believe guests will form connections with the different colored BDX droids, each representing a unique personality."

The introduction of BDX Droids is just one example of how Disney is enhancing park experiences. Kalama and Serna discussed how they are leveraging technology to create more meaningful interactions and memorable moments for guests.

"The technology behind our animatronics is influencing how we approach robotics and character experiences," Serna noted. "We're inspired by attractions like Frozen and are exploring ways to bring these experiences out of attractions and onto the streets. You'll see more of these innovative uses of technology in our parks worldwide, creating unexpected and intimate experiences."

"Using technology in both unexpected and invisible ways is crucial to our approach," Kalama added. "We aim to create a sense of suspension and disbelief, bringing characters to life through robotics. Our challenge is to infuse these robots with emotion and personality, which is different from typical robotic applications. It's about making guests feel something."

From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future

Like many of us, Kalama and Serna were inspired by Disney Parks and specific attractions that fueled their passion to create new experiences for future generations. They shared their personal stories and how these experiences shape their work.

"As a child, riding Peter Pan was the most exciting for me," Serna recalled. "The feeling of flying was mind-blowing. Later, as a Star Wars fan, Star Tours changed my perspective on what theme parks could do. Peter Pan was a story from the past, but Star Tours was a new adventure within the Star Wars universe. It made me feel part of the story. When we do our jobs well, we transport guests of all ages into a fantasy world."

"I only visited the park once before becoming a cast member, and I was obsessed with science fiction," Kalama shared. "I refused to leave Tomorrowland. My vivid memory is of Star Tours, where the suspension of disbelief was incredible. I truly believed I was traveling through the galaxy. This sense of magic and fantasy is powerful for both kids and adults. Our goal is to create experiences that transport the entire family into a different world."

Now, Kalama and Serna are shaping the future of Disney Parks experiences. They shared some of their proudest achievements, including Serna's work on Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga at Disneyland.

"Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga was a two-year project," Serna explained. "We noticed guests watching fireworks in silence at Batuu, so we saw an opportunity to create a Star Wars-themed show. We worked with Lucasfilm to develop a character as our storyteller, a droid, and a performative piece. This led to using the spires for projections, creating an immersive experience that tells Anakin Skywalker's story in a new way, even on nights without fireworks."

For Kalama, it's the meticulous attention to detail that makes the experience special. "We have serious conversations about the type of screw head to use because Phillips doesn't exist in the Star Wars timeline, or the receipt paper from purchases," Kalama said. "These small details might seem insignificant alone, but together, they create an authentic and immersive environment that our guests appreciate, even if they don't notice every detail."