Why This Might Be Disney’s ‘Coolest’ Summer Yet!
There’s no other way to say it… Disney is going ALL IN for families this summer.
For years now, summer at Disney World has mostly felt like a season people tried to survive instead of enjoy. The parks were hot, crowded, and honestly not always the easiest place to vacation with younger kids. Parents were spending thousands of dollars only to end up dragging overtired children across scorching pavement while desperately trying to make Lightning Lanes and dining reservations line up.
But Cool KIDS’ Summer is changing things for the better.
Instead of just throwing in a few extra snacks and calling it an event, Disney has packed this summer with interactive entertainment, dance parties, character experiences, water park perks, resort activities, attraction updates, and actual spaces designed for kids to PLAY instead of just standing in lines all day.
And if you have kids around age 10 and under? This may genuinely be one of the best times in years to visit Disney World.
This guide is breaking down what you need to know to get the most out of your vacation this summer!
What Is Cool KIDS’ Summer at Disney World?
This is a HUGE event happening all over Walt Disney World! If you’ve ever been to an Epcot festival, it’s a little like that, but on a much much grander scale. All the parks, water parks, and even the resorts are getting in on the fun!
This is NOT a separate ticketed event and most of the offerings are included in your regular park admission. Even if you are just visiting Disney Springs or the resorts, you can still get in on the fun too.
We’ll break all the offerings down later in this post, but think things like roaming characters interacting with guests, specialty treats that you can purchase, Brand New shows and rides that are debuting, and and even a few promotions that you can take advantage of!
a Different Style of Disney Day
One thing that really stands out to me about Cool KIDS’ Summer is that Disney seems to finally understand something parents have been saying for YEARS:
Little kids need more than rides.
Don’t get me wrong, rides are obviously still a huge part of the experience. But if you’ve ever traveled to Disney with younger children, you already know that the most magical moments are often the unexpected ones.
It’s dancing with characters.
Playing in bubbles outside a Descendents dance party.
Seeing Bluey in real life for the first time.
Roasting marshmallows back at your resort after a pool day.
Watching your kid absolutely lose their mind because Goofy danced with them during a dance party.
That’s the kind of energy Disney is leaning into this summer.
There’s a much bigger emphasis on interactive entertainment, movement, play spaces, character engagement, and family activities instead of just stacking your day with attraction after attraction after attraction.
I think that’s a really smart move! One of the biggest mistakes families make at Disney World is trying to vacation like Disney influencers online.
You do NOT need to rope drop every park, stay until midnight every night, and powerwalk your family into emotional collapse trying to “do everything.”
Especially not in the middle of an Orlando summer.
Cool KIDS’ Summer feels intentionally designed to help families slow down a little and actually enjoy being together instead of treating Disney like a competitive sport.
Who Is Cool KIDS’ Summer BEST For?
This event is VERY clearly geared toward families with younger kids — especially those roughly in the toddler through pre-teen age range.
If your kids love:
Disney Jr.
interactive shows
dance parties
characters
playgrounds
splash pads
water parks
Toy Story
Bluey
hands-on experiences
…they are probably going to have an absolute blast this summer.
Families with kids around ages 3–10 are probably the sweet spot here.
There are entire sections of this event that feel specifically built around the energy level, interests, and attention spans of younger children.
That’s something Disney World has struggled with a little over the past several years. A lot of newer additions have skewed toward thrill rides, screen-based attractions, and experiences that older kids or adults tend to appreciate more.
This summer finally swings the pendulum back toward little kid fun in a BIG way.
Now with that said, that does NOT mean older kids or adults won’t enjoy Cool KIDS’ Summer. There are still plenty of additions geared toward older audiences too!
The Mandalorian update on Smugglers Run is going to be huge for Star Wars fans. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is honestly one of the most exciting attraction rethemes Disney has done in awhile. H2O Glow Nights are fun for basically all ages. And places like Level99 at Disney Springs are definitely aimed more toward teens and adults.
But the HEART of this event? It’s younger families.
And personally, I think that’s really refreshing.
What You NEED to Know Before Planning a Cool KIDS’ Summer Trip
Before we dive into the parks, rides, shows, and all the fun stuff, there are a few REALLY important things I want families to understand about planning a summer Disney trip.
First:
Florida summer heat is no joke.
I know everybody says that. And every year people still underestimate it.
