Summer at Walt Disney World is wrapping up, but the excitement is just getting started. From returning races and baby animals to foodie festivals and Star Wars experiences, here’s your full update for August 2021.
runDisney Returns for 2021–2022
After a long hiatus, runDisney races return this fall. The season includes:
- Wine & Dine Half Marathon – November
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 2022
- Disney Princess Half Marathon – February
- Springtime Surprise Weekend – March 2022
Visit runDisney.com for registration and details.
Disney Springs: Flavors of Florida
Through August 12, over 30 restaurants and shops at Disney Springs celebrate Florida flavors with unique food and drink creations. Highlights include:
- Amorette’s Florida Sunset Éclair
- Chef Art Smith’s Fired Gator Bites
- Key Lime Pie Donut from Everglazed
- Watermelon Dole Whip at Marketplace Snacks
- Florida Shrimp Tacos at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
New Eats at Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge expands its Docking Bay 7 menu with:
- Batuuan Beef and Crispy Stir Fry
- Hot Chicken Tip Yip
- Peka Tuna Poke
- Outpost Puff – a chocolate pastry with green milk sauce and panna cotta
Plus, over-the-top hot dogs hit Fairfax Fare, including:
- Truffle Bacon Mac & Cheese Dog
- California BLTA Dog
- Chicago Dog Salad
At Hollywood Scoops, try the Chocolate Peanut Butter Explosion Shake.
EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 2021
Expanded to 129 days, this year’s festival features over 20 marketplaces with more debuting on October 1. New booths include:
- The Noodle Exchange – Vietnamese beef pho and curry noodles
- The Donut Box – Chicken donuts, candy jar donuts, and more
- Lobster Landing – Opening Oct. 1
Look out for our full Food & Wine Festival blog coming soon!
Animal Kingdom Welcomes New Arrivals
Two babies were born this summer:
- A gorilla, visible on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- A hippo, now part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris family
More Live Entertainment Returns
Welcome back to these fan-favorite experiences:
- Wonderful World of Animation at Hollywood Studios
- Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage returns August 15
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor – reopened August 8
- Turtle Talk with Crush – returns August 21
Big Honors for Disney’s Riviera Resort
The American Resort Development Association awarded Disney Vacation Club’s Riviera Resort the ACE Project of Excellence Award, recognizing design and guest service excellence.
Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Updates
We got a first look at the official poster for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which will be released in 2022. The two-night immersive story-living adventure lets guests live out their Star Wars dreams aboard the Halcyon.
Full details and timeline coverage are in our Starcruiser blog and dedicated video!
Dining Updates
Reopenings and new menus this August include:
- Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom
- Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – August 5
- Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood at Coronado Springs – August 5
Avengers Updates & Jungle Cruise Enhancements
- Avengers Quantum Encounter will debut aboard the Disney Wish.
- New backstories and scenes are being added to Jungle Cruise at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom.
Behind the Attraction Premieres on Disney+
Don’t miss our full press conference coverage of Behind the Attraction, now streaming on Disney+ with episodes on Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Star Tours, and more.
