Star Wars Comes Alive: Disney's Imagineering and Live Entertainment at Celebration

At the recent Star Wars Celebration, fans were treated to a glimpse of the future of Disney Parks experiences. IGN had the opportunity to sit down with Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna to discuss the exciting updates, including the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed enhancements to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run and the introduction of the charming BDX droids across various Disney Parks worldwide.

Kalama and Serna provided insights into the creative processes behind these new attractions, showcasing how Disney's magic is brought to life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in their favorite narratives and characters, creating unforgettable moments.

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 aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run will have the unique opportunity to care for Grogu when the The Mandalorian and Grogu-themed update launches alongside a new film on May 22, 2026. Although the attraction's storyline diverges from the film, it will feature guests teaming up with Mando and Grogu. Notably, the Engineer's role promises a special interaction with Grogu, allowing guests 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, we're going to be giving the engineers the opportunity to actually get to communicate with Grogu," Kalama explained. "There may be times when Mando has to deboard the Razor Crest, and Grogu, left to his own devices, might get a little happy on the control panel. These fun vignettes and moments where you're sort of on the comm with Grogu will be a blast."

The attraction introduces a choose-your-own-adventure element, where a critical decision during the mission will dictate whether guests visit Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, or the newly announced location of Coruscant. This decision is part of a new narrative where Hondo Ohnaka learns of a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, leading to a thrilling chase across the galaxy. Guests will join forces with Mando and Grogu to pursue the bounty in a dynamic, galaxy-spanning adventure.

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

The adorable BDX Droids, beloved by Star Wars fans, are set to charm visitors at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. These droids, also featured in The Mandalorian & Grogu, have been meticulously developed to enhance guest experiences by deepening immersion into beloved stories.

Image Credit: Disney

"The goal of the BDX Droids was to look at how we bring characters to life in our parks in different ways, merging technology with entertainment and crafting an original backstory for the parks," Kalama stated. "They've appeared in games and other places, but we created a unique narrative for our guests."

Serna added, "These droids have childlike qualities and unique personalities, making them engaging and allowing for continuous expansion of their world. Just as with R2-D2, guests will form connections with different colors of BDX droids, each representing a distinct personality."

The BDX Droids are a testament to Disney's commitment to evolving park experiences, with Kalama and Serna highlighting how technology and animatronics are shaping new interactions and memorable moments for guests.

"The technology behind the animatronics influences how we're looking at robotics and character experiences, bringing them out of attractions and onto the streets," Serna said. "We're exploring unexpected uses of technology to create up-close experiences that inspire."

Kalama emphasized the importance of using technology in both visible and invisible ways to create a sense of suspension and disbelief. "Our challenge is to bring character, emotion, and personality to life through robotics, which is a unique technical challenge compared to other applications," he noted.

From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future

Kalama and Serna, like many Disney fans, were inspired by iconic attractions such as Peter Pan and Star Tours. These experiences fueled their passion to create new attractions that would captivate future generations.

"Riding Peter Pan was thrilling as a child," Serna reminisced. "The sensation of flying was mind-blowing. Later, as a Star Wars fan, Star Tours changed my perspective on what theme parks could achieve. It brought me into a Star Wars story, which was incredible during a time when new Star Wars content was scarce."

Kalama shared his own experiences, "I was obsessed with science fiction and spent my entire visit in Tomorrowland. Star Tours was the ultimate attraction for me, fully immersing me in the galaxy. The magic of disassociating from reality and entering a fantasy world is powerful for all ages."

Now, Kalama and Serna are instrumental in shaping the future of Disney Parks. Serna's proud of 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 narrative, even on nights without fireworks.

Image Credit: Disney

"We looked at the daily fireworks and saw an opportunity to create something unique in the Star Wars universe," Serna said. "We introduced a storyteller and a droid, creating a performative piece that led to Shadows of Memory, utilizing the spires for projections and crafting an immersive experience."

Kalama highlighted the meticulous attention to detail that goes into creating an authentic and immersive environment. "We obsess over details, from the type of screw head used to the receipt paper from purchases, to ensure the space feels truly authentic," he explained.