In the blink of an eye, it’s already August! It was a busy month for Walt Disney World, and we saw a lot of announcements over these past few weeks.

Now, we’re rounding up 10 new things that we found out in July. Let’s get crackin’!

1. Face Mask Policy Update

Disney World now requires all guests, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks in all indoor locations. Recently, Mayor Jerry Demings of Orange County, Florida stated that Central Florida is currently in “crisis mode,” and 1 in 5 new COVID-19 cases in the US are now occurring in Florida.

This change comes as the CDC recently recommended that vaccinated people living in places with high COVID-19 transmission should resume wearing masks indoors.

Click here to see how the Delta variant could impact your Disney World vacation

Keep in mind that Disney’s new mask policies are subject to change, so stay tuned for more updates regarding masks in Walt Disney World.

2. Disney Cruise Line Announces Return Date

Disney announced that the Disney Dream will resume travel to the Bahamas starting on August 9th, 2021. 

According to Disney, the ship will have new health and safety measures to protect guests, as well as “new and exciting ways to create memories together!” We’re looking forward to hearing more about the changes coming to Disney Cruise Line!

Read MORE about the return of Disney Cruise Line here! 

3. Happily Ever After Closing in 2021

Happily Ever After will close at Magic Kingdom on September 29th. With a new 50th Anniversary fireworks spectacular scheduled to debut later this year, we learned that Happily Ever After is not set to return after the 50th Anniversary in Walt Disney World.

If you love Happily Ever After as much as we do, you can still catch it in the Magic Kingdom up until September 29, 2021.

4. Fireworks Returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Wonderful World of Animation Show in Hollywood Studios is back!

Guests can watch classic Disney animation come to life as it is projected on the Chinese Theatre, along with some fireworks! There is still no word on when Fantasmic! will return, but we’re hoping that it comes back soon!

5. Disney’s 50th Anniversary Announcements

We’ve learned a LOT about the 50th Anniversary celebration coming to all four parks in Walt Disney World this year. Between the (what feels like daily) Fab 50 Character Collection statue announcements and other surprise announcements, we can’t wait for the celebration to begin!

The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary will begin on October 1, 2021, and will last for 18 months!

Click here to learn more about Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration!

There will be new attractions, new nighttime shows, and so much more!

6. Joe Biden Animatronic Unveiled

Speaking of attractions, Disney World is getting ready to introduce our new President to the Hall of Presidents.

Joe Biden will be the newest among 45 of our former presidents, as a new animatronic is made each time that we elect a new president. The show is set to reopen in August.

7. Restaurants Reopening

July has been a busy month for Walt Disney World dining news! Here’s a list of all the restaurants that either opened in July or finally received a reopening date.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Trader Sam’s is now open! We were so happy to be back in this fun, kitschy, bar, and we’ve got a whole post covering the reopening!

Keep in mind that you will need to join a virtual queue in order to grab a drink at Trader Sam’s, so be prepared to wait!

Cheshire Cafe

The Cheshire Cafe is open! The famous (at least around here!) Cheshire Cat Tail dessert is back, and it’s just as delicious as we remembered!

We also found out about a new slushy available at the Cheshire Cafe!

Click here to read about the Cheshire Cafe Reopening in Disney World!

This quick-service location also has a delicious Pepper Jack Pretzel for those of you that prefer salty snacks!

Yachtsman Steakhouse

The Yachtsman Steakhouse will reopen on August 5, 2021! You can book reservations for the Yachtsman Steakhouse now!

The Yachtsman Steakhouse is located, fittingly, in Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and serves some of our favorite steaks! Stay tuned to the DFB for a review when The Yachtsman reopens!

Toledo

Toledo — Tapas, Steak & Seafood will be reopening on August 5, 2021!

Toledo is located in the Coronado Springs’ Gran Destino Tower and features a stunning view of Walt Disney World.

Columbia Harbour House

Columbia Harbour House is reopening in Magic Kingdom on August 5th! 

This quick-service dining location serves a variety of seafood items like fried fish, fried shrimp, and lobster rolls, which are currently being served at the Tomorrowland Terrace.

Citricos

Citricos is open at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort with a hint of Mary Poppins theming!

We tried the Strawberry Salad and the Smoked Duck Breast, and we loved both!

Tusker House

Tusker House is now open for both lunch and dinner!

We were particularly excited about the bread service (we love a good bread service…)!

‘Ohana

‘Ohana is open again! Similar to Tusker House, this restaurant does not currently feature any characters as part of the dining experience, but we still loved the food here!

Who could say no to a bowl of noodles from ‘Ohana?

8. Hotels Reopening

Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts

We have two new reopening dates for these two beloved moderate resorts! Disney’s Port Orleans— Riverside will start welcoming guests on October 14th, 2021, while Disney’s Port Orleans— French Quarter will start welcoming guests on October 28th, 2021.

As of July 8th, 2021, guests are now able to book reservations for both resorts. 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Reservations are now available for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! 

Additionally, all Polynesian Village guest rooms have the new Moana theming.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge will reopen officially starting on August 26th! 

Reservations are now available if you want to book a stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge! Make a reservation for Sanaa, while you’re at it!

Disney’s All-Star Music & All-Star Sports

Finally, the last 2/3 of Disney’s All-Star Resorts finally have reopening dates!

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort reopens on September 16th and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort reopens on December 9th!

9. Food and Wine Festival 2021

The annual Food and Wine Festival is back in EPCOT!

The festival runs through November 20, 2021, and more festival food booths will open starting on October 1st, so be on the lookout for reviews of all 9 additional booths coming in October!

Click here to check out the BEST of the FEST!

Whether you’re more excited to indulge in the sweet treats or the variety of drinks available at the Food and Wine Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

10. After Hours Events Announced

In place of Disney’s normal holiday events such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and Mickey’s Very Mery Christmas Party, Disney announced two new After Hours events starting this fall.

Disney After Hours BOO Bash will run select nights starting August 10 through October 31 from 9PM to midnight (most nights). Then, starting on November 8 through December 21, Disney Very Merriest After Hours will run for four hours on select nights. The events will feature special decorations, Character Cavalcades, and lots of treats! 

Wow! Did you catch all that? As you can see, things happen pretty fast in Walt Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more news and updates!

Check out the 10 Biggest 2021 Disney World Price Increases!!

What Disney news are YOU most excited about? Let us know in the comments!