Summer at Walt Disney World Resort is about to get even more playful as Cool KIDS’ SUMMER returns from May 26 through September 8, 2026 with new experiences, refreshed attractions, and family-focused entertainment across all four parks.
Disney is leaning heavily into interactive entertainment this year, with dance parties, character experiences, and kid-friendly shows designed to give families even more ways to play together during the summer months.
And if last year’s rollout was any indication, this seasonal celebration brings a fun burst of energy to the parks. We had a chance to experience parts of it last summer, and what stood out most was how much it encouraged kids to actually participate rather than just watch. There were dance parties, spontaneous character moments, and lots of opportunities for kids to move around and play instead of standing in lines.
Bluey Arrives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
One of the biggest additions this summer is Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Beginning May 26, guests can meet Bluey and Bingo, play games inspired by episodes of the hit show, and explore animals native to Australia at an interactive area called “Jumping Junction.”
If you’ve seen how popular Bluey meet-and-greets have become elsewhere, it’s easy to imagine this being one of the busiest spots in the park this summer. It also feels like a really natural fit for Animal Kingdom, where educational elements and playful discovery tend to work well together.
New Shows and Play Spaces for Kids
Across the resort, several new kid-focused shows and activities are also debuting during Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.
At Magic Kingdom, Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue will take over the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland. The Toy Story–inspired experience will feature Jessie, Woody, Bullseye, and other familiar characters with songs, dancing, and interactive activities.
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, families can join Mickey and friends for Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, an interactive stage show inspired by the Disney Jr. series. The show invites guests to sing, dance, and celebrate alongside Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto.
Meanwhile at EPCOT, CommuniCore Hall will transform into GoofyCore, a high-energy dance party featuring DJ-led activities, games, and playful challenges designed for kids to move, laugh, and burn off some summer energy.
If last year’s dance parties were any indication, these moments end up being surprisingly fun for adults too. It’s hard not to smile when an entire room of kids suddenly breaks into a dance-off with Goofy.
More Disney Friends and Summer Surprises
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER also brings additional character encounters and entertainment throughout the resort.
At the water parks, guests may spot Goofy hanging out at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park while Stitch makes appearances at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.
Typhoon Lagoon will also host the returning H2O Glow After Hours event on select nights from June 2 through September 5. The separately ticketed event lets guests enjoy the water park after dark with dance parties, glowing décor, and rare character appearances like Powerline Max and the Rescue Rangers.
Events like H2O Glow have quietly become some of the most fun nighttime offerings at Walt Disney World. A water park after dark, with music and lights bouncing across the wave pool, has a completely different energy compared to daytime visits.
Updated Attractions and New Experiences
Several attractions across Walt Disney World are also getting updates or returning during the summer season.
At Magic Kingdom, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will reopen April 8 with updated targets, handheld blasters, and new lighting and sound effects. A refreshed version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also expected to reopen later in the spring following refurbishment.
At Hollywood Studios, guests will soon be able to join The Mandalorian and Grogu on a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run beginning May 22.
Later in the summer, the park will debut The Magic of Disney Animation, a reimagined experience featuring interactive play areas, character encounters, and animation drawing classes.
Meanwhile, Soarin’ Across America returns to EPCOT on May 26 with an updated journey showcasing iconic landscapes and cityscapes across the United States.
Summer Perks for Resort Guests
Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels will also see additional perks during Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.
Resort guests can take advantage of early theme park entry, giving them access to the parks 30 minutes before official opening each day. Disney also plans to add early morning character appearances across the parks for resort guests.
Several family-focused resorts including Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will offer extra activities designed for younger guests, including character visits, pajama parties, and storytime experiences.
A Summer Built for Families
While major attractions often get the spotlight, Cool KIDS’ SUMMER focuses on something slightly different: creating playful moments for families visiting during the busiest travel season of the year.
After experiencing some of the offerings last year, it’s exciting to see Disney expand the concept rather than scale it back. The parks felt a little more lively, a little more spontaneous, and definitely more kid-focused in a way that made summer visits feel special.
Between the new shows, character experiences, refreshed attractions, and nighttime water park parties, this year’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER looks like it will bring even more of that playful energy back to the parks. And honestly, that’s exactly the kind of vibe summer at Disney should have.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.