Disney World Cool Kids’ Summer in 2026 (The Complete Guide)

Disney World’s Cool Kids’ Summer returns in 2026. This year’s promotion runs from May 26th through September 8th. Below, we’ll discuss this year’s special offerings with ways you can celebrate! But be prepared. There’s going to be a whole lot of new at Disney World this summer!

Now, if you’re wondering: what is Cool Kid Summer? It’s a limited-time offering with fun activities designed for the entire family. This year, guests can expect more than ever with major attraction refreshes, new attractions, special character experiences, and dedicated entertainment geared toward kids. One major brand new offering is seeing Bluey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s going to be one busy summer! Let’s take a look at what to expect!

Things to Do at Disney World for Cool Kid Summer

Below, we’ve put together a list of things to do at Disney World for Cool Kid Summer.

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

We’re happy to see the return of the free water park ticket 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.

Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks are 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.

Additionally, both 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. Additionally, select resort hotels will offer direct bus service to the water parks.

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.)

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.

If you need a snack while you’re in the area, don’t miss the Grab ‘n’ Goof window that sits next to this experience. We recently stopped by and tried an order of chicken Goof Ups (chicken and fried cheese curds). They were a great value at less than $10.00 and the perfect snack for both children and adults.

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.

Special Character Appearances at Select Resort Hotels

Guests can also expect 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. We’ve put together a list of each resort’s activity schedule for Cool Kids’ Summer:

• Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Summer 2026 Activity Schedule
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Summer 2026 Activity Schedule
• Disney’s Art of Animation Summer 2026 Activity Schedule
• Disney’s Pop Century Summer 2026 Activity Schedule

These resorts will also have a few extra summer activities in addition to the usual fun. Don’t miss the pajama parties held at select resorts on select nights this summer! We’ve met Mickey Mouse one evening at Pop Century and Goofy on another evening at Art of Animation. Characters rotate between the resorts.

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.

Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station

Bluey and Bingo debuted a new character experience called Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station. This new experience featuring Bluey opened on May 26th at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This experience offers the opportunity for guests to play special games as seen on Bluey episodes, possibly have a photo taken with Bluey and Bingo, and learn about animals that are native to Australia, Bluey’s home country.

When this experience first opened, a virtual queue was in place for Bluey’s Wild World. However, as of this update, the virtual queue has ended. When guests arrive at Conservation Station, they’ll have the opportunity to join in on an interactive experience with Bluey and Bingo themselves. Afterward, they can discover animals native to Bluey’s home country, Australia, at “Jumping Junction.”

As far as food goes, a new treat called Fairy Bread Cake, inspired by Bluey, debuted at Pizzafari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 26th. Additionally, several other Bluey-inspired treats will be available throughout the park. Additionally, Disney has provided a preview of Bluey Magic Shots that will be available this summer. New Bluey merchandise has debuted at select locations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. More items are expected to be released throughout the summer.

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! opened on May 26th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This attraction is 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 Magic of Disney Animation will not officially open until later this summer.

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.) We have a complete review of Soarin’ Across America if you would like to learn more.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opened on May 26, 2026. (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.)

If you’re a Star Wars fan, don’t miss these new limited-time Mandalorian Magic Shots. In addition to these Magic Shots, Disney has announced new Mandalorian menu items at select locations in Galaxy’s Edge, along with a couple of new Mandalorian-inspired novelty items like a BDX Droid popcorn bucket and a Mandalorian and Grogu Jet-Pack Sipper.

Newly Refreshed Attraction at Disney World This Summer

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad have opened at Magic Kingdom. We have a first look at new ride scenes for Big Thunder Mountain.

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.

Additionally, Level99 is expected to open at Disney Springs this summer. The entertainment venue offers over 60 themed challenge rooms, duels, art hunts, and more activities that will test your mental and physical prowess.

Cool Kid Summer Snacks and Treats

Lastly, Walt Disney World has announced a new lineup of snacks and treats for Cool Kid Summer. Guests can expect a variety of treats in each theme park, the water parks, and Disney Springs. From macaroni and cheese bites to specialty shakes, there is something for everyone!

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. For more planning details, see our entire guide:

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.