2026 has already seen A LOT of changes at Disney World — from the opening of the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets to the closure of the Carousel of Progress for a massive reimagining — and August will be no different, especially at some of Disney World’s restaurants.
Steak Frites
From the effects of special events to ongoing construction projects, those planning a trip to the “Most Magical Place on Earth” should be aware of what’s going on with the resort’s eateries next month.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Planning
Let’s begin in the Magic Kingdom, where the 2026 edition of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off on August 7th, with further dates on the 11th, 14th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 28th, and 30th.
Magic Kingdom at night during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Guests visiting the Magic Kingdom those days who don’t have party tickets must plan their dining at restaurants like Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and Skipper Canteen accordingly, as those not attending the Not-So-Scary event have to be out by 6:00 PM. In other words, plan for a lunch or early dinner.
Malva Pudding Cake at Skipper Canteen
Every SOLD OUT Date For Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Eat to the Beat Crowds
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party isn’t the only popular event to kick off in August, as the 27th also sees the start of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival, including its Eat to the Beat Concert Series.
The Beach Boys at Eat to the Beat 2025.
If you’re planning on eating at an EPCOT restaurant during the festival — itself not a given thanks to the festival’s large selection of food booths — be aware that they may be crowded with Eat to the Beat crowds taking advantage of the Eat to the Beat Dining Package offerings.
2025 Coastal Eats Booth
These packages — which became available on July 16th — include:
- An entrée and dessert, or one full buffet (where applicable)—as well as a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older) and participating restaurants, outside of Spice Road Table, where guests get 2 small plates, a shared dessert platter and a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older).
- One guaranteed seat per person to one Eat to the Beat concert on the same day, meaning that this is the ONLY way to get guaranteed seating to the most in-demand concerts.
Eat to the Beat
All of that can be a lot to sort through. That’s where our Guide to Disney World Dining pulls it all together so you can stop stressing and focus on the fun without feeling like you’re missing a thing!
3 NEW Restaurants, Attraction Overhauls, and Food and Wine Festival Updates — Every Major Disney Announcement You Missed
Hotel Roundup
Moving on to Disney World’s hotels, the Turf Club Lounge at Saratoga Springs Resort will reopen in August after a month-long refurbishment. Then, the Turf Club Patio will be briefly closed from early through mid-August, and finally, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will be closed from August to September, with the aforementioned Turf Club Lounge remaining open.
Turf Club Bar & Grill
Over at the Yacht Club Resort, the Yachtsman Steakhouse, the resort’s popular New England-themed eatery, is scheduled to reopen in August following a closure and refurbishment that began earlier this spring.
Yachtsman Steakhouse
The Grand Floridian Cafe — located at the Grand Floridian Resort (shocking, we know) — is closing for refurbishment in July and will remain closed through October, meaning it’ll not be available at all in August. During this period, the cafe’s popular brunch will instead be offered at Citricos.
Grand Floridian Cafe
If you’re heading to Disney World in August, there are some restaurant changes you NEED to keep in mind when planning where to dine during your trip. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney’s upcoming schedule.
Unique Apps, Iconic Mains, and MASSIVE Desserts: This Disney World Restaurant Is Practically Perfect
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You can still get a dinner reservation at Magic Kingdom after 6:00 PM even if you are not going to the Halloween party, correct? They used to escort you out of the park after dinner.