As summer gets closer, Disney World is finding fresh ways to encourage families to plan a visit. Fewer guests are choosing summer for their trip these days and the warm humid weather can make the season feel a little overwhelming. Many families also prefer to travel during other school breaks instead of the long summer break.
Disney has introduced Cool Kids Summer! This season-long celebration brings extra fun to all four theme parks and adds special perks for families visiting Orlando. The goal is to bring families to Disney with special events, savings, and activities.
What Cool Kid Summer Is All About
Cool Kid Summer invites kids and families to dance, play and chill all summer long around Walt Disney World Resort. It runs from May 26, 2026 through September 8, 2026 and includes limited-time activities, character experiences, themed games, and interactive fun across every park.
One amazing perk that Disney is offering is “Kids Eat Free.” In 2026, you can get a free dining plan for kids ages 3 to 9 when you purchase a package for you and your children that includes a dining plan for guests ages 10 and up and a room at a Disney Resort hotel. This can offer families some incredible savings!
Fun Experiences in Disney Every Park
Summer brings new adventures, entertainment, and attractions to the Disney parks!
EPCOT
At EPCOT, CommuniCore Hall transforms into a playful space called GoofyCore. Here you can dance to a DJ and join in games like Balloon Bonanza and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks with Goofy and friends.
This summer also brings “Soarin’ Across America” to honor our nation’s 250th birthday!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Hop on the train to Conservation Station where you will be able to meet Bluey and Bingo! This is a highly anticipated character meet and greet at Walt Disney World. Kids will be able to play some of their favorite games from Bluey episodes with a fun animal twist, like butterfly keepy uppy.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Summer of 2026 brings a brand new show to Hollywood Studios – Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! This 20 minute show will have upbeat songs, interactive fun, and character appearances – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto. If your kids watch Disney Jr.’s series “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” or“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+” you will want to catch this show.
May 22 also is the start of the new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run mission! Join the Mandalorian and Grogu as they track down ex-Imperial officers throughout the galaxy. For the first time ever you’ll be in charge of what planets your ship visits!
Summer 2026 brings the new Muppet themed Rock’n Roller Coaster to Hollywood Studios.
Magic Kingdom
Get ready to meet your favorite Toy Story characters in Magic Kingdom! Jesse and Woody will be in Frontierland for some fun at Diamond Horseshoe. There will be a revue where you can dance, craft, and yodel!
Summer 2026 also brings the return of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin with brand new enhancements – including new targets and new blasters! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also scheduled to reopen. Anticipate long waits for these updated attractions.
Extra Perks When You Stay at Disney Resorts During Cool Kids Summer
If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort in the summer of 2026 there are quite a few perks headed your way! Check them out.
Summer Perks For Every Resort
Disney resort guests at any resort arriving from May 26 to September 8, 2026, can enjoy admission to a Disney water park on check-in day—included with your stay. This means you can visit Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach for Free!
Additionally, Disney Resort guests get the standard 30 minute early entry into the parks. During Cool Kids Summer, characters will be out during this time! We are extremely excited for this!
Special Perks At Select Resorts
Four Disney resorts will have special perks throughout the summer! If you are staying at: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, or Disney’s Pop Century Resort, get ready for some extra fun!
Character Resort Visits
If characters are your thing, choose your hotel wisely! Meet favorite Disney characters (Mickey and Minnie and others!) during special scheduled appearances at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels this summer.
Baby Gear
Complimentary baby gear items will be available! You will be able to use bottle warmers, infant bathtubs, diaper disposal containers, nightlights, and more. This is amazing if you are traveling with a baby!
Extra activities
At these resorts, you will find extra fun and activities for the whole family at the pool area. Additionally, you will find special libraries for kids to enjoy reading Disney themed books. Select evenings will even have a pajama party with bedtime stories and activities! Finally, keep a lookout for marshmallow roasting!
Why Families Love It
Cool Kid Summer adds extra layers of playful entertainment into your Disney vacation. These experiences are designed for all ages and give another reason for families to head to Disney World in the sunny months!
For more information on crowd levels at Walt Disney Word, go here.