7 big things to watch for at Disney World in August 2019

The second half of the year is always exciting at Walt Disney World with major festivals and attractions usually scheduled for opening. This year, August will have the long-awaited opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge among many other events taking place.

There are also two events taking place in August away from Disney World that will have impact on the resort. The first is The Walt Disney Company third quarter 2019 financial meeting, where you normally fine insight into how the parks are doing. The second is on August 25 at the D23 Expo 2019 parks panel when we can expect announcements about future rides coming to Disney World and the other parks.

In the meantime, here’s a look at the big things happening in August 2019 at Disney World:

O Canada, where have you gone?

O Canada!, the Circle-Vision 360 film in the Canada Pavilion in Epcot closes August 1 for the start of a major refurbishment. A new film is coming as well an updated theater experience.

SHOPPING RETURNS TO HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Two major stores in Hollywood Studios, Keystone Clothiers and Legends of Hollywood are expected to re-open after a massive refurbishment.

NBA ARRIVES AT DISNEY SPRINGS

The NBA Experience opens Aug. 12, 2019, on the former site of DisneyQuest at Disney Springs. Visitors will get a glimpse into the atmosphere at the NBA Draft, allow them to participate in their own scouting reports, go through pregame preparations, and step onto the court to make clutch shots and highlight reel-worthy slam dunks. There will be about a dozen different activities to try out.

Halloween Kicks off at Disney World

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off Aug. 16 on select nights this fall with new fireworks, new additions to the parade and special Halloween overlays on attractions.

Guardians take OFF

Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! which takes guests on a musical journey through the cosmos with Star-Lord and Gamora at the America Gardens in Epcot, closes on August 18, 2019.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens

Starting Aug. 1, cast members first get to enter Batuu. Then passholders and finally on Aug. 29, the general public gets the chance to see what the new 14-acre land at Hollywood Studios looks like.

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

The 87-day festival kicks off on Aug. 29 with food, drink, demonstrations and music. The “O Canada!” theater will be transformed into a new festival destination while a projection-system upgrade takes place and the film is being refreshed. There will be two new marketplaces added a number of new dishes to try. And, don’t forget the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

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