10 big things to watch for in July 2019 at Disney World

July brings special fireworks, a new resort, new restaurants, special festivities and a couple of anniversaries to celebrate at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Here’s what to watch for:

Fourth of July Celebration: Epcot and the Magic Kingdom will have special celebrations. Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear and other Muppets will reenact famous moments in American history during “The Muppets Present … Great Moments in History.” The live show is performed several times daily near the Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square. “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” offers booming fireworks orchestrated to patriotic melodies showering the Magic Kingdom sky on both July 3 and July 4 at 9:15 p.m.

At Epcot, a cappella vocal group Voices of Liberty will perform great American tunes during a Fourth of July concert on the America Gardens Theatre stage at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. on July 4. The group also will perform in the rotunda inside The American Adventure pavilion at 2 and 3 p.m. Guests will be able to meet various Disney characters donning their “Spirit of ’76” patriotic attire at The American Adventure throughout the day on July 4. “The Heartbeat of Freedom” fireworks extravaganza will begin immediately following the 9 p.m. “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” display.

Fourth of July livestream: Disney will once again stream the Fourth of July fireworks from the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort on the night of July 4, 2019. “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will go live on the Disney Parks Blog at 9:13 p.m. ET. The fireworks are scheduled to go off at 9:15 p.m.

Gran Destino towner opens July 9: The 15-story Gran Destino tower opens at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The new tower will be the main entrance to the resort. The building add 545 new guest rooms (including 50 suites) as well as a two-story lobby.

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood opens July 9. This new restaurant at the top of the new Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs will have dishes and small plates inspired by Spanish cuisine. The on-stage tapas kitchen serves small plates, charcutería, and cheeses. The aged, hand-cut Spanish chuletón for two (32-ounce bone-in ribeye steak) and sustainable seafood offerings are on the menus. Toledo highlights Spanish and California wines with over 75 choices hand-selected by the Master Sommelier.

Dahlia Lounge opens July 9. Located next to Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, this rooftop lounge at Gran Destinao will feature “unique libations and dishes.”

Barcelona Lounge opens July 9. Located in the lobby area of the new Gran Destino Tower, the lounge will offer a European coffee experience as well as Spanish and classic American pastries and breakfast items. Healthful breakfast items include blueberry-lavender honey yogurt with flaxseed granola and fresh-squeezed orange juice. At night it will turn into an artisanal cocktail bar featuring a variety of tonics to complement an international gin collection. 

 The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster anniversary: The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Hollywood Studios turns 20. The opening took place on July 29, 1999, with a special, invitation-only party, with Aerosmith as the guests of honor.

The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror anniversary: On July 22, the Hollywood Studios attraction turns 25.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch reopens. On July 11, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, the Affection Section and the Wildlife Express in Animal Kingdom reopens with new enhancements and in celebration of things all “The Lion King.”

The Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night begins on July 24. On select nights for a limited time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Pricing is $125 plus tax for adults and $99 plus tax for children ages 3-9 and separate park admission is required. This includes a trip to Planet Watch.