6 Things That Will Be Different in Disney World in August

August is right around the corner, and Disney World is changing rapidly.

Happy 50th!

There are a number of things that will be different in Disney World in August, so let’s go over everything you need to know if you have an August trip planned!

Masks Policy Change

On July 28th, Disney announced that masks will again be required to be worn indoors and in lines at Disney World beginning July 30th. This is an update to their previous mask policy that made masks optional for vaccinated people in most locations. So if you have an August trip planned, you need to pack your masks.

We’ll likely see these signs coming back.

Masks will not be required to be worn at outdoor locations, but keep checking back with DFB in case Disney makes more changes to their health and safety policies.

Extended Park Hours

Three Disney World parks will have extended park hours in August, which means more time in these parks during your August visit!

EPCOT

Since Disney World reopened, EPCOT has been opening to guests at 11 AM. Beginning in August, EPCOT will open on select days at 10AM. On August 7th and 14th, EPCOT will open early at 10AM!

©Disney Park Hours for August

We’re keeping a close eye on EPCOT’s calendar for any more added early open times.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has closed at 8PM since Disney World reopened, and August marks a first step to Disney extending the closing time. For most of August, Hollywood Studios will close at 9PM.

©Disney

Hollywood Studios will still close at 8PM on August 29th, 30th, and 31st, so keep those dates in mind if you’re visiting at that time.

Click here for more about extended park hours for Hollywood Studios!

Magic Kingdom

Beginning on August 2nd and on select days throughout the month, Magic Kingdom will open an hour earlier at 8AM. You can get an extra hour for your Magic Kingdom park reservation on August 2nd through 7th, and again on August 13th and 14th.

©Disney

Check your park reservations if you’re visiting Magic Kingdom in August to take advantage of that extra hour!

See more about Magic Kingdom’s extended hours here!

Events

There’s one big event beginning in August and it will likely impact hours, crowds, and more.

BOO Bash

BOO Bash will take place in Magic Kingdom beginning on August 10th from 9:30PM to 12:30AM, and Magic Kingdom will close at 9 or 9:30PM on event days. BOO Bash ticket holders are allowed to enter Magic Kingdom as early as 7PM, which means there may be an increase in crowds from 7PM to closing on BOO Bash days.

Boo Bash ©Disney

In August, BOO Bash will take place on August 10th, 17th, 20th, 24th, 27th, and 31st. Several August BOO Bash tickets are sold out, which means evenings in Magic Kingdom will likely get crowded on those dates, so plan accordingly.

Fireworks

In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, fireworks will be returning in August! August 1st will mark the return of the Wonderful World of Animation show.

Wonderful World of Animation

Wonderful World of Animation features projections of 90 years of Disney animated films onto the Chinese Theater, along with fireworks!

Check out the Wonderful World of Animation here!

Attractions

Three Disney World attractions will be returning in August, so get your calendar out if you want to make note!

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, located in Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland, will be officially reopening as of August 8th!

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

If you plan to be in Magic Kingdom after August 8th, you can plan to make a stop at this monster comedy show!

Beauty and the Beast — Live on Stage

The live Beauty and the Beast stage show in Hollywood Studios will be returning on August 15th. This show tells the story of the Beauty and the Beast animated film and is performed at the Theater of the Stars on Sunset Blvd.

Beauty and the Beast Theater of the Stars

We don’t yet know what times showtimes will be scheduled, but you can check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes on August 15th and keep reading DFB for updates!

Click here for more info about Beauty and the Beast — Live on Stage!

On August 21st, Turtle Talk with Crush will reopen in EPCOT’s The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion, so you can once again have a chance to ask Crush all your questions about ocean life and more!

Turtle Talk with Crush

Crush is an improvised show so he answers all your questions live, which can be a really fun experience with kids!

Learn more about Turtle Talk with Crush here!

Various Reopenings

Disney World is also reopening several locations in August, including a resort hotel, restaurants, and a nightclub!

Atlantic Dance Hall

The dance party will return to Disney World’s BoardWalk in the Atlantic Dance Hall on August 6th!

Atlantic Dance Hall

This nightclub is limited to guests 21 and over and plays music ranging from 80s bangers through today’s hits and will be open from 8 PM to 1 AM. In the past, the club was open from Tuesday to Saturday, but we will keep you updated with their new open times as soon as we know more!

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge will reopen on August 26th. Reservations have been open since July 16th, so August 26th is sure to see a lot of excited guests!

Animal Kingdom Lodge

While some of the Disney Vacation Club villas have been open at Animal Kingdom Kidani Village, this will mark the reopening of standard hotel rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Click here to learn more about the reopening of Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Columbia Harbour House

Your fave quick service seafood eats are returning to Magic Kingdom! Columbia Harbour House will be reopening on August 5th.

Columbia Harbour House

This quick service restaurant is located in Liberty Square and the menu will feature the return of fan favorite dishes like the Lobster Roll and the Trio Platter, which is a combo of fried fish, fried shrimp, and chicken strips.

Click here to read more about Columbia Harbour House!

Pizzafari

And another service restaurant will be reopening in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Pizzafari will be reopening on August 2nd!

Pizzafari in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The new menu for Pizzafari has a number of changes including a new Blue Lagoon Lemonade with gummy worms and a new Chicken Parmesan Sandwich!

Toledo — Tapas, Steak and Seafood

And over in the Coronado Springs’ Gran Destino Tower, you can dine at Toledo — Tapas, Steak & Seafood beginning on August 5th. Reservations are now open, so if you want to take advantage of that amazing floor-to-ceiling window view, don’t hesitate to book!

Toledo Dining Room

The menu was updated for the reopening but still features dishes inspired by Spain, including Charred Octopus.

Read about the updated Toledo menu here!

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Lastly, the Yachtsman Steakhouse, located in Disney’s Yacht Club resort hotel, will be reopening on August 5th. Reservations are open now!

Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club

Like Toledo, the menu for Yachtsman was updated, and it looks quite different! The first-course menu was pared down and some prices increased, so keep that in mind if you plan to dine there in August.

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