Disney Showcases Star Wars Tech at Celebration

Star Wars Celebration offered a first look at upcoming Disney Parks experiences, where IGN spoke with Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna about exciting updates including The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed enhancements coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and the charming BDX droids making their Disney Parks debut.

Beyond revealing these new global offerings, Kalama and Serna provided insights into how they translate Disney magic into immersive guest experiences that create lifelong memories with beloved stories and characters.

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

A major Star Wars Celebration reveal confirmed that Engineers aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run will interact with Grogu when The Mandalorian-themed update launches alongside the film on May 22, 2026.

While following a unique storyline separate from the film, the attraction will have guests team up with Mando and Grogu, with Engineers enjoying special moments with the beloved character while selecting galactic destinations.

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

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"Engineers will have opportunities to communicate with Grogu throughout the mission," Kalama revealed. "We've created fun vignettes where Grogu might play with controls when Mando temporarily leaves the Razor Crest."

Guests will face time-sensitive decisions during critical mission moments, choosing bounties that determine whether they visit Bespin, Death Star wreckage above Endor, or Coruscant. The new storyline features Hondo Ohnaka discovering a deal between ex-Imperial officers and pirates on Tatooine, triggering a galaxy-wide chase where guests help Mando and Grogu track targets.

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

These endearing droids, appearing in The Mandalorian & Grogu, will soon charm visitors at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. Developed specifically for parks with unique backstories, each BDX droid features distinct personalities tied to color schemes.

"We merged technology with original park storytelling for these droids," Kalama explained. Serna added: "Their childlike behaviors create emotional connections, similar to how fans bond with R2-D2."

The team discussed how cutting-edge animatronics inspire new character interactions. "Seeing Frozen attraction technology makes us consider bringing that magic to park streets," Serna noted. Kalama emphasized their focus on emotional storytelling through robotics: "Our challenge isn't just mechanical functionality - it's making guests feel something."

From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future

Both Imagineers reflected on childhood park experiences that shaped their careers. Serna recalled: "Peter Pan made me believe we were flying, while Star Tours immersed me in Star Wars when no new content existed." Kalama shared: "As a sci-fi obsessed child who only visited Tomorrowland, Star Tours' galactic journey created unforgettable magic for me."

They emphasized creating experiences that captivate all ages. "If 10-year-old me would love it, guests of any age will too," Serna remarked. Kalama added: "Great attractions transport everyone into complete fantasy."

Highlighting recent achievements, Serna discussed Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga, a two-year project transforming ordinary fireworks nights into Star Wars storytelling experiences at Galaxy's Edge. Kalama takes pride in their obsessive detail orientation: "From screws fitting the Star Wars timeline to receipt paper designs, countless small touches create authentic immersion."