COOL KIDS’ SUMMER

From Water Park Nights to Interactive Shows, Disney Rolls Out its Most Playful Season Yet BY MEREDITH KNIGHT

It never fails to amaze Katie how every trip to Walt Disney World Resort is something new. “I honestly feel like I could visit every day of the year and each visit would be a new experience,” she said. “I know it sounds cliché but for me there’s no place as magical as Disney.” On their last visit, she and her family decided to try the Lightning Lane pass and Katie gives them a big thumbs-up.

“With the Lightning Lane pass (Multi Pass, Single Pass, Premier Pass available visit DisneyWorld.Disney.Go.com/lightninglane-passes/ for more information), we were able to do so much each day,” she said. “We did 15 rides in four parks, and there was still so much we could have done.

Every character and every staff member is there to make you feel important and to make our trip memorable. And it always is.” And you can bet they’ve already got Walt Disney World on the calendar for Summer 2026.

Here’s what they can expect during Disney’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER. Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station. Starting May 26, guests can play games and dance with Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There will be special games directly from “Bluey” episodes and photos with Bluey and Bingo. And “Jumping Junction” will feature animals native to Bluey’s home country, Australia.

Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue

For a limited time, Toy Story’s Jessie will be appearing in Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue at the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland, featuring Jessie, Woody, Bullseye, and more Toy Story pals in an energized roundup of songs, dance, games, and playful activities.

GoofyCore at EPCOT

Families can take part in GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall packed with music, movement, and maximum silliness, DJ-led dance breaks, interactive games, and larger-than-life playground-style activities inviting kids to wiggle, giggle, and let loose in true Goofy fashion.

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

Your kids can Mousekedance with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse inspired by Disney Jr.’s global hit series, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. The entire family can party at the Clubhouse with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto, filled with original songs, dance, and interactive fun.

A Disney Springs Dance Party

On select nights, guests can break out their best dance moves during a Marketplace party featuring hits from “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland” and “Camp Rock 3”.

Water Park Character Fun

Meet Goofy at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park or Stich at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. After hours on select nights, there’s Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon. Enjoy the water park after dark, boogie on the beach, and see rare Disney characters such as Powerline Max and Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers.

Character Appearances & More

During Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, guests staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will enjoy even more experiences and amenities including scheduled visits from favorite Disney pals, like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. As always, the four Disney Resort hotels can cover the needs of their tiniest guests with complimentary essentials, including bottle warmers, infant bathtubs, diaper disposals, and nightlights for guests’ use during their stay.

Special libraries from Disney Publishing are available at Cool KIDS’ SUMMER resorts, featuring beloved stories from Disney Princesses to Disney Heroes. Plus, on select nights, a pajama party featuring story time and “create your own bedtime story” activities will wind down the evening before lights out.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin invites guests to help save the galaxy from the evil emperor Zurg. The recharged attraction will feature new interactive targets and hand-held blasters, new lighting, sound and vibration effects, and a new Star Command support bot named Buddy to help train guests with target practice before heading out on their mission. Disney PhotoPass memories will feature your child’s scores and rank for bragging rights. And the Magic Kingdom’s new, improved Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is scheduled to open in early May.

The Mandalorian and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Beginning May 22 at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can join The Mandalorian and Grogu on a new mission tracking down ex-Imperial officers on an exhilarating chase while manning the Millennium Falcon. And, for the first time ever, guests can select what planets the ship visits, along with a new gameplay addition allowing the trusty engineers to communicate directly with Grogu during the mission.

The Walt Disney Studios at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Walt Disney Studios outdoor courtyard will be ready for families to see and explore on May 26. And debuting late summer at Hollywood Studios, The Magic of Disney Animation will feature playful moments around every corner. This newly reimagined space will feature a “Drawn to Wonderland” playground, Disney friends ready to say hi in “Off the Page!”, and “Olaf Draws”, where guests of all ages will learn to draw from legendary Disney Animation artists whose pre-recorded guidance brings the class to life.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

A revamped version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will come speeding into Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer, fueled by the fun tunes of The Electric Mayhem and the high-speed hijinks of The Muppets.

Across America at EPCOT

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Soarin’ Across America flies into EPCOT with a brand-new voyage beginning May 26. The new offering will highlight some of the country’s natural beauty, such as like the Grand Canyon, and include iconic cityscapes, accompanied by a new orchestration of the classic Soarin’ musical theme.

Summer is a great time to visit Disney, with some of the best ticket prices of the year and longer theme-park hours. And guests of Disney Resorts Collection hotels will have 30 minutes of early park access each day of their stay (valid theme park admission and a park reservation, if applicable, required). Expect special surprises all summer, including early morning character appearances across all four theme parks. Find out more at DisneyExperiences.com.