6 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in July

Is it just us, or is time flying?!

EPCOT

If you have a Disney World vacation on the books, you’re probably excited about that…as you should be! Not only can you check out more characters in the parks and hotels, or book a visit to GEO-82 (EPCOT’s new adults-only lounge), but there is an entire list of changes hitting the parks in July. We’re going through it now so that you’re prepared and can have the best trip ever — you deserve it!

Heading to Disney World soon? Be sure to check out our planning worksheets. You can click the image below to get our list and make sure you don’t forget a thing!

Here’s an overview of what you can look forward to in July at Disney World!

Test Track will reopen

It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for! After closing in June 2024, Test Track 3.0 will open on July 22nd, 2025! 

New Test Track sign!

The new version of Test Track will have several new features, including a queue with six exhibits celebrating vehicles and their makers and a new outdoor scene that celebrates technological advances. Also, the exterior and ride vehicles seem to be inspired by the original World of Motion that once occupied the space. Disney has released a few sneak peeks inside, but we’re excited to see everything put together!

©Disney

Previews will be available for several groups of Disney fans, including Annual Passholders, Cast Members, Disney Vacation Club Members, Golden Oak Residents, and Club 33 Members, before the ride opens on July 22nd. We’re still waiting for full details from Disney, but keep an eye out if you fit into one of those categories!

Disney Just Announced MORE Details About the NEW Test Track Opening Soon at EPCOT

Special fireworks show returns

Magic Kingdom is home to fireworks nearly every night, but around the Fourth of July, you can catch a RARE fireworks show! It’s called “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” and you can catch it at 9:20 PM on both July 3rd and July 4th.

Cinderella Castle lit up for Independence Day

This show replaces the usual fireworks show, Happily Ever After, so if that’s a must-see, we’d recommend visiting Magic Kingdom on a different night. However, fans seem to really enjoy the Fourth of July show — Main Street is packed year after year!

Beautiful

EPCOT has not revealed if it will have a special Fourth of July show yet. Usually, the “Heartbeat of Freedom” segment will play immediately after the regular show, Luminous: The Symphony of Us,” on the evening of July 4th only. We’ll be on the lookout for news around this show!

I Paid $480 for a Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise, and I Would Do It Again

Say goodbye to Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America FOREVER

Once you’re done celebrating the holiday, it’s time to say goodbye to a few Magic Kingdom attractions! I know, I know, we JUST had to watch MuppetVision 3D close and now this?! It’s a tough time for Disney fans, but there is so much excitement on the horizon.

Rivers of America

On July 7th, Tom Sawyer Island, the Rivers of America, and the Liberty Square Riverboat will permanently close, making July 6th the last day to experience them. This area will become a Cars-themed area of Frontierland with new attractions, food, characters, and more. It’s bittersweet, but we’re excited for what’s to come, especially after a recent round of announcements. Don’t worry — there will still be PLENTY of water in Magic Kingdom!

Everything You Need to Know About the NEW Cars Area in Magic Kingdom

The Walt Disney World Railroad CHANGES

That’s not all for July 7th! On that day, the Walt Disney World Railroad in Magic Kingdom will get a pretty significant update.

Welcome to Magic Kingdom

Due to construction on the new Cars area and the Villains land, the Railroad will no longer circle the entire park. In July, the train will run as a shuttle back and forth between the Main Street, U.S.A. station and the Fantasyland station. This can save you some steps and still get you to the front of the park; however, there will be no stop in the Frontierland area. With this update, Disney mentioned that they will flip some of the benches so that no matter which way you are traveling, you have the option to sit forward or backward!

Railroad

Disney fans were worried the attraction would close again (we’re still scarred from the lengthy closure during TRON Lightcycle / Run construction), but it will remain open. Yay!

8 CLUES Hiding in the Map of Disney’s NEW Cars Area Coming to Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom’s NEW Nighttime Parade Debuts

We can’t help but freak out because MAGIC KINGDOM WILL HAVE A NIGHTTIME PARADE AGAIN! Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away will debut in Magic Kingdom on July 20th, 2025, and fans are stoked. It’s been years since Disney has had a consistent nighttime parade!

Disney Starlight concept art ©Disney

Disney Starlight will “add to the legacy” of the Main Street Electrical Parade and SpectroMagic. The parade will be “brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy” and include floats themed after Encanto, Frozen, Peter Pan, Coco, and more. It’ll end with this iconic train float featuring a bunch of classic Disney characters. What’s not to love?

©Disney

Showtimes have not been revealed just yet, but check the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for the most updated information.

I Had a Frustrating Parade Experience at Disney World and I Know I’m Not the Only One

A NEW restaurant opens at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

GO! It’s time to book your reservations at the newest restaurant coming to Disney World — Bourbon Steak! This is a fine dining restaurant from chef Michael Mina and will be located at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, where Shula’s Steak House had operated for years.

©Walt Disney World Dolphin

Reservations are currently available on OpenTable starting July 26th, 2025, meaning the restaurant will be open by then! They didn’t really confirm July 26th as the opening date, but said it was the first day you could make reservations. Bourbon Steak lists 5 PM to 11 PM as their hours (which are subject to change), so get ready for a fabulous and fancy dinner if you choose to dine here!

The filet!

You know we’ll be there as soon as it opens and give you our full review, so stay tuned. In fact, we already tried a different Bourbon Steak location to get a sneak peek — check out that review below!

REVIEW: We’re Putting Disney World’s Newest Restaurant to the Test

Exclusive Annual Passholder Perks END

Finally, we had to let you know that some huge Disney World Annual Passholder perks are coming to an end in July. If you’ve been to the parks lately, hopefully you’ve taken advantage of some V.I.Passholder Days perks like exclusive characters, snacks, and photo ops, discounts at popular restaurants, and a private, air-conditioned lounge in EPCOT.

AP Lounge!

July 31st is the last day for these perks, so be sure to use them on your upcoming visits!

3 Mistakes Annual Passholders Still Make in Disney World

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Those are some of the major changes coming to Disney World in July! Disney World will continue to change and update, and DFB will be here to keep you in the loop!

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

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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!

Are you visiting Disney World in July? What are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!

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