Disney4me Posted 2 hours ago Report Posted 2 hours ago Disney World is constantly changing and sometimes it can be hard to keep up! Tropical Americas Construction in Animal Kingdom We’re here to monitor those changes, so you’re not surprised on your next Disney World vacation! Here are seven changes coming to Disney World this July! Changes to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT fireworks shows There are two nighttime fireworks shows that happen nightly at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Happily Ever After is the nighttime fireworks show at Magic Kingdom that features lights, lasers, and special effects on Main Street, U.S.A., and the Cinderella Castle, along with some of the most popular Disney songs. EPCOT’s nighttime fireworks show is Luminous: The Symphony of Us, which features fountains and lights along to a selection of Disney songs that remind us that we are more alike than we are different. Happily Ever After For three nights in July, Happily Ever After will not take place. Instead, guests will be able to enjoy Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky. This nighttime fireworks show will take place on July 3rd, July 4th, and July 5th at 9 PM each night. Similar to Happily Ever After, projections will be cast on Cinderella Castle and the Main Street, U.S.A. buildings. Fourth of July fireworks! Unlike Magic Kingdom, where the consistent fireworks show will not be showing, Luminous will still occur, with the special Fourth of July fireworks show taking place after it concludes. The Heartbeat of Freedom fireworks show will be shown on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th at 9:15 PM nightly. It’s important to note that this show is not a full fireworks show, but rather a 5-minute patriotic finale. You’ll be able to purchase a fireworks dining package or dessert party package for each of these shows. Disney World Has EXTENDED Park Hours For Fourth of July Heartbeat of Freedom ©Jeff Krause Carousel of Progress closes for a lengthy refurbishment I know this might be some of the most devastating news you’ve heard today, but it’s true. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress will be closing on July 6th for a long refurbishment. Because of the technological advances in today’s world, the attraction can be seen as outdated. The new attraction will feature the 1960s, 1980s, the new millennium, and a possible future with an introductory scene featuring Walt Disney himself. The attraction will reopen sometime in 2027. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress If You Hate That Disney World Is CHANGING Carousel of Progress, This Might Make You Feel Better Extended Evening Hours continue If you’re staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, or another select hotel, you have access to the parks longer than the regular guests! These resorts include: Disney Deluxe Resorts Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village Disney’s Beach Club Villas Disney’s BoardWalk Villas Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Disney’s Riviera Resort Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort (The extended evening theme park hours benefit applies to Disney Vacation Club Cabins only.) The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Other Select Hotels Walt Disney World Swan Hotel Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World Resort Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort The dates for Extended Evening Hours in July include: Magic Kingdom: Wednesday, July 1st, 15th, 22nd, and 29th: 10 PM to 12 AM; Wednesday, July 8th: 11PM to 1PM EPCOT: Monday, July 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th: 9 PM to 11 PM FULL LIST of Disney World Extended Evening Hours Dates and Theme Parks for 2026 EPCOT at night LEVEL99 will be open LEVEL99 opens on June 29th in Disney Springs, replacing what was recently the NBA Experience and DisneyQuest. LEVEL99 is an interactive, social entertainment experience where guests will experience physical and mental challenges. You can find this location on the West Side of Disney Springs, and it’s actually the largest LEVEL99 to date. So, be prepared for crowd levels to be high during the first couple of months of its opening, especially with it opening in peak vacation season. LEVEL99 Tickets Are Available RIGHT NOW For LEVEL99 in Disney Springs! Grand Floridian Cafe closes for refurbishment Starting in mid-July, a beloved brunch spot will be closing for refurbishment until October. Although Disney hasn’t officially announced the closing date, the hours of the Grand Floridian Cafe on the My Disney Experience App show regular hours through Sunday, July 19th, and starting on Monday, July 20th, the hours change. If you were hoping to eat brunch here during your trip, don’t worry, because Disney has also revealed that brunch will move upstairs to Citricos while Grand Floridian Cafe is under refurbishment! Mickey waffle with chicken? Yes, please! REVIEW: Should You Leave Magic Kingdom for Brunch at Grand Floridian Cafe? Currently closed for refurbishment We’ve already named some things that will be closing for refurbishment, but there are some things that have been closed and will continue to be closed throughout July. Located inside Storybook Circus in Fantasyland, Big Top Souvenirs remains closed for its refurbishment. This area closed in January and has plans to open later this year. This spot is where guests could meet Donald Duck, Goofy, Minnie Mouse, and Daisy Duck, and without this space, they do not have official meeting times. However, they sometimes meet near the Storybook Circus sign, but this is not guaranteed. Check the My Disney Experience app for the latest times! Pete’s Silly Sideshow has revealed an opening date of June 27th, however, Big Top Souvenirs is still listed on the refurbishment list. Big Top Souvenirs La Signature in the France Pavilion will be temporarily closed starting on June 29th and is expected to reopen sometime later this year. Here, you’re able to find over 70 different French cosmetics and fragrances from Guerlain. As of right now, there has been no reopening date announced. La Signature The sister bar counter of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto has been closed since April and does not currently have a reopening date. Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace at the Polynesian Village Resort had originally been scheduled for their refurbishment to go through late June; however, the calendar on the My Disney Experience app shows that it will still be closed through the end of July. So, if you’re looking to grab a drink, you’ll have to join the walk-up list at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Closed for now A MAJOR Hotel Transportation Perk Is BACK At Disney’s Polynesian Resort! Ongoing construction A lot of exciting things are coming to Disney World in the near future, which means there’s a lot of construction happening around the parks and resorts. Let’s start off with the Piston Peak construction — The Rivers of America in Magic Kingdom closed last July to make room for a themed land inspired by the Pixar film, Cars. This land will include two newly themed attractions, including a rally race-themed attraction and a family-friendly attraction for those smaller racers! There are a lot of walls up, and even food kiosks are being closed (R.I.P. Westward Ho), so keep in mind that you may have to reroute during your trip to Magic Kingdom. Piston Peak Construction Over in Animal Kingdom, Dinoland U.S.A. officially closed in February to make room for the Tropical Americas featuring Encanto and the Indiana Jones films. This land will feature several attractions based on these movies, including a boat ride located in the Casita inspired by Antonio’s special gift. The previous Dinosaur attraction will be rethemed to an Indiana Jones attraction. Animal Kingdom construction Disney World’s NEW Tropical Americas Restaurant Will Be One of Its BIGGEST There’s always something changing at Disney World, but we’re always on the lookout. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB, so you don’t miss any Disney news and updates! Disney Quietly Made a Huge EPCOT Change, and Everything Looks a Little Different Now Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these changes are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments! 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