A LOT of things have changed in Disney World over the past few weeks. There’s a new mask policy in place, self-serve condiments are starting to return, Casey’s Corner just reopened, and more things are already different in the Most Magical Place on Earth!

But, if you’re heading to Disney World in July, even MORE things will be different. Fireworks will be returning, restaurants will be reopening, and lots of other things will be changing. So, to make sure that you’re prepared for your trip, today we’re breaking down the 7 things that will be different in Disney World in July!

1. Fireworks

First up, FIREWORKS!! On July 1st, fireworks are returning to EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. At EPCOT, fans will get to enjoy the EPCOT Forever fireworks show. Over in Magic Kingdom, you’ll get to sing along to (and cry your eyes out to) Happily Ever After.

Keep in mind that starting October 1st, both of these parks will have NEW fireworks shows. On October 1st, Harmonious will debut in EPCOT, and Disney Enchantment will debut in Magic Kingdom.

You can get a look at the fireworks showtimes for July by clicking here. And click here to see what the return of fireworks could mean for Disney World.

Click here to see what Disney World fireworks shows have a return date and which do not.

2. Hotels Reopening

Right now a number of Disney World hotels are open, but others have been closed since those pandemic closures over a year ago.

In July, two more hotels join the “reopened” list. First, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn reopened on July 2nd. While Disney’s BoardWalk Villas (the Disney Vacation Club rooms at this hotel) have been open for quite some time, the hotel’s standard rooms will reopen on July 2nd.

On July 19th, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will reopen. Again, the Disney Vacation Club side of this hotel (Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows) has been open for a while, but now the hotel’s non-DVC rooms will reopen.

When the Polynesian reopens, guests will get to stay in the newly refurbished and re-themed Moana-inspired rooms! The front desk will also move back into the Great Ceremonial Hall, and more changes will be spotted throughout the resort. Keep in mind, however, that the Polynesian’s Monorail station is still closed and it will not reopen on the 19th. We’re on the lookout for updates about that.

Click here to see the full list of reopening dates for all Disney World hotels.

3. Restaurants Reopening

July will also bring with it LOTS of restaurant reopenings! At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, ‘Ohana will be reopening on July 9th for breakfast (without characters) and dinner. Reservations for this spot are already available.

If you’re curious about what food you’ll be able to enjoy here, we’ve shared all of the details about the ‘Ohana breakfast menu, dinner menu (with a BIG noodles update!!), and ‘Ohana’s drink menu.

Can’t make it to ‘Ohana? Click here for a printable recipe to make the ‘Ohana bread pudding at home!

Also in July (on July 4th, specifically), Dino Diner will reopen in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Over in Magic Kingdom, the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor will reopen on July 7th! You can get a peek at the items this spot will be serving up once it reopens right here.

July will also bring back some fancier dining experiences, like Citricos! Citricos, located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, will reopen on July 15th. This spot has been re-themed to feature decor inspired by Mary Poppins Returns.

The menu here has also been revamped and there will even be an exclusive wine pairing experience available for those looking to take their dinner to the next level. Reservations for Citricos open on July 1st.

Click here to see more details about Citricos’ new menu!

And finally, over at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, Trail’s End Restaurant will reopen for breakfast and dinner on July 17th. Both meals will be served family-style (as opposed to the buffet service that was previously available).

You can click here to see more details about the family-style reopening menu for Trail’s End. Fried chicken fans: be warned! It seems your favorite dish has been removed from the menu!

Click here to see more about the ice cream sundae coming to Trail’s End (and where we may have seen it before)!

4. EPCOT Festivals

July will be a little bittersweet when it comes to EPCOT Festivals. July 5th is the last day for the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. So, we’ll have to say goodbye to our favorites from this year’s Flower & Garden Festival for the time being.

But, just a few days later, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will begin! The Food & Wine Festival will run from July 15th through November 20th, 2021. So far, we’ve shared a look at the FULL list of food booths coming to the Festival, a list of booths that won’t open until much later in the year, a peek at the merchandise, and a break-down of the entertainment that will be available (including some live concerts).

Food and Wine booths are starting to pop up throughout EPCOT already. We’re working on providing you with all kinds of tips and tricks to make your trips to the festival a total success! Click here to see how to tackle the Festival with kids. Check out the ULTIMATE packing list for the Festival here. And click here to see 5 DFB videos you need to watch before you visit the Festival this year.

Want even more Festival tips, tricks, and advice? Click here to check out our DFB Guide to the Food & Wine Festival — it’s got over 200 pages of info!

5. Flavors of Florida Event

Want to go to ANOTHER food and wine (and shopping) event in Disney World? Well, starting July 6th you’ll be able to head over to Disney Springs for their special Flavors of Florida event.

During this event, you’ll get to stop by all kinds of kiosks, restaurants, and stores to check out Florida-inspired eats, drinks, activities, and merchandise.

Click here to read more about what food and other things will be available during the event!

6. Changes at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

During July, you’ll also spot some big changes at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. While other restaurants around Disney World will be reopening, The Wave…of American Flavors at the Contemporary will actually be closing in July. Reservations are only available at this spot through July 15th.

After that, The Wave will close and ultimately will be transformed into a “reimagined” dining experience in time for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.

Additionally, on July 16th, front desk and concierge services will be moving from the lobby area to the second floor as changes are made to the Contemporary’s lobby.

The Contemporary’s rooms are being re-themed to the Incredibles — check out more details here!

7. Hotel Discounts

And finally, some changes are coming to select hotel discounts in July that you should know about.

First, Disney World recently announced a summer hotel discount for Annual Passholders and Florida Residents. While Passholders can already book this deal, Florida Residents will be able to book deals with this discount starting July 7th!

Also, if you’re looking to score a room at the Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels at a discount this summer, you’ll want to book those fast! You’ll need to book your hotel by July 31st if you want to get it at a discount.

Be sure to look into these discounts to see if you can save big on your upcoming trips.

Click here to see more about the Disney World hotel discount for Annual Passholders and Florida Residents.

And that’s our round-up of some of the biggest changes that will be coming in Disney World in July. But, there are a few other things happening in July you should also show about.

First, starting in July, Disney’s Magical Express will no longer be mailing confirmation collateral to guests and the check-in process will change slightly.

Second, while refurbishment is already underway at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Phase 2 of the refurbishment plan is set to begin in July. During Phase 2, the porte-cochere will be closed.

And that’s it for now! Of course, more news and changes for July and beyond could be announced in the upcoming days, weeks, or months. We’ll be sure to keep an eye out for all of those updates and share them with you!

Click here to get a FIRST LOOK at the reopened Casey’s Corner in Disney World!

 Are you planning to visit Disney World in July? Tell us in the comments!