5 Ways to Celebrate Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World in 2026 + Updates

Disney has announced a ton of new details for Cool Kid Summer at the Walt Disney World Resort in 2026. This year’s Cool Kid Summer promotion will run from May 26th through September 8th. Below, we’ll discuss this year’s special offerings with ways guests who are visiting can celebrate! But be prepared. Since we originally published this article, there have been even more new announcements, and we’ve added those details below!

Per Disney, the summer promises to bring attraction refreshes, new experiences, and limited-time activities designed for the entire family. From refurbished rides reopening with new elements to seeing characters for the first time in the parks like Bluey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, it’s going to be one busy summer! 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.

New Update: Both of Disney Water Parks will offer special character experiences this summer. Guests will be able to meet Goofy in his beach style at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, and Stitch will greet guests at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.

#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.

New Update: Disney has noted that these specific resorts will have a few extra amenities this summer:

• Prefer to pack light? These four Disney Resort hotels will be ready to cover your little one’s needs, from bottle warmers and infant bathtubs to diaper disposals and nightlights, complimentary for your use during your stay.
• If your kids love reading, special libraries from Disney Publishing will be available at these Cool KIDS’ SUMMER resorts. Celebrate beloved stories from Disney Princesses to Disney Heroes and let their imaginations come alive. Plus, on select nights, you can wind down with a pajama party featuring story time and a “create your own bedtime story” activity.
• Who doesn’t love a pool party? Stop by your Resort hotel pool for high-energy fun with interactive games.
• As the sun sets on select nights, gather round the campfire for marshmallows and a Disney-fueled sing-along.

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

Bluey and Bingo will debut a new character experience called Bluey’s Wild World. This new experience featuring Bluey is expected to open on May 26, 2026, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. 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.

New Update: Disney notes that when guests arrive at Conservation Station, they’ll have the opportunity to grab a photo with Bluey and Bingo themselves, and even discover animals native to Bluey’s home country, Australia, at “Jumping Junction.” (Jumping Junction was formerly Affection Section.)

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

Disney has also announced that Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will open on May 26th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new attraction will be part of the new Walt Disney Studios Lot, which replaces the former Animation Courtyard. 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.

New Update: Disney has also announced that the Walt Disney Studios courtyard will be ready for families to see and explore on May 26th. However, the Magic of Disney Animation will not officially open until later this summer. The full details of this announcement are available in this article.

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.)

New Update: Disney has since announced that the new attraction will be available beginning May 26th. (Originally, Disney announced the ride would open by Memorial Day, which is on May 25th. We’ll provide an update if this changes.)

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

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!

New Updates:

• Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is expected to reopen on April 8, 2026. We have the entire reopening announcement available here.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to open in early May. An exact date is not available as of this update.

Disney Springs Dance Party

Disney has also announced a special dance party that will be available at Disney Springs on select evenings this summer. Per the announcement, when visiting the Marketplace on select nights, break out your best dance moves during a party featuring hits from Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Camp Rock 3, in celebration of the new original movies coming to Disney+ this summer.

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.