You are dealing with:
high heat
heavy humidity
daily rainstorms
intense UV
crowded afternoons
overstimulated kids
exhausted parents
This is not the kind of trip where you want to schedule fourteen straight hours in the parks every single day. I don’t think that’s the best way to experience Cool KIDS’ Summer anyway.
The families that are going to enjoy this event the MOST are probably the ones that:
prioritize rest
take midday breaks
enjoy resort time
build in pool days
stay flexible
focus on experiences over checklists
This summer is much less about “conquering Disney World” and much more about creating fun family moments throughout the trip. Personally, I think that’s exactly what Disney vacations should be about in the first place.
What’s Happening at Each Disney World Park During Cool KIDS’ Summer?
MAGIC KINGDOM
Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue!
This summer, mosey over to the Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom park for a Toy Story-inspired hoedown full of family fun. Join Jessie, Woody, Bullseye and their pals for a rip-roarin’ roundup packed with singing, dancing, games and other playful activities!
This location is usually a restaurant, but for the summer, you won’t find dining here! This space is more of a come and go place to take a break in the a/c and enjoy some fun. If you are wondering where you can get your Thanksgiving style meal, you can still enjoy this over at Liberty Tree Tavern next door!
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger
This fun ride has gotten a MAJOR update! There are new laser guns that are easier to use and aim with, loads of new targets, and light up effects. This is a great improvement and makes it much easier for guests to enjoy AND score big!
Big Thunder Reopening
For those that are more into the thrills, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been going through an extensive refurbishment with all new track, new cars, special effects, and more! The big thing we noticed is just how fresh and clean the queue and the ride feel!
Because of the redone track and smoother ride, they have even lowered the height requirement to 38” so that younger guests can enjoy the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness too!
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
The Magic of Disney Animation
This all-new experience is replacing Start Wars Launch Bay and is bringing a whole lot of animation fun for all ages. The courtyard is a nod to the Walt Disney Studios and highlights some of your favorite animated characters with little statues scattered all throughout the courtyard.
Inside you’ll find portraits that come alive, learn to draw your favorite Disney Characters with an Animation Class, play in the Drawn to Wonderland playground, and even meet some real live characters like Rapunzel, Mulan, Chip n’ Dale, and Stitch!
This will be an excellent space to enjoy interactive experiences for any age. Please note! The courtyard is currently open, but the indoor space does not open until later this summer.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live
For those that loved the Disney Jr. Party in Hollywood Studios, this has been newly reimagined to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse LIVE!
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are ready to kick off the big bash, but when their friends are nowhere to be found, the party turns into a playful search mission. With music leading the way, you’ll clap, cheer, and dance along as the adventure unfolds — and before you know it, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Pluto join in to bring the Clubhouse celebration to life.
Disney Jr Zone - Just outside you’ll be able to meet Disney Jr. friends like Sofia the First and Bitsy from Superkitties. Bubbles and fun tunes will be playing to really set the mood.
Muppets Coaster
Muppets fans rejoice! Muppet Vision 3D may be closed, but there’s a new way to enjoy the crazy bunch with Rockin’ Roller Coaster’s retheme to the Muppets. This attraction is starring Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem rocking out to awesome tunes like “Born to Be Wild” and “Walkin on Sunshine” while you zoom upside down on the ONLY inverted coaster at Walt Disney World.
Keep your eyes peeled for easter eggs and nods to past muppets attractions like Muppet Vision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Muppet Labs. They are literally EVERYWHERE!
Outside you can enjoy snacks from the Sweedish Chef himself! Fun colored drinks, themed churros, and even some Wocka Wocking Tacos!
And of course this area wouldn’t be complete without some new merchandise. In the exit queue of the attraction you’ll find a whole line of muppet themed tshirts, plushes, and more.
Mandalorian Update
Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run is getting some new missions for the first time!
In exchange for any cargo collected on the mission, Hondo has provided the coordinates of three wanted bounties: two Imperial officers and a pirate. You’ll fly the Millennium Falcon to Hondo’s coordinates on Tatooine to meet the Mandalorian and Grogu, track down the bounties, and collect any cargo you find along the way.
Alongside the Razor Crest, flight crews will chase those bounties down across the galaxy, charting a course to the gas mining metropolis of Cloud City on Bespin, the crowded city-planet of Coruscant, or the wreckage of the second Death Star in orbit above Endor.
The Engineer role is taking on some extra fun as you’ll be the one deciding just where your flight takes you! This one is going to be a must for Star Wars Fans!
