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

Star Wars Celebration offered fans an exciting glimpse into the future of Disney Parks experiences, and IGN had the privilege of discussing these developments with Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna. They shared insights on the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, the charming BDX droids set to enchant park-goers, and much more. Both Kalama and Serna provided a fascinating look into how they bring Disney Magic to life, creating unforgettable experiences that resonate with fans of all ages.

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

A major highlight from Star Wars Celebration was the announcement that engineers will have the unique opportunity to care for Grogu aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run. This update, set to launch alongside a film on May 22, 2026, will integrate a storyline that diverges from the movie but involves guests teaming up with Mando and Grogu. The engineer's role is particularly engaging, as players will interact with Grogu and make pivotal decisions about 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. "We think it's going to be a lot of fun. There may be moments when Mando has to leave the Razor Crest, leaving Grogu to his own devices, who might get a little playful with the control panel. These fun vignettes and moments will allow guests to engage directly with Grogu."

In a choose-your-own-adventure style, players will face critical moments where they must make quick decisions on which bounty to pursue, leading to diverse destinations such as Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, and Coruscant. The narrative revolves around Hondo Ohnaka's discovery of a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, setting the stage for a thrilling chase across the galaxy. Guests will join forces with Mando and Grogu to track them down and claim a bounty in a dynamic 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 globally, 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 and deepen their immersion in beloved stories.

"Our goal with the BDX Droids was to explore new ways to bring characters to life in our parks," Kalama said. "This involves merging technology with entertainment and crafting a unique backstory for the parks. While these droids have appeared in games and other media, we've created an original story tailored for Disney Parks, which we've continued to evolve as they've been introduced worldwide."

"They possess fun, childlike qualities and perform endearing actions," Serna added. "We've given each droid a distinct personality, which makes them more engaging and allows us to expand their world. Similar to how fans connect with R2-D2 and other droids, guests will form bonds with the BDX droids, each distinguished by their unique color and personality."

The introduction of BDX Droids is just one example of how Disney teams are enhancing park experiences. Kalama and Serna discussed how they leverage technology to create more immersive and memorable interactions.

"The technology behind our animatronics influences our approach to robotics and character experiences," Serna noted. "For instance, the animatronics in the Frozen attraction inspire us to bring similar technology out of the rides and into the streets. We're looking to use technology in unexpected ways, creating close-up experiences that captivate guests."

"Using technology both unexpectedly and invisibly is crucial to our approach," Kalama added. "Our aim is to create a sense of suspension and disbelief, bringing characters to life through robotics. However, our challenge is to imbue these robots with emotion and personality, which is vastly different from industrial robotics. It's about making guests feel something special."

From Peter Pan and Star Tours to Creating the Future

Like many fans, Kalama and Serna's passion for Disney Parks was sparked by iconic attractions that inspired them to join the team behind creating new experiences for future generations. They shared their personal stories and how these early experiences influence their work today.

"As a child, riding Peter Pan was incredibly exciting for me," Serna recalled. "The sensation of flying was mind-blowing. Later, as a Star Wars fan, Star Tours transformed my understanding of what theme parks could achieve. Peter Pan was a classic story from the past, but Star Tours felt like a new adventure within the Star Wars universe. When we do our jobs well, we transport guests of all ages into a world of fantasy."

"I only visited the park once before becoming a cast member, and I was obsessed with science fiction," Kalama shared. "I spent the entire day in Tomorrowland. My first encounter with other lands was as an adult. Star Tours was the highlight, creating a complete suspension of disbelief. I felt like I was truly traveling through the galaxy. This magic is vital for both children and adults, and our goal is to create experiences that fully immerse guests in fantasy."

Now, Kalama and Serna are shaping the future of Disney Parks. They shared stories of their recent achievements, highlighting their dedication to creating unforgettable experiences.

Serna discussed his role in developing 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.

"This project took about two years," Serna explained. "We saw an opportunity to transform the daily fireworks experience at Batuu. Working closely with Lucasfilm, we created a character and a droid to tell a story within the Star Wars universe. Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga uses the spires as a projection space, creating an immersive experience that's unprecedented in theme parks. It tells the tale of Anakin Skywalker through the eyes of a galactic storyteller."

Kalama emphasized the meticulous attention to detail that enhances the authenticity of Disney Parks. "We have serious discussions about elements like the type of screw head used on a panel wall because Phillips screws don't exist in the Star Wars timeline," he said. "Even the receipt paper from purchases is considered. These small details may seem insignificant alone, but together, they create a truly immersive and authentic environment."