DisneyDining Disney Dining Plan and Reviews
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over a year since Walt Disney World reopened! In those 12 months there have been a lot of changes already. Things continue to change, and Disney continues to monitor the current situation to keep guests and Cast Members safe. August 2021 might be the best month ever to visit Walt Disney World, and here are a few of the reasons why.
1. Availability
Have you looked at the Availability Calendar lately? There are plenty of spots in all three categories! A couple of months ago it was hard to get a theme park reservation, but now it’s much easier.
2. Schools
Many school systems start up once again in the middle of August. If your school is one of those, you only have a couple of weeks left to get in a last minute vacation. If you don’t have kids in school or yours starts after Labor Day, you’ll have a chance to visit when the crowd level might be slightly lower.
3. Jungle Cruise
How often can you ride a classic attraction and then watch the movie at Disney Springs? After delays due to COVID-19, “Disney Jungle Cruise” is now in theaters and on Disney+ for an additional fee. If you visit in August, you can watch the movie and ride the ride on the same day! There are supposed to be lots of nods to the ride in the movie, which will add to the fun.
4. Restaurant Reopenings
Was Casey’s Corner open the last time you visited Walt Disney World? It is now! That’s not the only restaurant that is open once again. Other favorites include ‘Ohana and Tusker House Restaurant. If that isn’t enough, four more restaurants are going to open in early August. In the theme parks you’ll soon be able to dine once again at Colombia Harbour House at the Magic Kingdom and Pizzafari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you’d prefer a slower pace resort meal, there will soon be two more choices. Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club will both reopen on August 5.
5. Wonderful World of Animation
A hidden gem at Walt Disney World is Wonderful World of Animation. Many guests have no idea what it even is! Found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Wonderful World of Animation takes you on a journey through decades of classic movies. This is done through projections on the Chinese Theater. Wonderful World of Animation is scheduled to return on August 1. You need to add it to your must-do list, without Fantasmic or fireworks it’s a great way to end your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
6. The Return of Some Live Entertainment
One thing that has been missed at Walt Disney World is live entertainment. While several shows still have no reopening day, three will reopen in August. Three! We will welcome back Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor on August 8, Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage on August 15, and Turtle Talk With Crush on August 21. Live shows are a special part of a day at Walt Disney World, and it’s nice to have three more options.
7. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
If you’re a frequent summer visitor to Walt Disney World, you might not have visited the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. The good news is that it started very early this year. The focus in 2021 is on the Global Marketplaces, you’ll find them all over World Showcase. Pick up a Festival Passport when you enter to see what international foods you will want to try. Purchase a Festival Gift Card so that you don’t have to keep pulling out your wallet. You can just wear the Gift Card around your wrist.
8. EPCOT Forever
The skies over Walt Disney World were quiet for over a year, but now fireworks are back! EPCOT Forever is the temporary replacement for IllumiNations, and it does not get nearly enough respect. It was not meant to be a permanent show. It was created to give guests a fun fireworks display, and it does just that! The music takes you on a journey through the past and into the future of EPCOT. The final day of EPCOT Forever will be September 28. Harmonious will debut on October 1.
9. Happily Ever After
There is no better way to end a day at the Magic Kingdom than with fireworks. Happily Ever After is back, and it somehow makes Walt Disney World feel complete. Sadly, this fireworks extravaganza is running on borrowed time, so you shouldn’t put off visiting. The final day for Happily Ever After will be September 29. Disney Enchantment will debut on October 1, which is also Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. While it will be sad to say goodbye to Happily Ever After, Disney Enchantment promises to be magical. After all, it debuts for the World’s Most Magical Celebration.
10. Disney After Hours Boo Bash
Halloween always arrives early at the Magic Kingdom. This year, it arrives on August 10! That will be the first night of Disney After Hours Boo Bash. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will not take place this year, so this is your chance to get some spooky fun. There will be trick or treating, special Character Cavalcades, free ice cream novelties and popcorn, and short lines. Disney After Hours Boo Bash is a special ticketed event, and it will be held on select nights. Many of those nights are already sold out, so you’ll want to visit in August so that you don’t miss out.