EPCOT
GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall
This space is ever changing and for the summer, it’s all about the kids!
Join Goofy for a party packed with laughter, movement, and just the right amount of silliness. From the moment the music starts, kids can jump into DJ-led dancing where wiggly moves, freestyle fun, and big belly laughs are all part of the routine. There’s no wrong way to dance here — in fact, the goofier the better!
Beyond the dance floor, families can dive into interactive games with playful, topsy-turvy twists. Think Loopy Limbo that keeps everyone guessing and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks that turn classic playground favorites into larger-than-life adventures. Every activity is designed to get kids moving, giggling, and making unforgettable summer memories.
Soarin’ Across America
In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the United States, there’s a fresh take on Soarin’ that takes you around some of the beautiful sights all over the country. Touch the top of the Statue of Liberty, feel the rumble of a rocket launch, zoom through the Bayou’s of the Mississippi River, fly over Mount Rushmore, and more.
This is a limited time overlay, so you won’t want to miss this one!
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station
This is going to be a HOT attraction for families with littles and Bluey fans alike! The interactive show lets guests dance and play iconic games from the tv series led by Bluey and Bingo themselves.
You can catch some Marsupials like Kangaroos & Wallabies in their new animal enclosure and Conservation Station favorites like the Veterinarian Care Center, Nutrition Station, and more are still available for guests to enjoy.
New treats and merchandise themed around Bluey will also be available throughout the park.
NOW because this offering is at the Conservation Station (which you have to take a train to get to), you are going to want to make sure to plan a couple hours to really explore and experience everything.
When this experience first opened, they did require a virtual queue, but they have since gotten rid of that, so you can jump on the train any time! (well… almost. Make sure to check the My Disney Experience App for operation hours as this does close early)
DISNEY SPRINGS
Level99
Gamers and thrill‑seekers, this one’s for you! The highly anticipated Level99 is set to open its doors this summer at Disney Springs West Side.
This new offering is a sprawling playground for adults and teens, ready for those who will take on 60+ life‑sized mini‑games and real-world challenges. Level99 tests your body and your mind as you dodge axes, crack mind‑bending puzzles, and outsmart cleverly designed challenges — all wrapped inside an environment filled with bold art installations.
The Disney Springs location will be Level99’s fourth and largest venue to date, featuring more than 40 original works of art alongside 63 Challenge Rooms and Player-vs-Player Duels.
Take a break between the fun at Level99’s two‑story bar where guests will find award‑winning Detroit‑style pizza, wagyu burgers, craveable snacks, and handcrafted cocktails — all made from scratch daily as well as rotating beers on tap.
DescenDANCE Party x Camp Rock Jam
On select nights this summer at Disney Springs, the AdventHealth Waterside Stage will come alive with high‑energy dance parties celebrating the newest original movies coming to Disney+.
We’re jamming all night to hits from Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Camp Rock 3. It’s the perfect way for families looking to add a little extra magic to their evening during Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.
WATER PARKS
H2O Glow Nights
If your family loves Typhoon Lagoon but hates standing in the blazing summer heat all day long, H2O Glow Nights might honestly end up being one of your favorite parts of the trip.
This separately ticketed after hours event takes place on select nights at Typhoon Lagoon from June 2nd through September 5th and gives guests the chance to enjoy the water park after dark with shorter wait times, dance parties, glowing decor, complimentary snacks, and rare character meet & greets.
And this year’s character lineup is REALLY fun.
You’ll be able to meet characters like Powerline Max, Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers, Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQuack, and more throughout the night. For Disney fans that love rare characters, this is honestly one of the coolest meet and greet opportunities Disney has offered in awhile.
Most attractions remain open during the event too, including favorites like Castaway Creek and Humunga Kowabunga. Plus, everything just feels a little more manageable at night when you aren’t battling the midday Florida sun.
If you’ve got younger kids, just know this event does run later into the evening, so you’ll want to consider your child’s stamina before booking. But for night owl families, older kids, or families wanting a “non-park-day” activity, this is SUCH a fun option.
Character Meet & Greets at the Water Parks
The water parks are getting in on the Cool KIDS’ Summer fun too!
Over at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park you may spot Goofy hanging out in his beachwear while Stitch is bringing chaotic summer energy over at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.
These interactions are a really fun bonus because the water parks typically don’t have many character opportunities. It adds a little extra Disney magic without needing to wait in long traditional meet-and-greet lines.
