Cool Kids Summer at Walt Disney World: New Experiences and Summer Savings
Walt Disney World is the place to be this summer. Cool Kids Summer returns from May 26 to September 8, 2026, and it’s packed with exactly what families with young kids want: more time with beloved characters, interactive play experiences, and activities designed to keep everyone engaged. Add in longer park hours, attraction upgrades, and some of the best ticket prices of the year, and you’ve got a summer worth planning for.
What Is Cool Kids Summer?
Cool Kids Summer is Disney’s answer to “what do the kids actually want to do?” The programming runs from late May through early September and focuses on hands-on experiences, character interactions, and shows that let kids participate instead of just watch. You’ll find new activities across all four theme parks, with each one bringing something different to the table.
What’s Included
Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station
Animal Kingdom welcomes everyone’s favorite blue heeler family this summer. Head to Conservation Station after riding the Wildlife Express Train, and your kids can play games straight from Bluey episodes, meet Bluey and Bingo in person, and learn about animals from their home country of Australia. If your kids have been asking to meet Bluey, this is the summer to make it happen.
Toy Story Pals at Diamond Horseshoe
Magic Kingdom transforms the Diamond Horseshoe into Jessie’s Roundup for the summer. Jessie, Woody, and the gang are ready for crafts, dancing, and yes—yodeling. It’s western-themed chaos in the best possible way, and your Toy Story fans will eat it up.
GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall
EPCOT gets wonderfully silly with GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall. Dance with the Goof Troop and DJ Dance Pants, then jump into Goofy’s Game Machine for rounds of Goofy Says, Balloon Bonanza, and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks. This is pure, unapologetic Goofy energy, and kids love it.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
Hollywood Studios debuts a new stage show based on Disney Jr.’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Mickey and Minnie set out to find their party guests—Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto—and you’re coming along for the ride. Expect original songs, moments to sing along, and interactive fun that gets the whole family involved.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
The classic Magic Kingdom attraction gets a refresh this summer. Updated ride vehicles and new hand-held blasters make it easier for Space Rangers of all ages to rack up points and take down Emperor Zurg. Your kids can actually aim now, which changes everything.
Character Appearances During Early Theme Park Entry
If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you already get 30-minute early entry to the parks each day. This summer, characters will be out during that window across all four parks. It’s a quieter time to meet them, and the lines move faster.
Enhanced Family Experiences at Select Resorts
Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Port Orleans Riverside are adding scheduled character visits and extra family programming throughout the summer. These resorts already offer movies under the stars and poolside activities—now there’s even more built into your stay.
Summer Promotional Offers
Disney has several offers running for summer 2026. Booking opens January 6, 2026, so mark your calendar if you’re planning to take advantage of these.
Add Free Days to Your Stay
Book a 4-night, 4-day (or longer) Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package, and Disney adds two free room nights and theme park days. That gives you at least six full days to spread out across the parks, take pool breaks, and actually enjoy your resort instead of rushing through everything.
Travel dates: Most nights May 26 through September 15, 2026
Booking window: January 6 through February 15, 2026
Or Free Theme Park Ticket!
Get 2 theme park days free with the purchase of a full price ticket for 4 or more days.
Travel dates: Most nights May 26 through September 15, 2026
Booking window: January 6 through February 15, 2026
Disney Resort Deal
Save up to 30% on select Disney Resort hotels this summer.
Travel dates: Most nights May 1 through October 4, 2026
Booking details: Available beginning January 6, 2026
Florida Resident Discount
Florida Residents save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels.
Booking details: Available beginning January 6, 2026
Annual Passholder Discount
Annual Passholders save up to 40% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels.
Booking details: Available beginning January 6, 2026
Visit a Water Park for Free on Your Check-In Day
Check into any Disney Resorts Collection hotel between May 26 and September 8, and you get free water park admission on your arrival day. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open, so pick whichever one sounds better after a day of travel.
Free Dining Plan for Kids
Buy a package that includes a Disney Resort room, a dining plan for guests ages 10 and up, and kids ages 3 to 9 eat free. Their meals and snacks are covered for your entire stay, which takes a real chunk out of your food budget.
Even More This Summer
Cool Kids Summer isn’t the only thing happening. Several major attractions are opening or getting refreshed just in time for your visit.
The Mandalorian and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (opens May 22)
Din Djarin and Grogu are taking over Smugglers Run at Hollywood Studios. You’ll track down ex-Imperial officers across the galaxy, and for the first time, your crew decides which planets to visit. If you’ve been flying the same Smugglers Run mission for years, this gives you something new.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
The reimagined coaster launches at Hollywood Studios this summer with the Electric Mayhem providing the soundtrack and the Muppets providing the mayhem. It’s the same high-speed thrill, now with significantly more chaos.
Soarin’ Across America
EPCOT’s Soarin’ gets a new film celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States. The updated experience showcases the country from coast to coast and opens by Memorial Day.
Start Planning Your Cool Kids Summer
Are you ready for character meet-and-greets, interactive play, and unforgettable summer fun at Walt Disney World?
Key to the World Travel advisors have all the info and expertise to get you booked and ready to enjoy Cool Kids Summer this year. Even better, they take the work and stress out of planning and booking your vacation. When you book with a Key to the World Travel advisor, Vacation Starts Now! Click the link below to get started planning your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation with a no obligation quote.
