Cool Kids' Summer has returned, bigger and bolder for its second season! Both kids and kids-at-heart have plenty of opportunities to dance, play and chill out at Walt Disney World Resort. From the theme parks to resort hotels, plus even the water parks and Disney Springs, you'll find DJ dance parties, surprise character appearances, interactive activities and more. Plus, we'll also highlight the new ride experiences and deals that you won't want to miss! Here's a look at everything hoppening this summer, so let's jump in.
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FAQs
- What is Disney Cool Kids' Summer? Cool Kids' Summer debuted in 2025 and returns for a second year, packed with limited-time experiences and activities for kids and families of all ages across Walt Disney World Resort.
- When is Cool Kids' Summer? Cool Kids' Summer kicked off May 26, 2026, and continues daily through Sept. 8, 2026, with select experiences staying beyond that timeframe.
- Where can I find Cool Kids' Summer activities? Just about everywhere! You'll find summertime magic at all four theme parks, select resorts, water parks and Disney Springs.
- Are there any special summer Disney World deals? You've come to the right spot! Undercover Tourist can help you save on tickets, hotel stays and vacation packages this summer, including the popular 4-Park Magic Ticket. Plus, for only a limited time, you can get a FREE $10 Disney Gift Card with each eligible Disney World ticket purchase!
With so many cool, exciting offerings hoppening all across the resort, we're breaking it down park by park, as well as what you can find at the water parks, Disney Springs and select Disney resort hotels. While most Cool Kids' Summer activities are only available from May 26, 2026, to Sept. 8, 2026, we have noted which offerings will be available beyond this summer. Plus, we've included new rides and experiences making their debut this summer.
Cool Kids' Summer Offerings
Cool Kids' Summer at Magic Kingdom
Jessie's Roundup at Diamond Horseshoe (Limited-Time for Cool Kids' Summer)
Giddy up for a rootin' tootin' time with your favorite "Toy Story" pals. Join Jessie, Woody, Bullseye and more friends for a special hoedown with songs, dance, games and more.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (New Ride Update)
This family-favorite ride reopened April 8, 2026, with an updated intergalactic mission. Space Rangers board upgraded ride vehicles and meet Buddy, a new support bot who guides them through target practice before saving the galaxy from Emperor Zurg. The ride has new interactive targets that light up and respond once hit by new handheld blasters, now powered with an always-on laser and lighting, sound and vibration effects. Plus, once the mission is complete, the Disney PhotoPass ride photo will show your rank and score for the first time, so your bragging rights will now have physical proof!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (New Ride Update)
The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness also recently reopened with new magic, as of May 3, 2026. It features a new ride track, upgraded ride vehicles (including a lowered height requirement!) and an updated opening scene in the Rainbow Caverns, which may not be as friendly as they seem.
Cool Kids' Summer at Animal Kingdom
Bluey's Wild World at Conservation Station (New Experience for Cool Kids' Summer and Beyond)
Bluey and Bingo are heading to Disney World's wildest theme park! After a train ride to Conservation Station, you can play games directly from "Bluey" episodes, such as "Butterfly Keepy Uppy," grab a photo with the blue heeler sisters and discover kangaroos and wallabies from Bluey's home country, Australia, at Jumping Junction. This experience began May 26, 2026, and will stick around even after Cool Kids' Summer comes to a close.
Cool Kids' Summer at Hollywood Studios
The Walt Disney Studios Lot (New Experience for Cool Kids' Summer and Beyond)
On May 26, 2026, Animation Courtyard completed its transformation into the Walt Disney Studios Lot, with new spaces to explore under lush trees. This outdoor courtyard houses The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure (opened summer 2025), Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! (also opened May 26) and The Magic of Disney Animation (opening late summer 2026).
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! (New Experience for Cool Kids' Summer and Beyond)
Starting May 26 and sticking around beyond summer, this brand-new show, inspired by "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+," invites everyone to the ultimate party at the Clubhouse. Mickey and Minnie are ready to host, but their friends haven't arrived just yet. They take the party on the road to find Goofy, Daisy and Pluto, ultimately uniting for a fun finale. Sing and dance along to new original songs, while sharing special moments with your favorite Disney pals.
The Magic of Disney Animation (New Experience, Debuting Late Summer 2026)
Topped by Mickey's Sorcerer Hat, this reimagined indoor space (formerly Star Wars: Launch Bay) comes to life with interactive experiences inspired by the Disney short film, "Once Upon a Studio." Little ones can explore the indoor "Drawn to Wonderland" playground area, complete with an oversized flower garden, Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area. Meet Disney characters in "Off the Page!" which includes six themed spaces that highlight the key stages of the animation process. For instance, you'll encounter Mulan in the Story department in front of an oversized storyboard panel. You'll also be able to learn how to draw Disney characters with Olaf, who's assisted by legendary Disney Animation artists in pre-recorded videos.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run with "The Mandalorian and Grogu" (New Ride Version)
Just in time for the new "The Mandalorian and Grogu" movie, Din Djarin (aka The Mandalorian) and Grogu take the lead on a new mission aboard the Millennium Falcon. For the first time, your crew decides which planet to visit, and the engineers communicate directly with Grogu. This new mission opened May 22, 2026.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (New Ride Version)
Rock out with the Muppets! The Electric Mayhem is headlining their biggest concert yet, but they're nowhere to be found! Help the band get across town in time for them to hit the stage.
