Disney's Star Wars Live Show Debuts at Celebration

Star Wars Celebration offered a tantalizing glimpse into the future of Disney Parks experiences, where IGN got exclusive insights from Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna about upcoming Mandalorian & Grogu updates for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run and the irresistibly charming BDX droids making their way to Disney parks worldwide.

Beyond unveiling these thrilling additions, Kalama and Serna pulled back the curtain on how they create Disney magic - transforming favorite characters and stories into unforgettable real-world experiences that stay with guests long after they leave the parks.

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

The biggest Star Wars Celebration reveal? Engineers will get hands-on time with Grogu during the Mandalorian-themed revamp of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, launching May 22, 2026 alongside the new film.

While following a different storyline than the movie, the attraction places each crew member on a team with Mando and Grogu. The Engineer position offers special perks - not just interacting with Grogu but choosing your intergalactic destination.

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

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"Engineers will get to communicate with Grogu throughout the mission," Kalama revealed. "When Mando leaves the Razor Crest, Grogu might get a bit too playful with the controls. These little vignettes create magical interaction moments."

The experience features a choose-your-own-adventure element: "At a critical moment, you'll make a snap decision about which bounty to pursue," Kalama explained. This determines whether you visit Bespin, Endor's Death Star wreckage, or newly-added Coruscant.

The adventure centers on Hondo Ohnaka uncovering a deal between ex-Imperial officers and pirates on Tatooine, launching guests on a galaxy-wide chase with Mando and Grogu to claim the bounty.

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

Those adorable BDX droids winning over Star Wars fans everywhere are officially coming to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. These park-original characters will also appear in The Mandalorian & Grogu film.

"We wanted to bring characters to life in new ways," Kalama said. "These droids originated in parks, though they've appeared elsewhere. We've crafted original personalities for them.

Serna added: "They showcase childlike qualities - each color represents a distinct personality. Just like how fans connect with R2-D2, we hope guests will bond with specific BDX droids."

The teams are constantly innovating. "The Frozen attraction's animatronics inspired us to bring that technology into park streets," Serna noted. "Expect more unexpected, immersive tech experiences."

"Our challenge isn't just building robots," Kalama explained. "We must infuse them with character and emotion - making them feel alive rather than just functional."

From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future

Like many fans, Kalama and Serna grew up enchanted by Disney Parks. Peter Pan and Star Tours particularly inspired them to create similar magic for new generations.

"Flying in Peter Pan blew my mind as a kid," Serna recalled. "Later, Star Tours showed me theme parks could create brand new Star Wars stories during the franchise's dormant period."

"As an eight-year-old obsessed with sci-fi, I refused to leave Tomorrowland," Kalama shared. "Star Tours completely transported me - I genuinely believed I was in a star speeder. That's the magic we aim to recreate."

Both emphasized making experiences resonate across generations. "If it would delight 10-year-old me," Serna said, "it'll probably delight guests of any age."

Kalama added: "When we succeed, the entire family gets fully immersed in fantasy, regardless of age."

Asked about proud achievements, Serna highlighted Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga at Disneyland - a projection show enhancing Galaxy's Edge fireworks with Star Wars storytelling.

"We created a traveling storyteller character who shares the Skywalker saga through projections on Batuu's spires - something completely new for theme parks," Serna explained.

For Kalama, magic lies in obsessive details: "We debate screw types that fit Star Wars timelines. Receipt paper from purchases. These seemingly small choices collectively create authentic immersion."