UPDATED July 1, 2024
It’s July, the middle of the summer, but if you’re planning on being in Disney World, you’re in for an AWESOME time! While it may be one of the hottest months to be in the parks, there are some SUPER exciting things happening that will make the heat worth it.
A Disney World vacation can be magical at any time of year — as long as you plan accordingly! Between weather patterns, special events, holidays, and crowds, the prep work for your trip can vary A LOT depending on what time of year you’re traveling. Here’s what you need to know if you’re headed to Disney World in July!
Before we dive into what a typical June is like in Disney World, we want to provide some specifics for THIS YEAR if you’re going in 2024…
Disney World in July 2024
July 3rd & 4th, 2024: Fourth of July Fireworks
Please be aware that Magic Kingdom guests will not see the Happily Ever After fireworks on July 3rd and 4th, 2024… but that’s not entirely bad news, because it’s time for Disney’s Fourth of July fireworks instead!
On July 3rd and July 4th, 2024, guests will get to experience a special fireworks show — the Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky! The show will begin at 9:20PM, exclusively in the Magic Kingdom.
At EPCOT, on July 4th ONLY, “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” will follow EPCOT’s nighttime fireworks show Luminous “The Symphony of Us.” Luminous starts at 9PM, and “The Heartbeat of Freedom” will immediately follow. Oh! And on the 4TH OF JULY ONLY, you can greet Disney pals dressed in patriotic gear for special photo ops in EPCOT! Find them at The American Adventure Pavilion.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland on June 28th, 2024, so July is its first full month of operation!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a Princess and the Frog re-theme of the former Splash Mountain attraction. While you’ll still get to experience the signature drop from the old ride, the story will be all new. The ride picks up after the Princess and the Frog movie, giving you the chance to “join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.”
Here’s EVERYTHING there is to know about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!
HOW TO RIDE: When Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens, it will be accessible via Virtual Queue and as a Disney Genie+ option. Click either link to find out more.
H2O Glow Nights
H2O Glow Nights is back at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park for select nights from May 25th through August 31st, 2024!
This extra ticket event features glow-in-the-dark fun after the sun goes down with shorter wait times for the park’s waterslides, a DJ dance party, exclusive menu items, Disney character appearances, and more. Special event snacks such as ice cream treats, popcorn, and some fountain drinks are included in the cost and can be found at carts stationed throughout Typhoon Lagoon.
Click HERE for more info about H2O Glow Nights!
New Fort Wilderness Cabins Will Start to Open
In 2023, Disney announced that the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground would be getting a makeover. Ultimately, over 350 newly redesigned Disney Vacation Club Fort Wilderness Cabins are replacing the existing cabins at the resort.
These refreshed cabins started to debut on July 1st! The opening is taking place in phases — the first loop opened on July 1st, and more will continue to open throughout the year.
Click HERE to find out how to book a NEW Fort Wilderness Cabin!
World Premiere Food Court Refurbishment at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
From July 1st through July 31st, the World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is undergoing a refurbishment.
While the dining area will be receiving a facelift, guests can still take advantage of the food offered by the food court. You can find the details here.
Crowds at Disney World in July
Now is the time when we know a tonnnn of you are going on your summer vacations, because the crowds are ramping up in the parks, too.
Weekends and holidays are always the busiest days, so plan to visit the parks primarily on the weekdays and if you can avoid holidays, like Fourth of July, then you’ll likely see lower crowd levels. And if you are traveling in July, be sure to make your Advance Dining Reservations early to increase your odds of getting in your must-dos!
Park Hours at Disney World in July
While the park hours can vary by day and park, the most common opening time for parks in July is 9AM. The longer summer days mean the park hours are longer, too. But the closure times tend to be a little more varied! Magic Kingdom usually closes between 10PM and midnight, depending on the day, while the other parks typically close between 8PM and 9PM.
So, if you’re more of a night owl, you should have some opportunities for late nights in the parks on your June trip — especially at Magic Kingdom! Or, if you’re staying in a Deluxe Resort, you can take advantage of the Extended Hours benefit, which allows those guests to stay in a select park a few hours after the park closes to other guests.
