5 Fun Ways Disney World Is Celebrating Cool Kids’ Summer in 2026

A trip to Disney World is always going to be fun, but if you’re privy to visit during a period when limited-time magic is offered, you’ll probably run into a few special extras. For this article, we’re referring to the return of Cool Kids’ Summer in 2026. This year’s special offering returns on May 26th and lasts through September 8th.

Per Disney, the summer promises to bring attraction refreshes, new experiences, and limited-time activities designed for the entire family. To help you plan your summer vacation, we’ve put together a guide with 5 fun ways to celebrate Cool Kids’ Summer. These are things you might want to incorporate into your plans ahead of time. We’ve also included a separate list of upcoming events slated for this summer that might be available, depending on the dates of your visit. (Unfortunately, not every item will fall under the exact summer timeline listed above.)

Let’s take a look at what to expect!

#5 Visit a Water Park for Free on Your Check-In Day

We’re happy to see the return of the complimentary water park admission for Disney Resort hotel guests on their check-in day this summer. If you visited last year, you may remember that this benefit was for the entire year. However, in 2026, the benefit is limited to Cool Kid Summer. Here’s what Disney has to say about the benefit:

Guests staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel between May 26 and September 8, 2026, can enjoy free admission to one of the Walt Disney World water parks on their check-in day. (Learn more details about this offering here.)

Disney has also confirmed that both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks will be open during this time. So you’ll have the option to choose which water park you want to visit. Of course, the catch is that you have to arrive early enough on your check-in day to take advantage of this offer.

#4 Toy Story Pals at Diamond Horseshoe

If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom during Cool Kid Summer, you might want to stop by a venue that’s a little off the beaten path: the Diamond Horseshoe. Here, you’ll find favorite pals from Toy Story like Jessie, Woody, and friends. This fun summer stop, called Jessie’s Roundup, will offer crafts, a dance floor, and more! (I’m sure this venue will be quite the hit with the release of Toy Story 5 this summer.)

#3 GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall

Cool Kid Summer also brings the return of GoofyCore to Epcot’s CommuniCore Hall. This activity center, hosted by Goofy, will offer kids the opportunity to cut loose on the dance floor and participate in a few “goofy” games, including Goofy Says, Balloon Bonanza, and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks. This was a definite hit for the little ones last year, so be sure to stop by and check it out.

#2 Special Character Appearances During Early Theme Park Entry

If you’re staying at an eligible hotel, you have the benefit of early entry to the theme parks. Of course, the early entry benefit is good for the entire year, but during Cool Kid Summer, you’ll have the opportunity to see special characters out greeting guests first thing in the morning. Per Disney, characters will be available at all four theme parks during the summer offering.

#1 Special Character Appearances at Select Resort Hotels

Disney has also announced the return of scheduled character opportunities at select resort hotels this summer. Now you might run into surprise characters at any resort hotel on any given day throughout the year. This special Cool Kid Summer offering is a little different, though. During the designated summer period, guests will find schedules posted at select resorts, announcing when characters will make an appearance. This year, those resorts are Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort. These resorts will also have a few extra summer activities in addition to the usual fun.

What Else is Coming To Disney World This Summer

As you likely know, there are plenty of new and returning attractions and character experiences coming to Walt Disney World this summer. Unfortunately, we don’t have a date for everything just yet. So here are a few things you’ll want to keep an eye out for if you’re coming this summer.

Bluey and Bingo are Coming to Conservation Station

Sometime this summer, Bluey and Bingo will debut a character meet-and-greet experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Per Disney, they will take over Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Per Disney, this experience will offer the opportunity for guests to play special games as seen on Bluey episodes, have a photo taken with Bluey and Bingo, and learn about animals that are native to Australia, Bluey’s home country. (We’ll have more details as they’re announced!)

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

Disney has also announced that Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will debut sometime this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new attraction will be part of the new Walt Disney Studios Lot, which replaces the former Animation Courtyard. As far as Cool Kids’ Summer is concerned, this new offering will allow little ones the opportunity to sing and dance with both Mickey and Minnie Mouse. This production is inspired by Disney Jr.’s hit series, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Soarin’ Across America

A new scene is set to debut on Soarin’ at Epcot this summer. This new scene was created in celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America! Per Disney, guests can expect to be ready for takeoff by Memorial Day. (Soarin’ has a 40″ height requirement.)

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

You may remember that the current version of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closes on March 1st. A new version, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, is expected to open sometime this summer. (You’ll want to remember that the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has a height requirement of 48″, so it’s not considered a kid-friendly offering.)

The Mandalorian and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

If you’re a Star Wars fan, don’t miss the new mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run this summer. Beginning May 22, you can enjoy the pair on a new mission where they track down Imperial officers throughout the galaxy. This new scene will debut about the same time as their new movie debuts in theaters. (Smugglers Run has a 38″ height requirement.)

Attractions Reopening BEFORE This Summer

Disney has also announced that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will open in the Spring of 2026. That means if you’re visiting this summer, you’ll have a chance to ride both and check out all the changes!

Final Thoughts

Are you planning a visit to Disney World this summer? If so, you might enjoy our breakdown of each summer month in our guide: The Best and Worst Months to Visit Disney World. We’ll have plenty of other details to discuss as more announcements are made for this upcoming summer! So make sure to follow along and join our email list below for major updates.

In the Comments

What do you think of Cool Kid’s Summer returning in 2026? Are you excited about any of these offerings? Let us know in the comments below.