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What Will Reopen in August 2021 at Walt Disney World

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When Walt Disney World reopened in July, 2020 there were plenty of things that remained closed. We had most of the rides, but there was little entertainment and some popular restaurants were not open. Several resorts remained closed as well. Slowly, some things have returned. We now have fireworks, more modified character dining, and hot dogs at Casey’s Corner. August is going to be another step toward normal again, with more favorites returning. Here are the August, 2021 reopenings.

Entertainment

Credit: Disney

Wonderful World of Animation – Disney’s Hollywood Studios – reopening August 1: We don’t know when fireworks will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be an end of the night presentation. Wonderful World of Animation is a projection show that takes place on and around the Chinese Theater. You’ll enjoy decades worth of cinema in the 12 minute show. Many past guests have missed it because they were at Fantasmic. You don’t have that excuse right now.

Credit: Disney

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor – Magic Kingdom – reopening August 8: Humans will soon be able to enter the monster world once again! Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor is a live show the relies heavily on audience participation. It’s a lot of fun and sure to put a smile on your face. If you know a good joke you can text it before you enter the theater and it might be part of the show!

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage – Disney’s Hollywood Studios – reopening August 15: A tale as old as time will soon delight young and old alike once again. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage is a high quality show that is faithful to the animated film that you know and love. At 25 minutes it’s condensed, but you’ll hear your favorite songs and see your favorite characters. The highlight is arguably the waltz between Belle and the Beast. This is one of the top shows that Walt Disney World fans have wanted to return, on August 15 they will get their wish.

Credit: Disney

Turtle Talk With Crush – EPCOT – reopening August 21: You’ll soon be able to enjoy a totally tubular time with everyone’s favorite turtle! Crush and the gang will be back entertaining and interacting with guests. Get your questions ready, because Crush wants to answer all of them! He’s been quiet for too long.

Credit: Disney

Hall of Presidents – Magic Kingdom – date unknown: Whenever a new US President is sworn in, the Hall of Presidents shuts down to install a new animatronic and update the soundtrack. Disney has not given an exact date for when the attraction will open again, but it has been confirmed that it will be sometime in August.

Restaurants

Pizzafari – Disney’s Animal Kingdom – reopening August 2: If you’re in the mood for individual sized pizza, Pizzafari is the place to go. The atmosphere is half the fun, with five themed rooms that you can dine in. Check the hours, because it looks like they will be limited; at least at first. Mobile Ordering is encouraged.

Columbia Harbour House – Magic Kingdom – reopening August 5: Enjoy a taste of New England at this popular quick service restaurant. You can start with Clam Chowder, and then move onto a Lobster Roll. You don’t have to want seafood to dine here. The Lighthouse Sandwich is a popular plant-based option. It’s so popular that when it was removed from the menu several years ago, there were a number of complaints and Disney decided to bring it back. Again, Mobile Ordering is encouraged.

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – reopening August 5: Located in Gran Destino Tower, Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood has the feel of a signature restaurant. It’s beautiful inside, and since you’re on the roof you can head outside and enjoy spectacular views. If you aren’t sure what to order, try the Chef’s Signature Dinner for Two. You won’t be disappointed.

Yachtsman Steakhouse – Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – reopening August 5: Many people say that the steak served at Yachtsman Steakhouse is the best at Walt Disney World. You can enjoy this signature restaurant again on August 5. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a quick walk from the International Gateway Entrance to EPCOT, so you can easily get away and then head back to the park for EPCOT Forever. There is a dress code at Yachtsman Steakhouse, so make sure you’ve checked it before you make your plans.

Atlantic Dance Hall – Disney’s BoardWalk – reopening August 6: Get ready to dance the night away! There is no food served at Atlantic Dance Hall, but there is a full bar. Videos from yesteryear and more recent are played. Atlantic Dance Hall is strictly for the 21 and up crowd. It may not be open nightly, before the closure it was open Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Resorts

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, Reopening August 26: All of the Walt Disney World resort hotels will be open by the end of 2021. Next up is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Jambo House. There are some aspects of the property that may not be operating, and all restaurants might not be open. Still, it’s a beautiful property and a wonderful place to stay. Spend some time watching the animals on the savannas. They’ve missed you.  

About PaulaK

I grew up in Western Massachusetts. When I was nine my family went to Disneyland and I was hooked. I grew up, attended New England College in Henniker, NH and eventually moved to Virginia. I worked as a disc jockey, married and became a full time mom when our daughter was born. Fast forward several years. In 2010 we moved to Central Florida and my Disney obsession grew. I now work as a freelance writer and spend my spare time in the parks. Under the name Paula Brown I penned the novels Dream Wanderers and The Coffee Cruiser. I also am a co-author of Dining at Walt Disney World: The Definitive Guide. I'm obsessed with Star Wars, so this is a good time to live in Central Florida. I've been a vegetarian for well over a decade, a choice that my daughter eventually made as well. While my husband still hasn't joined us fully he has given up most meats except for seafood. I was relieved to find that vegetarian dining is not difficult at Walt Disney World.