Live-Action Disney Movie Overlays Confirmed for TWO Disney World Attractions
Walt Disney World has always been a destination defined by transformation. With new experiences on the horizon and updates tied to film and television releases, the resort continues to grow in ways that invite guests to return again and again.
Expansions in the Works
In the coming decade, Walt Disney World Resort will welcome entire new lands: Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land at Magic Kingdom, and Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Alongside these large-scale additions, smaller refreshes will unfold across the property, including a Muppets-inspired version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
These developments build upon Disney’s tradition of refreshing its existing experiences—sometimes with overlays celebrating upcoming films and series. Recently, two major attractions were confirmed to receive fresh overlays timed to coincide with anticipated releases from Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
A Galactic Update at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, found in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, is preparing for an update that places Mando and Grogu right at the heart of the adventure. Guests will continue to enter the famous ship and take on roles as pilots, gunners, or engineers, but now, a new path awaits.
“We’re so excited that these updates debut on the same day as Lucasfilm’s upcoming title, The Mandalorian and Grogu; however, the attraction’s storyline will follow a different path,” Disney Parks Blog shared. “In this new thrilling storyline, Hondo Ohnaka has gotten wind of a deal going down on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and a band of pirates. There’s a generous bounty for their capture, so you’ll borrow the iconic ship and team up with Mando and Grogu to track them down and explore the galaxy.”
This new version of the attraction arrives at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 22, 2026.
Racing into TRON: Ares
Tomorrowland’s TRON Lightcycle / Run, already known for high-speed thrills and futuristic design, is now celebrating the upcoming film TRON: Ares (2025) with a special overlay. Beginning September 15, 2025, Magic Kingdom guests step into a striking new version of the digital Grid. Shanghai Disneyland debuted the same update the following day.
According to Disney Parks Blog: “Replacing the blue and orange hues of the ride, you’ll weave through twisting tunnels of vibrant red and orange light trails, feeling the rush of wind and the surge of acceleration as you compete in a dazzling Lightcycle race. The striking red hues in Tron: Ares within the digital realm contrast sharply with the classic blue tones of the Grid. Adding to the immersive visuals, the pulsating industrial sounds of Nine Inch Nails will drive the ride’s energy, pushing your experience between the Grid and reality into a fully immersive, futuristic symphony of light, speed, and sound.”
What’s Next?
Speculation also surrounds whether Avatar Flight of Passage may be refreshed to coincide with James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025). Although the ride remained unchanged for the release of Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), future updates can never be ruled out.
Walt Disney World continues to balance large-scale expansions with overlays designed to bring current stories into the parks. Whether through Mando and Grogu piloting the Falcon or a TRON race set to the sounds of Nine Inch Nails, these updates reinforce Disney’s approach: keeping attractions fresh while connecting them to new chapters of beloved stories.