Extra Disney Resort Perks This Summer
One of the BEST parts of Cool KIDS’ Summer is that the fun doesn’t stop when you leave the parks.
Disney is clearly trying to make staying on property feel more valuable this summer — especially for families with younger kids — and honestly? They’re doing a pretty solid job of it.
Free Water Park Check-In Day
Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels can enjoy FREE admission to one of the Disney water parks on their check-in day during Cool KIDS’ Summer.
This is honestly SUCH an underrated perk.
Instead of paying for an extra park ticket on arrival day (when most families aren’t even getting in until afternoon anyway), you can spend the day floating lazy rivers, riding slides, and letting the kids burn off energy before your big park days start.
And with BOTH water parks operating this summer, you’ll actually have options depending on your family’s vibe.
Early Theme Park Entry
Disney Resort guests also continue to get 30 minutes of early entry into the theme parks every single day.
Now normally I’d say this perk is just “nice to have,” but during a busy summer season? This can make a HUGE difference.
Getting a head start before the crowds and heat ramp up is one of the smartest things families with little kids can do.
Pool Parties, Campfires, & Character Visits
Select resorts are adding extra activities throughout the summer including:
pool parties
campfire singalongs
scheduled character visits
pajama parties
storytime activities
Disney-themed games
THIS is the kind of stuff that makes a Disney vacation feel special for younger kids.
Not every magical memory has to happen inside a park.
Sometimes it’s roasting marshmallows after a pool day or randomly seeing Mickey at your resort that becomes the thing your kids talk about for months afterward.
Complimentary Baby & Toddler Amenities
Families staying at select resorts can also access complimentary items like:
bottle warmers
infant bathtubs
diaper disposal units
bed bumpers
And as someone who has watched families try to cram every baby item known to mankind into a suitcase… this is actually a really helpful perk.
Which Resorts Are Best for Cool KIDS’ Summer?
A few resorts are definitely standing out more than others this summer for families with young kids.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
This one is probably the MOST kid-focused resort on Disney property. Between the Cars, Finding Nemo, and Lion King theming, it feels incredibly immersive for younger children.
The Big Blue Pool alone is usually a huge hit.
Disney's Pop Century Resort
If you want something more budget-friendly while still getting Skyliner access, Pop Century is honestly hard to beat.
The rooms are smaller and less themed than Art of Animation, but the convenience factor here is HUGE.
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
This is a really great middle-ground option for families wanting a more relaxing resort atmosphere without jumping into deluxe pricing.
The pool area is fantastic, the Skyliner access is incredibly convenient, and the tropical vibe feels especially fun during summer trips.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Have a Princess & the Frog fan? This resort may be just for you! You can stay in one of the newly refurbished Royal Rooms themed to Princess Tiana herself! This resort is themed after the Louisiana Bayou and large plantation style mansions. It’s a gorgeous resort with lots of great amenities built in!
Plus, it’s only a few steps away from Port Orleans French Quarter where you can grab those famous Mickey Beignets.
Image Courtesy of Disney Parks
Is Cool KIDS’ Summer Worth It?
Honestly? For the right family, yes.
If you have kids roughly ages 2–10 and your family enjoys characters, interactive entertainment, dance parties, and immersive Disney experiences, this summer is packed with things that are going to feel really special.
Disney has clearly shifted a LOT of focus toward younger families this year, and it shows.
Now with that said… if your family mainly prioritizes thrill rides and doesn’t care much about shows, character interactions, or resort activities, some of these offerings may not move the needle much for you.
And of course, we do have to acknowledge the elephant in the room: summer in Orlando is HOT.
Like… surface-of-the-sun hot.
That means pacing yourself is going to be incredibly important. Midday breaks, pool time, indoor attractions, and slower mornings are going to make a MUCH bigger difference than trying to sprint through open-to-close park days.
But honestly? Cool KIDS’ Summer feels like Disney finally realized families with younger kids needed more dedicated entertainment and more ways to simply PLAY together instead of just standing in ride queues all day.
And that’s something I really love seeing.
If you’re thinking about planning a Cool KIDS’ Summer vacation and want help figuring out where to stay, what’s actually worth prioritizing for your family, or how to make this trip feel less overwhelming, I’d love to help make the process easier for you.
Because let’s be real… Disney planning is basically a part-time job now. Just click the link below to get started!
