Star Wars Celebration offered a thrilling preview of upcoming Disney Parks experiences, with IGN interviewing Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna about The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, the irresistibly charming BDX droids arriving at Disney Parks, and other exciting additions.

Beyond unveiling these global Disney Parks updates, Kalama and Serna also shared insights into their creative process—transforming Disney magic into tangible experiences where guests can interact with beloved characters in unforgettable ways.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Update Lets Engineers Bond With Grogu

A major Star Wars Celebration announcement revealed that engineers aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will get to care for Grogu once The Mandalorian and Grogu-themed update launches alongside the film on May 22, 2026.

Though the attraction's storyline diverges from the film, each crew member will join Mando and Grogu's team. The engineer role promises an especially engaging experience—guests will interact with Grogu and even select their hyperspace jump destination.

Concept Art: The Mandalorian and Grogu Mission for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

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"Throughout the mission, engineers will have exclusive communication moments with Grogu," Kalama explained. "We're envisioning playful scenarios—maybe Grogu gets too enthusiastic with the controls while Mando's away. These interactive vignettes will create memorable connections."

Regarding the choose-your-adventure mechanic, Kalama revealed: "At peak intensity, crews must quickly select which bounty to pursue—this decision determines our course through iconic Star Wars locations."

Players may visit Bespin, Death Star ruins above Endor, or the newly-added Coruscant. The adventure centers on Hondo Ohnaka discovering Imperial-pirate negotiations on Tatooine, sparking a galaxy-wide pursuit where guests assist Mando and Grogu in claiming their bounty.

BDX Droids: New Robotic Companions Coming to Disney Parks Worldwide

The endearing BDX droids, already beloved by Star Wars fans, will soon charm visitors at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney.

These droids—also appearing in The Mandalorian & Grogu—represent Disney's ongoing development of immersive character experiences.

"We envisioned BDX droids as park-exclusive characters blending advanced technology with original storytelling," Kalama noted. "Though they've appeared elsewhere, we've crafted their unique personalities specifically for Disney Parks."

"Each color variant has distinct quirks," Serna added. "Their childlike behaviors forge emotional connections—much like how fans adore particular astromechs."

The duo also discussed Disney's evolving approach to animatronics: "Frozen's animatronics inspire us to bring that sophistication into guest interactions," Serna said. "We're developing unexpected applications where technology enhances realism."

"Our challenge isn't just engineering—it's instilling emotional depth," Kalama emphasized. "How do we make guests feel something through robotic expressions and movement?"

From Childhood Inspirations to Shaping Disney's Future

Like many Disney creators, Kalama and Serna credit specific park experiences with sparking their careers—from Peter Pan's Flight to Star Tours.

"Peter Pan made me believe we were flying," Serna recalled. "Later, Star Tours proved theme parks could expand beloved universes—I felt genuinely immersed in Star Wars during the franchise's dormant period."

"Tomorrowland captivated my sci-fi obsessed childhood," Kalama shared. "Star Tours' astonishing realism convinced me I'd traveled through hyperspace—that suspension of disbelief defines our mission today."

When reflecting on proud achievements, Serna highlighted Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga—a Galaxy's Edge nighttime spectacular merging pyrotechnics with Star Wars storytelling.

"We transformed silent fireworks viewing into narrative theater," Serna explained. "Our droid storyteller presents Anakin Skywalker's legend through projections—an entirely new theme park format."

Kalama takes pride in their obsessive detail work: "We debate screw head designs because Phillips screws don't exist in Star Wars," he revealed. "Every receipt, every surface must reinforce authentic immersion—those invisible touches create believable worlds."