Walt Disney World in July

Are you planning a vacation to Walt Disney World in July? While the weather is at its hottest, summer at Walt Disney World is actually a great time to go. Gone are the days when the summer months meant peak crowds — you’ll still find them, but overall summer is more akin to a shoulder season or even a low season at Walt Disney World these days. That said, it’s still worth it to plan ahead and prepare by reviewing what’s on deck for the month.

July 2025 in particular will be a very busy month at Walt Disney World — we have the debut of a new nighttime parade, the launch of a re-imagined Test Track, and the closure of long-running opening day Magic Kingdom attractions. Even if you aren’t planning a trip for July, this is one monthly guide you’ll want to study, because after this month the parks won’t be the same!

What’s Happening At Walt Disney World In July

Fourth of July Celebration

July starts off with a bang thanks to the Fourth of July festivities. There are two places to catch specialty fireworks: Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. At Magic Kingdom, “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” is performed on July 3 and 4 at 9:20 PM. This is the only fireworks show you’ll see those evenings, and “Happily Ever After” resumes performances on July 5.

EPCOT typically presents Heartbeat of Freedom after their nightly fireworks show, also on July 3 and 4. Their regularly scheduled fireworks show starts at 9:00 PM nightly.

Rivers of America Closes at Magic Kingdom

This July is marked by some major changes taking place at Magic Kingdom. After 50 years, the Rivers of America will close permanently, and with it, Tom Sawyer Island at Liberty Belle. The last day to experience these attractions is July 6.

The Rivers of America section of Frontierland will transform over the next few years into Piston Peak National Park, a new area inspired by the Pixar ‘Cars’ franchise. No opening timeline has been revealed yet for this new area, but we do know it will include new attractions as well as new landscaping that will change the look of Magic Kingdom forever.

READ MORE: MAGIC KINGDOM IS CHANGING IN MAJOR WAYS IN THE COMING YEARS

Disney Starlight Debuts at Magic Kingdom

This July, Magic Kingdom will have its first nighttime parade since Main Street Electrical Parade ended its run in 2016. Disney Starlight will have its grand debut on July 20, lightning up Main Street, U.S.A.  with numerous floats with favorite characters from films like Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Frozen, Encanto, and Wish.

For the month of July, Disney Starlight will have two step-off times: 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM (the nightly fireworks show, Happily Ever After, will be performed at 10:00 PM nightly). The parade will step off at Main Street, U.S.A. both times and make its way towards Frontierland.

Test Track Reopens at EPCOT

July is also a big month for EPCOT. Test Track will reopen following a year-long closure as its new version on July 22. Leading up to its public debut, Test Track 3.0 will have previews for Disney World Cast Members, Annual Passholders, Club 33 Members, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak residents.

Much like the Test Track versions that came before, this new version will feature the latest in automobile technology while embracing the joys of driving with friends and family. The ride will feature new show scenes and the queue will have new exhibits.

Con’t: Disney Springs Flavors of Florida

The Flavors of Florida continues at Disney Springs in the month of July. Officially running in 2025 through August 10, the Flavors of Florida brings limited-time menu items to most dining locations around Disney Springs. This is a great way to sneak in a little food festival without needing a park ticket (and, since EPCOT doesn’t have a summertime food festival this year, it’s perfect timing!).

Be sure to check out the limited-time food and beverage items around Disney Springs if you are visiting in the month of July.

Walt Disney World In July Weather

One word: hot.

Actually, scratch that, there are a few words to describe the weather in July: hot, hotter, humid, hotter than hot, and wet. According to Weather Spark, July is as hot as it gets in Orlando, with an average high temperature of 90 degrees and an average low of 75. 

July is also in the middle of the peak rainy season in Orlando. Weather Spark reports an average of just over 20 days of rain for the month of July. You can expect anywhere from 5.5 to 6 inches of rain across the entire month. You’ll want to assume that every day of your July vacation has the change for at least some rain, and you’ll want to pack accordingly.

READ MORE: RAIN GEAR MUST-HAVES FOR YOUR WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATION

Tips For Visiting Walt Disney World In July

Stay cool and comfortable

In addition to the tips listed below, there are some evergreen tactics you’ll want to employ during a July trip to Disney World that keeps everyone cool and comfortable. The basics are to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water (pack electrolytes, like sugar-free Liquid IV, for an extra boost of hydration), apply sunscreen liberally and reapply regularly, and take frequent indoor breaks.

Consider a trip back to your hotel for an extended afternoon break at the pool or in your room. If you don’t want to take that much time out of your theme park day, you should still consider one longer break at an indoor location to take advantage of some air conditioning.

READ MORE: SHOULD YOU VISIT DISNEY WORLD THIS SUMMER?

Consider Purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass

Summer is not quite the peak season it once was, and you might find the crowds in July to be manageable. That said, you may still want to consider buying Lightning Lane Multi Pass on your July vacation. If the lines slow down for any reason, the last place you want to be on a hot summer day is standing in an outdoor queue.

Considering the reopening of Test Track this July, you may want to invest in Lightning Lane Multi Pass on your EPCOT day, too.

READ MORE: AN INTRODUCTORY GUIDE TO LIGHTNING LANE PASSES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD

Free Water Park Perk

One of the best perks you should absolutely consider taking advantage of during a July 2025 vacation is the free water park admission. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, the entire party whose names appear on the reservation have complimentary admission to the Disney World water park of their choosing (Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach). The Disney World water parks are a great way to cool down.

Consider A Disney After Hours Event

Another way to stay cool in Disney World in the month of July is to attend a Disney After Hours event. These hard-ticketed events keep the party going with extended hours at a designated theme park beyond its normal operating hours. Admission gives you access to the park’s attractions with lower wait times, character meet-and-greets, snacks, and more. For July, you can catch a Disney After Hours Event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or EPCOT (dates and ticket prices below). There’s also the H20 Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon, which continues throughout July.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• July 2 (9:30 PM to 12:30 AM)
• July 9 (9:30 PM to 12:30 AM)
• July 23 (9:30 PM to 12:30 AM)
• July 30 (9:30 PM to 12:30 AM)

Admission to Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios costs $155 to $185 per person and varies by date.

EPCOT

• July 10 (10:00 PM to 1:00 AM)
• July 24 (10:00 PM to 1:00 AM)
• July 31 (10:00 PM to 1:00 AM)

Admission to Disney After Hours at EPCOT costs $155 to $175 per person and varies by date.

H20 Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon

• July 1
• July 8
• July 15
• July 22
• July 29

Admission to H20 Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon costs $85 (Ages 10+) per ticket and $42.50 (Ages 3-9) per ticket, plus tax.

READ MORE: HOW TO STAY COOL AT DISNEY WORLD IN THE SUMMER