Unleash the Magic: Disney World News April 2025, Smugglers Run Update, and Our Top 10 Rides!

Disney World News April 2025: Smugglers Run Update, New Attractions & Our Top 10 Rides!

Are you ready for the most magical Disney World news update of the year? This month is packed with fresh reveals, construction updates, and out-of-this-galaxy Star Wars news! Plus, we’re counting down our Top 10 BEST Disney rides ever—so you know this episode of The Disney DNA Podcast is one you can’t miss.

Whether you’re planning your next Disney vacation, dreaming of the parks, or just want to keep up with all things Disney, we’ve got you covered. Grab your Mickey ears and dive into the latest scoop—then be sure to listen to The Disney DNA Podcast Episode #679 for all the details, stories, and our magical ride rankings!

LEVEL99 Construction at Disney Springs: Challenge Accepted!

Big news for Disney Springs! Disney has filed the first construction permit for LEVEL99, officially transforming the former NBA Experience building into a massive, interactive playground. This 45,000-square-foot venue will feature over 60 physical and mental challenge rooms, arena duels for head-to-head competition, a two-story bar with craft cocktails and local beers, and a chef-driven kitchen with Detroit-style pizza. Designed for up to 1,000 players, LEVEL99 promises to be the ultimate destination for team-based fun and social dining. No opening date yet, but construction is about to kick off!

V.I.Passholder Days 2025: Perks, Discounts, and the Return of the Lounge

Calling all Annual Passholders! V.I.Passholder Summer Days are back from May 14 through July 31, 2025, at Walt Disney World. This year’s perks include a brand-new collectible magnet, special discounts at select locations, and the return of the Passholder lounge—a perfect spot to recharge with snacks and cool air. Disney hasn’t revealed the lounge location yet, but expect more details soon, including extra surprise perks!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment: Extended Timeline

Hold onto your hats! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s refurbishment at Magic Kingdom just got a little longer. A new permit extends the project’s expiration date to April 15, 2026. While Disney hasn’t confirmed a delay, this means the wildest ride in the wilderness might not reopen until later in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates as the work continues!

Test Track’s New Canopy at EPCOT: Sleek and Futuristic

The reimagining of Test Track at EPCOT is moving full speed ahead! Construction crews have removed the scaffolding, revealing a sleek, curved entry canopy that sets the tone for the ride’s updated look. The attraction will reopen in late summer 2025 with new vehicles, queue exhibits, and a renewed focus on customization and onboard tech. The future of driving is almost here!

Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After—A Wicked New Stage Show

Get ready for some villainous fun! Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After debuts May 27, 2025, at Hollywood Studios. This all-new stage show features Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent, plus a musical Magic Mirror who actually sings! With original songs, live music, dramatic effects, and an audience-driven finale, this show promises to be a must-see for every Disney Villains fan.

Star Wars: Darth Maul Animated Series Coming to Disney+

Star Wars fans, rejoice! A brand-new Darth Maul animated series, “Maul – Shadow Lord,” is coming to Disney+ in 2026. Set after The Clone Wars, the series will follow Maul’s rise in the underworld, with Sam Witwer returning as the voice of Maul. Expect stunning animation and deep storytelling from Lucasfilm Animation!

Star Wars: Smugglers Run Update—Mando and Grogu Join the Adventure!

This is the way! Announced just yesterday, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting a major update at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, launching May 22, 2026. For the first time, guests will choose their own galactic destination—like Bespin, Endor’s Death Star wreckage, or Coruscant. The engineer role now lets you interact with Grogu, and the new storyline teams you up with Mando and Grogu on a bounty hunt for Hondo Ohnaka. The entire experience is powered by Unreal Engine 5 for cinematic visuals and dynamic gameplay. This update debuts the same day as The Mandalorian and Grogu film!

Our Top 10 BEST Disney Rides of All Time

Ready for the ultimate Disney debate? We’re counting down our Top 10 BEST Disney rides ever—from Tokyo Disneyland’s Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast to Princess Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and beyond. Want to know which rides made the cut and why? Listen to episode 679 for our full list, lively debate, and plenty of Disney magic!

Don’t Miss the Magic—Listen to The Disney DNA Podcast!

That’s a wrap on this month’s magical news! For all the details, behind-the-scenes stories, and our complete Top 10 Disney rides countdown, tune in to The Disney DNA Podcast Episode 679. Whether you’re a Disney Vacation Club member, Annual Passholder, or just love all things Disney, we’re here to keep you in the loop and sprinkle a little pixie dust on your day.

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