Disney Explores the Future of World-Building at SXSW Conference

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman joined on stage by Disney storytellers including Pete Docter, Kevin Feige, Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr.

AUSTIN, Texas, March 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman took the stage at South by Southwest to showcase Disney's singular storytelling power.

For more than a century, The Walt Disney Company has been home to the best storytellers in the world, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology to take fans and guests to places they never dreamed possible. These storytellers collaborate now more than ever, working seamlessly across the company to build worlds that unfold on movie and TV screens and beyond –transforming into lived experiences for fans around the world.

"We're really proud of the creative collaboration we have at Disney, and it starts with great storytelling. We truly have something for everyone, with so many ways to experience it," said Bergman to the thousands of attendees gathered inside the Austin Convention Center, adding, "The key to all of this is the partnership we have between our teams."

"Only Disney can bring this caliber of artists together to give fans richer and deeper experiences with the stories they love," agreed D'Amaro. "Because a Disney story doesn't end when the credits roll, or when you walk out the park's front gate. They keep growing and evolving."

D'Amaro and Bergman invited storytellers from across Disney Studios and Disney Experiences to discuss the ways they use cutting-edge technology to make experiences more relevant and more connected.

Surprise guests included Bruce Vaughn, president and chief creative officer of Walt Disney Imagineering; Pete Docter, chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios; Kevin Feige, producer and president of Marvel Studios; Jon Favreau, director and producer of "The Mandalorian and Grogu"; and world- renowned actor Robert Downey Jr. Each guest was joined by creative leaders from Walt Disney Imagineering to discuss how stories from Star Wars, The Avengers and Pixar come to life in Disney experiences around the globe.

Speaking to Disney's unique ability to make connections with fans through these experiences, Bergman noted, "It's a powerful legacy that we're fortunate to be a part of."

"We're so excited about the boundless future in front of us as we use new technology to tell the next generation of Disney stories," D'Amaro added.

More details about this year's panel at SXSW and the projects discussed can be found on the Disney Parks Blog.

About Disney Experiences

Disney Experiences brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company's powerful brands and franchises — including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, 20th Century Studios and National Geographic — into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 65 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world's leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 57 resorts in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line with six ships and plans for seven more; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawai'i; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney's global consumer products operations include the world's leading licensing business; the world's largest children's publishing brands; one of the world's largest licensors of games across all platforms; Disney store locations around the world; and the Disney Store e-commerce platform.

These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels and cruise ships.

About Walt Disney Studios

For over 100 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today it brings quality movies, episodic storytelling, and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. The Walt Disney Studios encompasses a collection of respected film studios, including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, Searchlight Pictures, and 20th Century Studios. It is also home to Disney Theatrical Group, producer of world-class stage shows, as well as Disney Music Group.

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SOURCE Walt Disney Parks and Resorts