August is going to be another step toward normal again, with more favorites returning. Here are the August, 2021 reopenings.
Entertainment
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.
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.
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.
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.
Disney has announced a new “Disney Family Night Dinner” is coming to select Disney Resorts.
As shared by Disney: “We have a new summer offering the entire family will love starting June 30 – Disney Family Night Dinner. This playful, family-style dining bundle includes a take-out shareable meal, sweet treats, and an original card-type game inspired by some of your favorite Disney friends for your family and friends to enjoy. Disney Family Night Dinner is available from 5-10 p.m. through mobile order and at the two resort locations offering this three-course takeaway meal that serves 3-4.
Disney has announced two favorite Magic Kingdom restaurants are reopening.
As shared by Disney: “Get ready to hit your craving for hot dogs out of the park! Casey’s Corner on Main Street, U.S.A., will reopen June 30 with their classic all-beef hot dogs. Catch hold of a Chili-Cheese All-Beef Hot Dog or dig into a pile of Corn Dog Nuggets with, of course, cheese sauce. And my fav, the plant-based Loaded Slaw Dog (plant-based sausage topped with pickled slaw, barbecue vegan aïoli, and roasted corn relish), is back! The Frozen Mint Julep Lemonade is a refreshing homerun to go along with your hot dog. And don’t forget, mobile order is available at Casey’s Corner.
Disney goes on to share a second Magic Kingdom favorite is reopening: “Get ready to treat yourself to hand-scooped ice cream at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor hosted by Edys. This oh-so-sweet nostalgic ice cream parlor on Main Street, U.S.A., will open July 7 with all your favorite flavors on a cone or in a cup – fat-free and no sugar added, as well as plant-based non-dairy options will be available. And more sweet news: Barq’s Root Beer Floats and Coca-Cola Floats are back! Not sure it can get much better than that!
Walt Disney World is gearing up for a summer with more capacity and fewer restrictions. One step that will help is opening more restaurants! Getting dining reservations has been challenging, and that’s one of the reasons we’re so excited to learn of more restaurants reopening at Disney Parks.
Disney Skyliner conveniently stops at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, making it an easy (and fun!) trip to dine at Sebastian’s Bistro, which will reopen with delicious tastes of the Caribbean and a new family-style meal at dinner.
Sebastian’s signature buttery house-baked pull-apart rolls will get you started (YUM), and the entire table will enjoy the Taste of the Caribbean platter featuring oven-roasted citrus chicken, slow-cooked mojo pork with mango sambal, and grilled flank steak with mojito relish. This hearty platter comes with sides of cilantro rice and beans, vegetable curry, and grilled broccolini. Coconut shrimp can also be ordered as an add-on to your meal. The best part? You finish with the ultimate sweet treat – the popular coconut-pineapple bread pudding!
BoardWalk Ice Cream Shop, Disney’s BoardWalk
Craving a frozen sweet treat? Take a stroll around Crescent Lake on Disney’s BoardWalk and visit BoardWalk Ice Cream Shop. Featuring scoops and sundaes to go, satisfy your craving with a good old-fashioned sundae plus brownie and strawberry splash shortcake a la modes, and of course, the kid-favorite, Mickey Mouse Sundaes!
Disneyland Resort
I know travelers at Disneyland Park have missed sipping on Fuzzy Tauntauns and listening to DJ R-3X rock it (in his quirky way!). Well, all you bounty hunters, smugglers, and galactic travelers will be happy to know that Oga’s Cantina will open on June 17 with bookings available June 14. Under the shadow of the spire!
Planning to visit Disney California Adventure Park? You can soon get your fix of plant-based Potato Flautas (my fav!) or Indulgent French Toast at Lamplight Lounge Brunch, opening July 9 with bookings available June 14. (Friday, Saturday, Sunday Brunch only.)
Want to dine alfresco with a plate of delicious Spaghetti Aglio Olio accompanied by the perfect glass of wine at Wine Country Trattoria? Then plan to visit when it opens July 17, with bookings available June 14.
