Family Guide to Disney’s Cool Kids Summer at Epcot! Families planning summer getaways, Walt Disney World offers the ultimate experience, and this year’s Cool Kids Summer is set to deliver unforgettable fun. For many parents, though, trying to show the kids the best day ever and trying to get the most out of each Park, planning can seem overwhelming. We are here to break down each Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guide is complete, and today we are heading on the Monorail to Epcot to help you and the kids have a great day, avoid breakdowns, cool off, and have the best Cool Kids Summer day at Epcot.
What is Cool Kids Summer? Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World, from May 27th to September 1st, 2025, is an exciting event packed with kid-centric fun across all four theme parks. Expect special character interactions, high-energy dance parties with DJs, and Disney friends like Stitch and Pluto. Plus, get great deals on Disney Resort rooms and Park tickets. Make incredible memories this summer as villains take center stage, a brand-new parade lights up the night, and so much more!
Summer Park Hours: Early Entry – 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM, Park Hours – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
What is coming to Epcot for Cool Kids Summer? Get ready for some Goofy fun at EPCOT! CommuniCore Hall is transforming into a Goof-tastic playground called GoofyCore Hall, an immersive experience where you can dance at DJ-led parties and play silly games like Loopy Limbo. Plus, starting June 1st, keep an eye out near the EPCOT Main Entrance for the return of Phineas and Ferb, just before their new season premieres on Disney Channel and Disney+ on June 5th! Hey Ferb, I know what we’re gonna do today!
Family Transportation to and from Epcot: Stroller? No Stroller? Want to relax? Need to get to Epcot so parents can rope drop Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind? There are many options, depending on where you are staying, on or off property.
The Disney Monorail from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) if you are staying at any Magic Kingdom Resorts, Grand Floridian, The Contemporary, or the Polynesian Resort. Disney Skyliner from Pop Century, Art of Animation, and Riviera. Disney Friendship boats run from Disney Boardwalk Resorts, Walt Disney World Swan, and Walt Disney World Dolphin. Disney Bus service runs an hour before to an hour after park hours. Minnie Van service with options for Car Seats and room for strollers. Parking for your vehicle is included with your resort stay.
Where can you and the kids cool off? Summer in Florida can feel oppressive with temperatures hovering around 95° and 10000% humidity, it can feel like you are a potato wrapped in tin foil on a grill (hyperbole for sure, but you get the point), I’m saying it’s hot in Florida! How Hot? I saw two hobbits throw a ring into my backyard last summer. I digress.
GoffyCore Hall will offer A/C to cool off, plus the kids will be able to burn off some extra energy dancing and playing. Disney Annual Passholders have Restaurant Marekesh in the Morocco Pavilion that is open until July 31st. Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana, if you do not mind the kids getting a little wet. ImaginAtrium, the DVC Member Lounge, open from 10 AM till 5:00 PM, unless you have Membership Magic Beyond then it is open until 8:30.
Beating the Summer Heat (Beyond AC): Stay hydrated. Every quick service offers free ice water. During summer, they normally have trays of water ready for you to just pick up and go. If they do not, just ask. We suggest bringing personal misting fans or buying one from any store in Epcot.
Family dining options: Rule #1: Always have snacks packed! Goldfish, Ritz Bits, jerky, assorted favorite bars (cereal, Z-bars, granola), peanut butter packs with a spoon (you can find an apple/apple slices at quick service/snack stands), apple sauce/other fruit puree pouches, fruit snacks, Toast-Chee cracker packs, cutie/mandarins. And of course, you have to eat at least one Mickey Bar! It is considered a vacation if the little ones aren’t at some point a chocolate mess!
Disney Parks Blog and Disney Eats may release a Foodie Guide to Cool Kids Summer; we do not know for sure, but we guess that it will be out soon.
Families with children who like dining with characters, there are two great options: Garden Grill in The Land with Chip & Dale and their Disney pals serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: Join Disney Princesses for Storybook Dining inside a medieval castle in the Norway Pavilion. Budget-friendly options include Sunshine Seasoning, which serves a healthier menu. Via Napoli Pizza window, cause you know, who doesn’t love pizza?
Disney’s EPCOT – Character Greetings Cool Kids Summer: Disney has updated the list of Disney characters guests can meet and greet all summer long at Epcot.
- World Celebration – Mickey & Friends, Figment, Phineas & Ferb, Goofy
- World Discovery – Star-Lord
- World Nature – Moana
- World Showcase – Asha, Jasmine, Donald Duck, Belle, Anna and Elsa, Aurora, Mulan, Alice, Snow White, Winnie the Pooh
Baby Care Center and Quiet Spots: The Baby Care Center at Epcot is located near the Odyssey Pavilion, near the bridge to the Mexico Pavilion. Offering changing tables, nursing rooms, a microwave and sink, a Restroom, Quiet room with rocking or gliding chairs. First Aid is also located here.
For kids who may need to get away from the sensory overload, those who may be neurodivergent: Quiet spots that we recommend – Indoors at the Living with the Seas aquarium, Mission Space exit playground. The Playground in World Nature is located outside the Creation Shop. In World Showcase, our favorite spot is in the China Pavilion, the Reflections of China seating area, along with the museum. We have personally used each one of these spots!
Tips:
- Download and use the My Disney Experience App, and for the kids, Disney Play.
- Take advantage of Disney Photopass, you want these memories.
- Sunscreen! SPF-50 and above lotion, Spray on for a quick refresh
- Dont buy souvenirs in the morning, you dont want to carry extra bags in the summer, dinner time is the perfect time to shop and digest.
- Check Hight Requirements beforehand, some rides are for older kids, and adults who want to be kids
- Water, Water, and more Water.
- Try to freeze a few water bottles before Park Days! Nothing hits and feels better than a frozen splash of water!
- Speaking of Water… It “COULD” rain every day between 3:30 and 7:00 PM.
- Stroller Parking is available close by each attraction. Make sure you have your stroller marked to spot easily.
- Break Times: Schedule breaks throughout the day. If staying on site at a Disney Resort, take the afternoon off for swimming and relaxing
- Luminous! is the best way to end a day at Epcot.
Finally, and as a family that has kids on the Spectrum, or the greatest tip we can ever give: Stay Flexible. Do not try and overschedule. Plan for dining that you think is a must-do in Epcot, Lightning Lane Frozen Ever After, if possible, but be flexible. Go with the flow. Even super moms and dads can’t get it all done in one day!
Family Guide to Disney’s Cool Kids Summer at Epcot!
