Wow! It feels like this year is just flying by!

It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating the 50th anniversary of Disney World, watching Harmonious in EPCOT, and welcoming TRON Lightcycle / Run to Magic Kingdom. Now, we’re over halfway through 2023 and we’re getting closer and closer to the completion of big projects like Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. With how fast the parks change, it can be hard to keep up — but that’s why we’re here! Let’s take a look at the biggest changes coming to Disney World in August!

If you’re heading to Disney World soon, be sure to check out our list of the 15 ESSENTIALS you’ll forget to pack. You can click the image below to get our list and make sure you don’t forget a thing!

So what can you look forward to in August? Check it out!

Haunted Mansion Closure

Well, this first one is not necessarily something to look forward to because Haunted Mansion is closing for refurbishment. 

Don’t worry, though! This spooky ride is only closed for a couple of days. You won’t be able to ride from August 7th-9th, so keep this in mind if you’re visiting Magic Kingdom.

What is the short closure for? It has not been confirmed by Disney, but they did previously announce that the Hat Box Ghost (currently seen in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion) would also be added to the Disney World version of the ride! We haven’t heard much about it since, and Disney has not confirmed if this closure is to add the Hat Box Ghost, so we’ll have to wait and see.

Learn all about the Hat Box Ghost coming to Disney World

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Kicks Off

August means it’s spooky season in Disney World! Pumpkins go up on Main Street, fall treats show up at restaurants, and, of course, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off!

The separately-ticketed Halloween party runs on some nights from August 11th to November 1st. We’ll be at the very first party of the year, so set your alarms now and follow along for updates from the party!

Disney has released a lot of information about the party including some brand-new characters, how to ride TRON during party hours, and details on firework dessert parties. Check out everything that has been confirmed below!

EVERYTHING CONFIRMED for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World

Character Meal Changes at Hollywood & Vine

Character dining is a very popular option for Disney World visitors, but did you know that there is one character spot that changes with the seasons?

On August 11th, Hollywood & Vine will offer Minnie’s Halloween Dine! This Hollywood Studios restaurant offers Minnie’s Seasonal Dine so that you can have a different experience depending on the time of year.

The characters will be in their Halloween attire and the restaurant will be decked out in spooky decor. The Halloween meal lasts through November 4th, so be sure to make your advance dining reservations ahead of time if you don’t want to miss out!

FULL REVIEW of Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood and Vine in Disney World

2 EPCOT Food & Wine Booths Join the Festival

The 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival starts on July 27th, and while most of the booths are opening on that day, some booths will be late to the party!

On August 15th, the Hawai’i booth and the Noodle Exchange booth are set to open. Sometimes booths can open earlier than expected, but if you want to try the food from either of these booths, wait until August 15th or after to be safe!

 These aren’t the only booths opening late, though — in September four more booths will open. Learn all about those booths and why they will be so special to the festival here!

CONFIRMED: Our FAVORITE Items Are Returning to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival!

Indiana Jones Pop-Up Bar Disappears

If you’ve been to Hollywood Studios recently, then you might have visited the pop-up Indiana Jones-themed bar! Indiana Jones: Den of Destiny opened in June, but August 15th will be the last day you can visit. 

There are many props from the movie to check out and you can snap a pic in front of the photo wall! When it comes to drinks (it is a bar after all), there are a few alcoholic beverages including a specialty margarita and draft beer, and a non-alcoholic tea.

We really enjoyed our visit there, so if this sounds like something you would like, check it out!

EXCLUSIVE LOOK Inside the Indiana Jones Bar in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Want to book a trip to Disney World? We’ve got a hack for you! Check out our friends over at Small World Vacations to help you plan the perfect trip — you won’t regret it!