Here are a few more Disneyland Park openings and offerings we are excited to share:
Tiki Juice Bar (mobile order available) – Opening June 17
Docking Bay Food & Cargo (mobile order available) – Opening June 17
Alien Pizza Planet (mobile order available) – Opening June 17
Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante – Opening June 17
Candy Palace – Currently making Nuttles (chopped pecan pieces layered with freshly made caramel with a dollop of milk chocolate on top) on Monday and Friday
Candy Palace – Currently making Rocky Road (mix of milk chocolate, chopped almonds, and house-made marshmallows in a small pie tin) on Saturdays
Downtown Disney District
There are two new yummy treats available at Downtown Disney District! One in the glass and one to grab on the go. BTW, this Beignet-flavored Cocktail is calling my name!
Beignet-flavored Cocktail at Ralph Brennen’s Jazz Kitchen – Wedding cake-flavored vodka, vanilla syrup, butterscotch schnapps, and half and half topped with a mini glazed beignet
French Toast Churro at California Churro – Dusted in powdered sugar and served with a side of maple syrup
Long considered a beacon of happiness around the world, Walt Disney’s original Disneyland Park reopened to the public, along with Disney California Adventure Park, on Friday, April 30, 2021. Guests entered the theme parks filled with joy and excitement as they discovered the magic is here once again, as enchanting and timeless as ever. On this historic day, cast members welcomed guests back to the parks to explore favorite attractions, wave hello to beloved Disney characters, don a pair of Mickey Mouse ears and savor iconic Disney treats.
Just prior to the gates of Disneyland opening for the first time in more than a year, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company Bob Chapek participated in the daily ceremony to raise the American flag and shared brief remarks of inspiration for the cast members who were preparing for the momentous day.
Guests returned Friday for the magic of Disney storytelling and the immersive theme park experiences only Disney can deliver. Once again, guests are stepping back into the realm of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, embarking on a swashbuckling voyage on Pirates of the Caribbean and launching into an “Incredible” adventure on the Incredicoaster. They’re setting sail with children from around the globe on “it’s a small world,” taking photos alongside Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater, and zipping along Route 66 on Radiator Springs Racers.
Guests will experience new magic on some classic attractions, as well. The newly reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish opens to guests for the very first time; the Haunted Mansion has been enhanced with some eerie surprises, and King Arthur’s Carrousel has been fancifully refurbished.
The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are welcoming guests back to the magic with a phased reopening. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa reopened on April 29, 2021, with limited capacity. Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa plan to reopen May 2. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel will reopen at a later date.
Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited to comply with state requirements and promote physical distancing, the Disneyland Resort is managing attendance through a new theme park reservation system that requires all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and older. A Disney account is required to make theme park reservations. Theme park reservations are limited and subject to availability. Until further clarification from the state, only California residents are allowed to visit the Disneyland Resort theme parks, in groups no larger than three households.
The health and well-being of guests and cast members is a top priority. With enhanced health and safety measures, operational changes are in place at the theme parks and hotel based on guidance from health authorities and learnings from Disney parks around the world to promote physical distancing, enhanced cleanliness and reduced contact. These measures include appropriate face coverings required for all guests ages 2 and older, temperature screenings prior to park entry, capacity measures and cashless transactions. Cast members throughout the Resort are dedicated to assist with questions, and guests may check Disneyland.com/update for the current health and safety measures.
1 – Classic attractions and fun-filled favorites
Classic and favorite attractions will begin to open at both parks – from epic experiences like the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to family-friendly experiences like Peter Pan’s Flight and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind.
At Disneyland, the fun awaits on colorful, spinning cups at Mad Tea Party and on thrilling escapades at Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. At Disney California Adventure, guests will be immersed in the stories and adventures of Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT!, Toy Story Midway Mania!, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, and more.
In Fantasyland, a timeless tale comes alive in new ways on Snow White’s Enchanted Wish. Dazzling new scenes include a dancing figure of Snow White joining the dwarfs in their cottage as the scent of a baking pie wafts through the air. Vibrant new shadow projections show the dwarfs as they march off to the mine happily singing “Heigh Ho,” and the new lighting, glittering jewels and shimmering effects make the mine sparkle. Guests then travel through the Queen’s den to see a new library of spell books, glowing potions and bubbling flasks, toward the famous magic mirror. In the end, Snow White and her Prince ride joyfully into a golden sunset to live happily ever after.