Cool Kids' Summer at EPCOT
GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall (Limited-Time for Cool Kids' Summer)
GoofyCore returns from Cool Kids' Summer debut. Dance and play with the Goof Troop, DJ Dance Pants and, of course, Goofy himself. From Loopy Limbo to Parachutes 'n' Pipsqueaks, every wacky game promises belly laughs and fun for all.
Soarin' Across America (New Ride Version)
In honor of the United States Semiquincentennial (aka 250th birthday), Soarin' Across America takes riders on a brand-new journey over the country's natural landscapes and cities — including the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Diamond Head in Honululu, the Portland Head Light and more — accompanied by a new arrangement by Bruce Broughton of Jerry Goldsmith's classic Soarin' score. Plus, while you wait in line, you can test your U.S. knowledge with a new trivia challenge. Soarin' Across America opened May 26, 2026.
Disney Resorts
On-site Benefits — Extra Magic During Cool Kids' Summer (Limited-Time for Cool Kids' Summer)
If you know us frogs, we'll happily shout about the benefits of staying on-site at the Disney World resort hotels.
Don't froget you can take advantage of free water park admission on your arrival day. This perk applies to arrivals from May 26 to Sept. 8, 2026. With both water parks open all summer long, you have a choice of visiting either Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park or Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Here's a breakdown of the water parks' similarities and differences, so you can make a decision. Just know, you can't go wrong with either one!
Early Theme Park Entry is another favorite tool of ours to maximize your day at the theme parks, especially during times of elevated crowds. During Cool Kids' Summer, you can expect to see even more Disney characters out and about at the theme parks during Early Theme Park Entry.
Additional Activities at Select Resorts (Limited-Time for Cool Kids' Summer)
During this summer, guests staying at Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will enjoy even more Disney-themed experiences:
- More scheduled visits from Disney characters, including Mickey and Minnie
- Complimentary items for little ones, such as bottle warmers, infant bathtubs, diaper disposal units and nightlights
- Pool parties with high-energy entertainment and interactive games
- Campfire activities, including roasting marshmallows and Disney sing-alongs (on select nights)
- Special libraries curated by Disney Publishing, plus a pajama party/storytime (on select nights at select hotels)
Disney Water Parks and Disney Springs
Disney Water Parks (Limited-Time for Cool Kids' Summer)
Splish, splash! Over the summer, you can catch Goofy relaxing at Blizzard Beach and Stitch causing chaos at Typhoon Lagoon.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours also returns on select nights from June 2 to Sept. 5, 2026. Enjoy Typhoon Lagoon under the stars, with a beach bash party and new attendees, including Powerline Max and Chip 'n' Dale as Rescue Rangers.
Disney Springs (Limited-Time for Cool Kids' Summer)
On select nights, you'll find a dance party in the Marketplace, celebrating hits from "Descendants: Wicked Wonderland" and "Camp Rock 3," new original Disney+ movies coming this summer.
Summer Deals
Here's a quick glance at Undercover Tourist's current deals for tickets, hotel stays and vacation packages. You can find more details in our Disney World deals post.
Ticket Offers
- For a limited time, every eligible Disney World ticket purchase will come with a FREE $10 Disney Gift Card! Be sure to hop on this deal while supplies last.
- 4-Park Magic Ticket (also available with the Water Parks and Sports Option) — This special ticket grants admission to each theme park once (no repeats), and does not include the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus Option. You must select a start date between May 26 and Sept. 26, 2026, and use it within 7 days of the start date.
- Through Undercover Tourist, you also receive extra savings and a free $20 Dining Dollars credit.
Hotel Offers
- Save up to 35% at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel on select stays through Oct. 3, 2026.
- Through Undercover Tourist, you can put down a $200 flexible deposit option to lock in your hotel room now, and pay the remainder 30 days prior to check-in!
Vacation Package Offers
- Save up to 35% on Walt Disney World hotel rooms when you book a Hotel + Ticket Package (with optional dining plans) for select stays through Oct. 3, 2026! Plus, get a free dining plan for kids ages 3 to 9 when you book a hotel and ticket plan that includes a dining plan for each guest ages 10 and up for all arrivals in 2026.
Through Undercover Tourist, you can put down a $200 flexible deposit option to lock in your vacation package now, and pay the remainder 30 days prior to check-in.
Which Cool Kids' Summer experiences are you looking forward to? Make sure you can hop to all four theme parks, and save green with the 4-Park Magic Ticket!
Related: Hoppin' Tips for Visiting Disney World in Summer 2026
Hoppy planning!
