Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Guests heading to Walt Disney World this July may want to take one last look at the entertainment and experiences on their must-do list. Disney has confirmed that several locations and attractions will be unavailable throughout the month, with one longtime Magic Kingdom favorite preparing for a transformation unlike anything it has seen in decades.
Fortunately, the news isn’t all about closures. Over the past several weeks, Disney has rolled out a wave of new attractions, updated experiences, and fresh dining options, with even more expected to arrive later this summer. If you’re planning a vacation in the coming weeks, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Disney World Has Been Rolling Out Major Additions
Before July’s closures begin, Walt Disney World has already delivered a busy stretch of new offerings.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently welcomed Bluey’s Wild World, giving younger guests another interactive experience centered around one of today’s most popular animated characters.
At EPCOT, Soarin’ Across America has replaced Soarin’ Around the World for America’s 250th anniversary.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has also seen major additions. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets officially debuted after its full retheme, while Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run now features new missions that expand the Star Wars story.
Guests can also explore the reopened Walt Disney Studios Courtyard as the park continues its transformation.
We also can’t forget the glorious return of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which reopened after a lengthy refurbishment on May 3.
With so many openings across the resort, July’s growing list of closures may come as a surprise to some visitors.
Credit: Disney
Several Shops Will Be Closed During July
Not every July closure involves a ride, but some popular shopping locations will also be unavailable.
At EPCOT’s France Pavilion, La Signature will close beginning June 29 for a lengthy refurbishment expected to last until later in 2026. The boutique has become a favorite stop for guests looking to browse a large selection of Guerlain fragrances and cosmetics or enjoy personalized beauty consultations.
While the location is closed, Disney says guests can still purchase Guerlain products nearby at Plume Et Palette, allowing shoppers to continue finding many of the same items during the refurbishment.
Over at Magic Kingdom, Big Top Souvenirs remains behind construction walls. The Storybook Circus merchandise location has been closed since February and is expected to stay unavailable throughout July, according to Disney World’s operating calendar. Although Disney still plans to reopen the store before the end of the year, an exact reopening date has not yet been announced.
These closures may not dramatically impact most vacations, but guests hoping to visit either location should plan accordingly.
Credit: Disney
Get One Last Look at Carousel of Progress
Without question, the biggest closure arriving this July belongs to one of Disney’s most historic attractions.
Disney first announced in 2025 that Carousel of Progress would receive a major refurbishment. Early details were limited, with the company confirming only that a new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic would greet guests during the attraction’s introduction.
This spring, however, Disney revealed that the project goes far beyond a simple update.
Rather than making small adjustments, Imagineers are completely reworking the show’s structure to better connect with modern audiences while honoring its history. The refreshed attraction will guide guests through the 1960s, the 1980s, the turn of the millennium, and a newly imagined future in which technological breakthroughs have become part of everyday life, while preserving the attraction’s timeless optimism.
Disney currently expects the attraction to reopen in 2027.
That makes July 6 an especially significant date. Carousel of Progress will close that day for what is expected to be its largest refurbishment in decades. If you’ve always wanted to experience the attraction in its current form, this could be your final opportunity before it returns with an entirely different presentation.
Credit: Joe Penniston, Flickr
New Experiences Continue Arriving
Even as construction walls go up in some areas, Disney continues opening new experiences elsewhere around the resort.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow is set to welcome guests again beginning Saturday, June 27. On reopening day, the Fantasyland meet-and-greet will operate from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., giving families another opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters in their circus-inspired costumes.
Just a few days later, EPCOT will add another dining location.
La Poutinerie officially opens on July 1 inside the Canada Pavilion. Sponsored by Air Canada, the new quick-service kiosk will specialize in authentic Canadian poutine along with specialty beverages, expanding the food offerings available around World Showcase.
Credit: Disney
More Could Be Coming Before Summer Ends
Disney also continues preparing one of Hollywood Studios’ most anticipated additions.
The new Magic of Disney Animation experience will feature Off the Page, where guests can explore spaces inspired by the real Disney Animation Studios, Olaf Draws, an interactive drawing experience led by an Olaf Audio-Animatronic, and Drawn to Wonderland, an indoor playground influenced by Mary Blair’s original concept artwork for Alice in Wonderland.
Disney has only committed to a late summer 2026 opening window. While that technically leaves room for a surprise launch toward the end of July, a mid-to-late August debut still appears more likely based on the current timeline.
Even so, anticipation continues to build as the opening draws closer.
Credit: Disney
Summer at Disney Keeps Evolving
July will bring plenty of change to Walt Disney World. Guests will encounter temporary closures, ongoing refurbishments, and the beginning of a historic overhaul for one of Magic Kingdom’s most beloved attractions.
At the same time, Disney continues adding new rides, entertainment, restaurants, and family experiences across the resort. Whether you’re visiting in July or later this summer, staying informed about both the closures and the openings can help you make the most of your Walt Disney World vacation.