On the “must-do” list for many guests will be a journey to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the largest and most technologically advanced single-themed land expansion ever in a Disney park. Guests are transported to a galaxy far, far away at the Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, where they can take the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The newest attraction in the land, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opened in January 2020. It takes guests aboard a full-size transport shuttle before they are captured by a Star Destroyer, finding themselves in the middle of a climactic battle between the dark side of the First Order and the light side of the Resistance.
Avengers Campus, a completely new land where guests can live their Super Hero dreams, will open June 4, 2021, at Disney California Adventure.
2 – Characters are part of the magic
From surprise appearances along Main Street, U.S.A., and Pixar Pier to playful interactions, characters from dozens of favorite Disney stories entertain and delight guests across both parks. Beloved characters will pop up in new ways and sometimes in unexpected places as they remain mindful of physical distancing.
At Disneyland, guests may see Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse waving from the train station, or Disney Princesses such as Mulan appear at the Royal Theatre to wave and pose at a distance for guests taking selfies. At Disney California Adventure, Pixar pals may wave from the bandshell at Pixar Pier, and guests can share a laugh while taking photos with Mater and Lightning McQueen along Route 66 in Cars Land.
Certain experiences that draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date.
3 – Themed dining and world-famous food and drinks
Tasty, tantalizing and ready for social media, Disneyland Resort snacks and dishes are a food-lover’s fairytale wishes come true. Park favorites such as the DOLE Whip®, corn dogs and churros are fun treats offered alongside memorable dining experiences that include lobster nachos and novel drinks at Lamplight Lounge, brisket mac & cheese at River Belle Terrace and Mediterranean-California fare at Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining. The parks offer a multitude of food and drink options, from uniquely themed candy apples and specials like Walt’s Chili to the always popular Plaza Inn fried chicken.
At several locations around the resort, mobile ordering* on the official Disneyland app now is the primary way to order food and drinks. Dining reservations are recommended for table-service restaurants. Other convenient features also include the ability to view menus with QR codes, join a mobile check-in walk up list for dining or mobile check-in for dining reservations, all through the Disneyland app.
4 – Check in to the magic at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
After playing in the theme parks, guests may relax with an overnight stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where they are surrounded by stunning Craftsman-style architecture reminiscent of the turn of the 20th century. Guests are treated to genuine hospitality and quality service, just steps from the Downtown Disney District and Disneyland Resort theme parks. The enchanting Disney magic includes well-appointed accommodations, sparkling pools and a chance to request a wake-up call with greetings from some favorite Disney characters.
Guests with valid theme park admission who are planning a stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel will need to also book theme park reservations in advance, as a hotel stay does not guarantee a park reservation. Hotel capacity will be limited. Guests may book hotel stays for Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or a nearby Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, by visiting Disneyland.com or contacting a travel professional.
5 – Digital technology helps guests make the most of their visits
To make the most of a visit to the Disneyland Resort, guests will have digital tools right at their fingertips with the Disneyland mobile app. Guests are strongly encouraged to download the latest version of the Disneyland app before they arrive, and plan ahead with mobile ordering* for food and beverage purchases from select locations. For Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the virtual queue is only accessible via the Disneyland mobile app, and you can only experience the attraction by joining the virtual queue, which is limited and subject to availability. Guests also can use the app to check park hours, make dining reservations, and view maps and other important resort updates. Mobile waitlist (subject to availability) and mobile check-in options are available for table-service dining at select locations. Disneyland Resort also recommends cashless transactions such as electronic payment to reduce contact.
6 – Check Disneyland.com for the latest updates
For everything they need to know about their visits, guests are encouraged to check Disneyland.com regularly for updated information, including ticket and reservation information, and which experiences are currently available or will be offered.**
Along with must-do experiences throughout the theme parks, guests will find unique shopping and dining experiences throughout the Downtown Disney District. The World of Disney store offers the latest Disney merchandise.
The reopening of Disneyland Resort is a phased approach and subject to change, to align with guidance released from time to time by health authorities and appropriate government agencies. This guidance is fluid and applicable at any given time as community situations change. With that guidance, many factors will determine the timing of when offerings may be available, and the status of indoor and outdoor experiences.
* Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
** Upon reopening, certain parks, hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences and other offerings will be modified or unavailable, will have limited capacity and will be subject to limited availability or even closure, and park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.
