5 Changes Coming to EPCOT Next Month

If you’re heading to EPCOT this July, there are some major changes to be excited about!

©Jeff Krause

From a massive celebration of America’s birthday and some after-hours fun to Annual Passholders’ LAST CHANCE to access some special perks, plenty is coming to Disney World’s second park next month.

Celebrate the 4th of July with a BANG!

Disney goes all out with fireworks every Independence Day, and the country’s 250th birthday is no exception. Heartbeat of Freedom, a 5-minute super-patriotic fireworks finale tag at the end of Luminous: The Symphony of Us, is returning on not one, not two, BUT three nights in 2026. This show is usually only held once a year on July 4th, but to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, it will be shown on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th at 9:15 PM!

©Disney

Also, America’s 250th birthday will bring patriotic lighting to Spaceship Earth and performances from the Voices of Liberty.

Cool Kids’ Summer Continues

The Cool Kids’ Summer promotion is still going through July, and both its major EPCOT additions are still available to guests:

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this coming July, EPCOT’s Soarin’ will receive an “all-new airborne adventure across the US, honoring the heart and spirit of the nation.” Disney even brought in “aviation” legend Patrick Warburton (IYKYK) to announce the overlay, which will be opening at Disney World on May 26th.

Mount Rushmore in Soarin’ Across America

Meanwhile, guests can “dance and play along with the Goof Troop, DJ Dance Pants, and Goofy himself during wacky activities at CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT. Goofy’s Game Machine brings silly, kid-approved games like Goofy Says, Balloon Bonanza, and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks.

Goofy!

We love Cool Kids’ Summer, and these EPCOT offerings are just part of the reason why!

Extended Evening Hours

Extended Evening Hours offer two extra hours to guests staying at Disney Deluxe Tier or Deluxe Villa resorts after the park closes to the general public. July’s Extended Evening Hours schedule for EPCOT is as follows: July 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th.

Extended Evening Hours at EPCOT

These extended hours offer Deluxe hotel guests additional time in the parks for lower wait times, special entertainment, and more.

After Hours Events

These separately ticketed events let guests enjoy beloved attractions with lower wait times for an extra two hours after the park closes to the public, plus snacks included in the ticket price. EPCOT’s After Hours Events scheduled for July are as follows: July 9th and 23rd.

Popcorn and water at EPCOT After Hours

This is a great way to experience your favorite rides with little to no waits!

V.I.Passholder Days Exclusives

This past May, Disney launched their annual V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days for 2026. This summer celebration offers “exciting perks just for Passholders!” and plenty of those perks are available at EPCOT through July 31st! They include:

A new exclusive Woody and Buzz Passholder Magnet will be available for Passholders at the Creations shop from May 1st through July 31st.
An exclusive Passholder Lounge located in Morocco.
Exclusive V.I.Passholder merchandise, including a Zip-Up Hoodie, a Tee, a Loungefly Crossbody Bag, a Baseball Hat, and even a Corkcicle Canteen, will be available at Creations Shop beginning May 1st
An exclusive Popcorn Bucket featuring a design from illustrator Ashley Taylor will be available beginning May 1st at the Popcorn Cart in World Celebration, near the Creations Shop.
Finally, Passholders can even save big on dining, with 40% off at Biergarten Restaurant (lunch only), Coral Reef Restaurant (dinner only), and Garden Grill Restaurant (lunch and dinner) on Mondays to Thursdays.

New Annual Passholder Magnet

If you’re making your way to EPCOT in July, be aware of these NEW and exclusive experiences! Stay tuned to DFB for more.

2 Weeks When the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Could Be EMPTY

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