Star Wars Experiences Enhanced by Disney's Imagineering and Live Entertainment at Celebration

Star Wars Celebration offered a tantalizing 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 discussed the exciting The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the charming BDX droids set to enchant Disney Parks worldwide, and much more.

In addition to unveiling these new attractions, Kalama and Serna provided insights into how they craft these enchanting experiences, allowing guests to immerse themselves in beloved stories and characters, creating unforgettable memories.

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

One of the most anticipated announcements at Star Wars Celebration was the update to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, set to debut alongside the film on May 22, 2026. This update will enable Engineers to take care of Grogu, offering a unique interactive experience. Although the attraction's storyline will diverge from the film, it will integrate Mando and Grogu into the crew's mission.

Engineers will have the chance to communicate with Grogu and make critical decisions that determine the mission's destination, including Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and the newly announced location of Coruscant. This dynamic adventure is framed by a new narrative where Hondo Ohnaka learns of a deal on Tatooine involving ex-Imperial officers and pirates, setting the stage for a thrilling chase across the galaxy. Guests will join forces with Mando and Grogu to pursue the bounty in an engaging, galaxy-spanning quest.

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. "We think it's going to be a lot of fun. There may be times when Mando has to leave the Razor Crest, and Grogu, left to his own devices, might get a little playful on the control panel. We love the idea of creating these fun little vignettes and moments where you're interacting with Grogu over the comm."

Kalama also highlighted the choose-your-own-adventure aspect, noting, "There will be a critical moment in your adventure where you are strapped for time and have to make a lightning-quick decision about which of our particular bounties we want to pursue. This choice will determine the different destinations we visit."

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, will soon grace 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 their immersion in the Star Wars universe.

"The goal of the BDX Droids was to explore how we bring characters to life in our parks in unique ways," Kalama stated. "This involves merging technology with entertainment and creating a backstory specifically for the parks. Although they've appeared in games and other media, we crafted an original story for the parks and have evolved it as we've expanded to sites worldwide."

Serna added, "These droids have many fun, childlike qualities and engage in cute behaviors. 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 attachments to specific BDX droids based on their color, each representing a unique personality."

The teams at Disney are constantly innovating to enhance these interactions. Serna noted, "The technology behind our animatronics influences how we approach robotics and character experiences, bringing them closer to guests in unexpected ways. We're inspired by attractions like Frozen and aim to bring similar experiences out onto the streets of our parks."

Kalama emphasized the importance of technology in creating immersive experiences, saying, "We aim to use technology in both unexpected and invisible ways to create a sense of suspension and disbelief. Bringing character, emotion, and personality to life through robotics is a unique challenge compared to other applications, like those in an automotive factory. It's about evoking feelings and making the experience truly magical."

From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future

Kalama and Serna, like many of us, grew up enchanted by Disney Parks and specific attractions that inspired them to join the team that creates new experiences for future generations. They shared how their childhood favorites, such as Peter Pan and Star Tours, fueled their passion for crafting immersive experiences.

"As a child, riding Peter Pan was thrilling for me," Serna recalled. "The feeling of flying was mind-blowing. As I grew older and became a Star Wars fan, Star Tours transformed my perception of theme parks. Peter Pan was a story from the past, but Star Tours brought something I loved into a new adventure, making me feel part of a Star Wars story."

"When we do our jobs well, we transport guests of all ages into a fantasy world," Serna continued. "I'm inspired daily by what 10-year-old Michael wanted to experience. If it would have amazed him, it's likely to captivate our guests today, regardless of age."

Kalama shared a similar sentiment, "I was obsessed with science fiction and refused to leave Tomorrowland on my first visit. Star Tours was the attraction that truly immersed me in a fantasy world. That sense of magic and disassociation from reality is powerful for both kids and adults. When we do our jobs well, we invite the entire family into a world of fantasy."

Now, Kalama and Serna are shaping the future of Disney Parks experiences. Serna discussed 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.

"It was a two-year process to transform the nightly fireworks into a Star Wars experience," Serna explained. "We worked with Lucasfilm to create a character as our storyteller, a droid for the experience, and a performative piece. Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga uses the spires as a projection space to create an immersive experience, telling Anakin Skywalker's story in a new way, even on nights without fireworks."

Kalama highlighted the meticulous attention to detail that goes into their work, "We have serious discussions about seemingly minor details, like the type of screw head used because Phillips screws don't exist in the Star Wars timeline, or the receipt paper from purchases. These small details add up to create an authentic and immersive environment, even if they go unnoticed by guests."