AUSTIN, Texas. – Disney Experiences took to the stage Saturday at SXSW 2025 in Texas to showcase several of the new experiences coming to Walt Disney World.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro joined Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman to provide some sneak peeks of what’s being done in preparation for such new offerings as a Mandalorian-themed mission for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a “Cars” experience at Magic Kingdom and the “Monsters Inc.” roller coaster coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
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“Embark on a new mission with Mando and Grogu”
Much is set to change at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but the addition of a Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run mission themed after “The Mandalorian” is expected to be just that: an addition, though one sure to be fun, new and shiny, not unlike that helmet.
Guests are advised they may catch glimpses of familiar “Star Wars” settings as they tag along for the new mission, visiting places such as Tatooine and Cloud City among others.
Timed to coincide with the release of the film “The Mandalorian and Grogu” during Memorial Day Weekend 2026 — May 22, 2026, to be exact — the new mission is billed as one which “will make you feel like you’re right alongside the daring hero (and youngling),” according to Disney Parks Blog.
“Pixar Pals come to play at Walt Disney World”
Over in Arizona, testing is underway on a new off-road “Cars” experience that’s set to replace Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom.
“(The) new Cars experience will take guests on an off-road rally race as you race over rocky terrain, ascend to mountain peaks, and dodge geysers,” wrote Disney Parks Blog. “Buckle up, because these Cars are going where no Car has gone before!”
Imagineers are said to have worked with a motocross company to build a dirt track to tool around and get a feel for the twists, turns and bumps, the blog states, adding “new race car personalities” are in development for the rugged, rally-car attraction.
“Monsters, Inc.”
We now have a clearer picture of what guests will see as they board the soon-to-scare “Monsters, Inc.” roller coaster planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The coaster, a first-of-its-kind suspended design for a Disney park, will feature a vertical lift to “hoist riders in the air like never before,” as is said in the caption of a new animatic.
While getting to walk through the streets of Monstropolis is exciting enough, the land will include a signature attraction where guests embark on a thrilling roller coaster ride through the Monsters, Inc. door vault.
“Imagineers have been itching to turn that moment into an attraction ever since we saw it for the first time,” (Imagineer Michael Hundgen) teased.
Rachel Paige for Disney Parks Blog | SXSW: Scary-Good New Monsters, Inc. Coaster Includes Vertical Lift (excerpt)
By the way, you’ve got until May 10 to visit the beloved Muppets-themed Grand Avenue area before it’s closed to make way for the monsters. Anybody seen a bunny?