Can you believe that tomorrow is the first day of AUGUST?! This year has been much quicker than last year!

Over the past 7 months, we’ve seen a lot of huge changes and massive news bombs come out of Disney World, and the wild ride is just beginning! Not everything has fully reopened yet and some things are even taking a step backward in terms of health and safety protocols, so if you’re traveling soon, here are 11 things you need to know about Disney World in August.

Several Restaurants Are Reopening

Multiple restaurants are opening back up this month, starting with Pizzafari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on August 2nd! After that, we’ll get not one, not two, but THREE reopenings on August 5th. 

On that day, Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom, Toledo at Coronado Springs Resort, and Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club Resort will all return to business as usual. Some of those spots are even getting new menus!

Click Here to Check Out Menus for Toledo and Yachtsman Steakhouse!

The Hall of Presidents Will Reopen

At some point this month, although an exact date has yet to be announced, Magic Kingdom’s The Hall of Presidents will reopen to the public. 

The show has been closed since January to add in the new animatronic of President Joe Biden.

We got a sneak peek at this new addition a little while back, but everyone will soon be able to see it in person as he delivers the oath of office.

Click Here to Check Out the Sneak Peek of the New Animatronic!

Some Resorts Are Getting Refurbished

Currently, several hotels at Disney World are getting makeovers. Disney’s Contemporary Resort is getting a big overhaul, with the guest rooms being transformed to match a new The Incredibles theme. And right now, you’ll find a LOT of scrim inside the main building!

Disney’s Saratoga Springs and Old Key West Resorts are also seeing some updates to the main guest areas of the resorts. By the time those refurbishments are complete in September, the lobbies will be fully updated! There are also some room updates coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where one building of hotel rooms is being converted into DVC villas.

Disney World Hotels Are Changing — Learn More Here!

Fireworks Are Coming Back to Hollywood Studios

On August 1st, fireworks are coming back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the return of the nighttime show Wonderful World of Animation. 

This show features clips from every Disney animated film projected onto the Chinese Theatre. You’ll also get a few fireworks throughout, so make sure to put this on your itinerary for your next visit!

Click Here to Check Out What the Return of Fireworks Was Like at Magic Kingdom!

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor is Reopening

And speaking of entertainment, several daytime shows are returning to the parks as well. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor will once again be creating chuckles at Magic Kingdom on August 8th. 

This show has been closed for nearly a year and a half, but we’re definitely excited to venture back into the world of Monstropolis!

Click Here to Read About the Best Things That Ever Happened to Our Readers in Disney World!

Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage is Reopening

And over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we can once again relive the “tale as old as time” when Beauty and the Beast — Live on Stage reopens on August 15th. 

This show tells the story of the classic animated film (you guessed it!) Beauty and the Beast through song, dance, and a Broadway-style performance. For a while last year, this theater was used as a seating area, but we’re glad that it will be used to its full potential again!

15 DFB Reviews To Read Before Visiting Hollywood Studios — Click Here!

Turtle Talk with Crush is Reopening

For those whose kiddos love exploring The Seas, you’ll be glad to know that Turtle Talk with Crush is available once again on August 21st. 

This show features favorite characters from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. Guests can interact and ask them questions — it’s a great option for little ones!

Here’s How to Tackle the Food & Wine Festival With Kids!

Halloween Celebrations Begin

And one of the biggest things happening in August is that the Fall/Halloween season kicks off! August 10th is the first date of the Disney After Hours BOO Bash, and we’ll be there to celebrate and bring you all the details.

This After Hours event is a little different than the typical Halloween party, but it will feature free snacks, lower crowds, and fun character interactions. Many dates for this year’s event are already sold out, so purchase your tickets now if you haven’t already!

Click Here to Learn More About BOO Bash!

Animal Kingdom Lodge Reopens

Later in the month on August 26th, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will finally reopen! The DVC Villas at Kidani Village was previously open to the public, but now all of Jambo House will join them. 

We haven’t yet heard word on whether or not Boma and Jiko, Jambo House’s two big restaurants, will be reopening, but we’ll make sure to let you know when we get more details. Go ahead and book your stay here if you want that stunning savanna view!

Click Here for All of the Resort Reopening Dates!

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Continues

Even though it kicked off last month, we’d like to mention that the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will be running throughout the month of August! There are more than 20 booths open currently, with 9 more opening in October.

They’ve got everything from noodles to funnel cakes to cheese-filled beignets this year, and we certainly wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to try it ALL. Make sure to check out our reviews before you go, and pick up a copy of the DFB festival guidebook!

Click Here to Check Out the Best of the Fest!

Mask Mandates Have Changed Again

And finally, one of the biggest updates to note is that Disney World’s face mask policy has changed yet again! As of July 30th, all guests (regardless of vaccination status) are required to once again wear face coverings indoors.

This requirement was put in place due to guidelines from the CDC and local government officials. Previously, only unvaccinated guests were required to wear masks indoors, so this is quite the shake-up for health and safety protocol.

Click Here to Learn More About This New Rule!

That’s everything big you need to know before visiting WDW in August! Stay tuned to DFB throughout the month for more news and updates along the way. We’ll be here to share all of it!

Here’s Our Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip!

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Are you going to Disney World in August? Let us know in the comments!

The post 11 Things You Need to Know About Disney World in August first appeared on the disney food blog.