You can see ALL of the Disney World Park Hours for July HERE!
Weather at Disney World in July
In July, the average high temperature in Orlando is 92 degrees and the average low is 75 degrees. And here’s something that might surprise you — there are an average of 13 rainy days in July.
July sits snugly at the beginning of hurricane season in Florida, so though it typically doesn’t host numerous rainy days, you can still find rain, and even hurricanes. When it does rain, you can usually expect it in the afternoons, so you’ll want to prioritize those outdoor coasters like Slinky Dog Dash and Test Track earlier in your day to avoid being in line or missing out entirely if the attraction closes due to weather.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right Disney World hotel for your family!
How to Pack for Disney World in July
As you saw above, it is HOT in Florida, especially in July! You have to be prepared for the heat, especially if you’re not used to it. Oh, and don’t forget about that lovely southern humidity (do NOT underestimate the humidity!). So, one of the best things you can do this month in Disney World is to be prepared for it to be hot, and find ways to cool off.
And it will probably be a comfortable enough temperature for most people to swim, so bring your swimsuit if you plan to take advantage of the hotel pools!
When it comes to being prepared, there are a ton of things you can do! Make sure to stay extra hydrated, wear sunscreen (and reapply it!), wear protective gear like hats and sunglasses, wear breathable clothing, and take breaks in the air conditioning when you can. Do NOT push yourself — you don’t want to be passing out in Disney World.
There are some great things you can bring with you to help with all of this! Cooling towels, portable fans, sunscreen, and insulated water bottles are great items to keep with you to stay cool. The heat can also cause some annoying problems like blisters and chaffing, so bring some band-aids or moleskin with you for blisters and a chafing stick to help with that issue.
Check out our ultimate Disney World packing list!
Independence Day in Disney World
Celebrate Independence Day with a bang! Magic Kingdom typically hosts 4th of July fireworks — “Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” on July 3rd AND 4th! Stay tuned for 2024 confirmation!
On July 4th ONLY, Magic Kingdom often hosts a flyover of the theme park by the U.S. Airforce at 10:30AM. Stay tuned for 2024 confirmation!
“Heartbeat of Freedom” is typically the special fireworks finale in EPCOT on July 4th. Stay tuned for 2024 confirmation!
EPCOT also typically celebrates the 4th of July with some VERY special character appearances!
Disney will use any holiday or excuse to introduce new specialty snacks, and July 4th is no exception.
You can celebrate this day with any number of patriotic snacks. Like the 4th of July Liege Waffle, at Connections Eatery & Cafe, which is a Brioche Dough Waffle with Vanilla Icing around the edges, covered in Red, White, and Blue Sprinkles. It’s topped with a White Chocolate Mickey and Powdered Sugar.
So, if the Fourth of July happens to fall during your Disney World trip, be sure to check back with us on the treats you need to add to your plan!
ALL the Limited-Time Fourth of July Eats in Disney World
Flavors of Florida in Disney World
Enjoy cuisine inspired by the Sunshine State during Disney Springs Flavors of Florida, a summer event in Disney Springs! From July 1st – August 11th, 2024, over 40 eateries and restaurants all around Disney Springs are showcasing limited-time dishes and drinks for this event.
During Flavors of Florida, guests can stop by the Disney Springs Welcome Center (or any participating location listed below) for an event guide, and you can check out the specialty food items and locations!
Disney Springs Flavors of Florida — Walt Disney World
There are plenty of awesome experiences to enjoy at Disney World during the month of July! Guests are treated to warm (ok, HOT) weather, stunning Independence Day fireworks, and Flavors of Florida celebrations. Make sure to plan accordingly, get your park pass reservations and advance dining reservations as soon as you can and you’ll be in for a magical vacation! Wondering about visiting Disney World in August? Get all the details here.
Are you still undecided about when you want to vacation in Disney World? Check out our Month By Month Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation.
Planning a Disney World vacation? Here are seven things you’re probably forgetting!
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Have you traveled to Disney World in July? Share your tips and must-dos in the comments!
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