11 (!!!) BIG CHANGES You Shouldn't Miss in Disney World in July

It’s officially summer in Disney World, and that means summer crowds!

But luckily, it also means a ton of summer fun awaits throughout the parks and beyond. Things are changing pretty much every day in Disney World, and we’re constantly keeping an eye out for the latest news, events, and more. It can be hard to keep up, so here are some important dates and the biggest things happening in Disney World this July!

July 3rd and July 4th: Fourth of July Fireworks

Did you know that not one, but two Disney World parks have special fireworks shows on the Fourth of July? Over in Magic Kingdom, guests can enjoy Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky at 9:20PM. Keep in mind that Magic Kingdom’s daily fireworks show, Enchantment, will be unavailable.

And over in EPCOT, it looks like Disney is cooking up something special for the fireworks show over there as well. Harmonious is still listed on the schedule, but in years past we’ve seen special holiday additions to these nighttime spectaculars.

Click Here to Read More About the Magic Kingdom Fourth of July Fireworks

July 5th: Festival of the Lion King Changes

Since Animal Kingdom slowly resumed normal operations, we saw several entertainment offerings return. A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King was Disney’s solution to providing entertainment while still working out some of the fine-tuning.

On July 5th, the show will close as Disney prepares to welcome the Festival of the Lion King back on July 16th! The show will reopen with the crowd favorite tumble. monkeys and acrobatic birds as well.

Click Here to Read More About This Closure

July 6th: Chip ‘n’ Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long Returns

Did you know that there’s a FREE character meet and greet in Disney World? Well, it hasn’t been around for a while, but now we are thrilled to see the Chip ‘n’ Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long return to Disney’s Fort Wilderness.

Guests can roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and sing along with Chip ‘n’ Dale! Then, you get to end the night with a Disney movie under the stars. Oh, and did we mention it’s FREE?! This meet and greet returns on July 6th.

Click Here to Learn More About the Chip ‘n’ Dale Sing-A-Long

July 11th: Top of the World Lounge Reopens

Disney Vacation Club Members get all sorts of perks in the parks and beyond, from discounts and limited-edition merchandise to exclusive lounges. And one such lounge is finally reopening — with a new look!

The Top of the World Lounge in Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is reopening on July 11th with a brand new Villains theme!

Click Here to Read More About the New Top of the World DVC Lounge

July 14th: Narcoossee’s Closes for Refurbishment

After it was originally scheduled to close for refurbishment on June 18th, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be officially closing for renovations on July 14th.

This closure will last for quite some time — Disney shared that they “expect to return next year with an enhanced table service experience.” We’ll keep an eye out for an official reopening date, so stay tuned!

Click Here to Read More About the Narcoossee’s Closure

July 14th: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival BEGINS

One of our favorite times of the year is coming up in July — the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival! Each year, Disney brings the flavor and fun to a whole slew of Global Marketplace Booths featuring cuisine from a wide range of cultures.

Did we mention the entertainment? Between the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, Remy’s scavenger hunt, and a cheese crawl (!!!) — there’s plenty to see, do, and eat at the 2022 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival.

Click Here to See the FULL MENUS for the 2022 Food & Wine Festival

July 17th: Star Wars Launch Bay Meet and Greets Return

When Disney World brought character meet and greets back, they were modified at first — and quite a few familiar faces were missing from the meet and greet lineup. But, now that traditional character interactions have returned, we’ve seen more and more of some of our favorite characters come back.

And beginning on July 17th, BB-8, Chewbacca, and yes — Darth Vader — will be interacting with guests once again at Star Wars Launch Bay in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Now you can hug Chewie, talk to BB-8, and meet Darth Vader if you dare!

Click Here to See EVERY Character Meet and Greet Available in Disney World

July 26th: DVC Moonlight Magic at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Remember those DVC perks we were talking about earlier? There’s ANOTHER one happening this July! Moonlight Magic is an after-hours event in the parks exclusively for DVC Members complete with character sightings, entertainment, and special treats.

Moonlight Magic will be taking place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on July 26th! Registration is open online now for DVC Members with a Disney Resort hotel reservation on the event date and opens up to all DVC Members on July 13th.

Click Here to Read More About Moonlight Magic at Animal Kingdom

July 28th: Victoria & Albert’s Reopens

Disney’s fanciest restaurant is finally reopening on July 28th! Victoria & Albert’s is a signature dining experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa that also comes with a signature price tag.

Guests can dine in the main dining room, Queen Victoria room, or at the Chef’s Table — an exclusive experience where you actually dine in the kitchen with the chefs. The restaurant will open with a reimagined menu and decor, and we can’t wait to check it out!

Click Here to Read More About Victoria & Albert’s!

July 31st: Harmony Barber Shop Reopens in Magic Kingdom

Did you know that there’s an actual working barber shop in Magic Kingdom? Yep, you can get your hair cut here once again beginning on July 31st.

The Harmony Barber Shop has been a favorite for many parents looking to get their child’s hair cut for the very first time — the shop even has a special “My First Haircut” option. You can also get regular kids’ haircuts and adult cuts too! Reservations can be made in the My Disney Experience app, and walk-in appointments are accepted based on availability.

Click Here to Read More About the Harmony Barber Shop

We weren’t kidding when we said that summer was a busy time in Disney World! But, it’s also HOT in Disney World in the summer, and chances are it might rain on your trip. Check out our tips on how to pack for your summer Disney World trip here.

If you’re heading to the parks soon, keep in mind that park pass reservations are still required to enter the parks. You can see all the SOLD OUT summer dates here!