What You Need to Know About the Return of Cool Kids’ Summer at Walt Disney World in 2026
By Rikki
Get ready for sun-soaked fun and family-friendly adventures, because Cool Kids’ Summer is officially returning to Walt Disney World Resort in 2026! This limited-time seasonal celebration will run from May 26 through September 8, 2026, bringing with it new entertainment, refreshed attractions, beloved characters, and some fantastic ways to save on your vacation.
Designed with families and younger guests in mind, Cool Kids’ Summer is packed with interactive experiences across all four theme parks, plus added perks for Disney Resort hotel guests. Let’s take a look at everything coming to Walt Disney World for Cool Kids’ Summer 2026.
FREE Water Park Visit on Your Check-In Day
One of the biggest perks of Cool Kids’ Summer is returning in 2026!
Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel between May 26 and September 8, 2026 will receive FREE admission to a Walt Disney World water park on their check-in day.
Guests will be able to choose from either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, depending on which type of water park your family wants to experience.
Plus, what makes a Walt Disney World Water Park even more fun? Characters, of course! Just for the summer, guests can meet Goofy in his laid-back beach style at Blizzard Beach. Or you can catch Stitch spreading playful chaos at Typhoon Lagoon.
Bluey and Bingo at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Beginning May 26, 2026, you can play and dance with Bluey and Bingo over at Conservation Station at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Once you hop off the Wildlife Express Train, you’ll be able to play special games directly from Bluey episodes, grab a photo with Bluey and Bingo themselves, and even discover animals native to Bluey’s home country, Australia.
Toy Story Pals at Diamond Horseshoe
Exclusive for Cool Kids’ Summer, pals from Toy Story take over the Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom. Join Jessie, Woody, and friends for some fun at Jessie’s Roundup. This will be an energized roundup with songs, dance, games, and other playful activities.
GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall
You can dance and play along with the Goof Troop, DJ Dance Pants, and Goofy himself during wacky activities with GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT. Goofy’s Game Machine brings silly, kid-approved games like Goofy Says, Balloon Bonanza, and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, little ones can sing and dance during Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, a brand-new stage production inspired by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
Mickey and Minnie set out on a road trip to find Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto and invite guests to join the fun along the way. Expect upbeat music, dancing, and familiar Disney Jr. characters in a show created especially for preschoolers.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! debuts on May 26, 2026.
Also opening on that same day will be the Walt Disney Studios Courtyard!
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Adding The Mandalorian and Grogu
Big changes are coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort
Beginning May 22, 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will receive a major update, and for the first time ever, Guests will be in control of their own destination.
One of the most exciting changes is that the crew will now decide where the Millennium Falcon travels.
Guests will be able to visit:
- Bespin
- Endor
- Coruscant
This marks the first time riders will have control over their galactic destination, adding a whole new layer of excitement and re-ridability to the experience.
Another major addition? The engineer position is getting a serious upgrade.
Engineers will now be able to communicate with Grogu during the mission, making the role more interactive than ever before.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
At Magic Kingdom, Space Rangers of all ages can join Buzz to save the galaxy and defeat the evil emperor Zurg on this recharged attraction. You’ll embark on your mission by boarding your updated ride vehicle and blast interactive targets with new hand-held blasters! This is a much need update! We can’t wait to ride Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin when it reopens April 8, 2026!
Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
If you haven’t experienced Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, summer 2026 is the perfect time. This is a great option for the entire family! We just took our 2 year old and she loved it! Join friends like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde for a fun celebration that brings the entire animal kingdom together.
Dance Party at Disney Springs
If you’re visiting Disney Springs Marketplace on select nights, get ready to hit the dance floor! A brand-new Dance Party at Disney Springs. It will bring high-energy fun to the shopping and dining district with music inspired by two upcoming Disney+ films.
Guests can show off their best dance moves while jamming to hit songs from Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Camp Rock 3. Both of which are set to debut on Disney+ later this summer. The lively atmosphere will feature upbeat music, colorful lighting, and plenty of space for families and friends to dance along together.
Ways to Save During Cool Kids’ Summer
Want to visit Walt Disney World this summer? There are tons of great new offers that have been released! The best thing to do to find out what fits for your vacation is to contact my travel partner, Jocelyn, with The Magic for Less Travel!
Start Planning Your Cool Kids’ Summer Vacation
With free water park entry, beloved characters like Bluey and Bingo, refreshed attractions, and some of the best summer discounts Disney offers, Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible time to visit Walt Disney World.
Last Updated: March 12, 2026
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Book Your Next Trip!
Want to book a Walt Disney World Resort vacation for Cool Kids’ Summer taking advantage of one of these great new special offers? Jocelyn Martins at The Magic For Less Travel specializes in the art of personalized vacation planning. She provides a guest-driven, concierge level planning service. Best of all, Jocelyn’s service is provided free of charge. Click here to get your free, no-obligation quote today! (Yes, that’s an affiliate link. I would greatly appreciate that if you would like to book a vacation you consider clicking and helping me!)
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