August is here, and, as "Back to School" ads start popping up on TV, kids should take solace in the fact that there's still some summer vacation left. With a new wing opening at the Art of Animation and the Never Land Band making an appearance, there's plenty going on at WDW in August. Continue reading for a rundown of all the special events, ride and restaurant closures, and crowd levels for Disney World in August 2012.
Check out the Walt Disney World Park Hours for August 2012.
What's Going on at Walt Disney World in August
A new wing is coming to Art of Animation, and I ain't Lion.
Following the Finding Nemo wing and the Cars wing, the Lion King wing opens at the Art of Animation Resort on August 10th. After both the Finding Nemo and Cars wings were met with praise for their level of design, it's fair to say that the Lion King wing has some high expectations. We expect the Lion King rooms will be a fun place to stay for any family with a fan of Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa in it.
Free Wi-Fi now available at Magic Kingdom.
After making Wi-Fi available at its resorts, Walt Disney World is starting to roll out wireless internet in its theme parks. The first park to get free Wi-Fi is Magic Kingdom. This will be especially useful as Disney starts to roll out its Next Gen plans, which will rely on smartphone apps to get the most out of. This means that devices without access to a cellular network (i.e. an iPod Touch or a Wi-Fi only iPad) would be able to get internet access and use the apps Disney is planning for Next Gen. Of course, no specifics about Next Gen have been formally announced, but this is a step in the right direction for getting the parks technologically ready. Plus, this is a great bonus to guests.
Never Land Pirate Band performs August 3-12
From the Disney Jr series Jake and the Never Land Pirates, the Never Land Pirate Band is performing at the Waterside Stage at Downtown Disney from August 3 to 12. Performances are at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m..
Crowd Levels at Walt Disney World in August 2012
As summer is still in full swing, crowds at the beginning of August will be as crowded as they were in July. However, starting in the middle of the month, crowds begin to dip as schools get back into session. By the end of August, crowds will be somewhat light, a stark comparison to the heavy crowds at the beginning of August.
Also keep in mind that August is a brutal month in terms of weather in Orlando. It will be hot, it will be muggy, and there will be thunderstorms. Plan accordingly.
Find out which parks have Extra Magic Hours in August by checking out the Disney World Park Hours in August 2012.
WDW Attraction and Restaurant Closures and Reopenings
Magic Kingdom
- Snow White's Scary Adventures - Closed permanently May 31, 2012
- Liberty Belle River Boat - Closed for refurbishment August 4 - August 10, 2012
- Country Bear Jamboree - Closed August 22 - October 16, 2012
Epcot
- Test Track continues its lengthy reimagining. The Test Track All Stars, an a capella group, performs daily in front of Test Track, which is scheduled to re-open Fall 2012.
- Bistro de Paris - Closed July 1, 2012 until September 30, 2012
Disney's Hollywood Studios: None announced
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Merchandise shop Beastly Bazaar is scheduled to close on August 12th. A meet and greet location will be replacing the shop.
If you have any Disney World tips or info for August 2012 or any other month, email me at jamesg@guide2wdw.com, or let me know on Twitter or Facebook.
Have a great time at Walt Disney World this month!
(Images ©Disney)
