Walt Disney World has confirmed opening dates for the first wave of Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 experiences, and May 26 is shaping up to be one of the most loaded single launch days the resort has had in years. Four new and returning experiences open simultaneously that day across three parks. We already have dedicated coverage up on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopening April 8 and Bluey’s Wild World at Animal Kingdom. Here is everything else confirmed for May 26 and beyond.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Opens May 26 at Hollywood Studios. Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is a new stage show opening May 26 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and staying beyond Cool Kids’ Summer. The whole family is invited to a party at the Clubhouse with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto, built around original songs, interactive dance, and audience participation. It is inspired by the Disney Jr. series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ and is designed to run as a full-on high-energy event rather than a traditional sit-down show. If you have younger kids, this is one of the strongest reasons to hit Hollywood Studios this summer.
The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard Opens May 26 at Hollywood Studios. A new outdoor space called The Walt Disney Studios opens May 26 at Hollywood Studios for guests to explore. Disney has kept details tight on what the courtyard includes at launch, but later in the summer the same area gets a second addition: The Magic of Disney Animation. That experience will feature three distinct components: a playground called Drawn to Wonderland, a character greeting area called Off the Page, and Olaf Draws, a drawing class where guests of all ages learn from legendary Disney Animation artists through pre-recorded sessions hosted by Olaf. The Olaf Draws concept in particular sounds like something that does not exist anywhere else at Walt Disney World right now.
Soarin’ Across America Opens May 26 at EPCOT. Soarin’ Across America replaces Soarin’ Around the World at EPCOT on May 26, timed to the 250th anniversary of the United States. The new film takes guests across natural landmarks like the Grand Canyon alongside major American cityscapes, set to a new orchestration of the classic Soarin’ theme. This is a legitimate update to one of EPCOT’s most beloved attractions and one of the more meaningful changes coming to the park this year.
The Rest of the Cool Kids’ Summer. Beyond May 26, the summer has several more opening dates worth tracking. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens in early May following a full refurbishment with new effects. The Mandalorian and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run begins May 22 at Hollywood Studios with a new mission, planet selection for guests, and a gameplay feature letting engineers communicate directly with Grogu. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets arrives later in the summer, swapping out Aerosmith for The Electric Mayhem. Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue is a Cool Kids’ Summer exclusive at the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland featuring Jessie, Woody, Bullseye, and Toy Story pals with songs, dance, and games.
At the water parks, Goofy meets guests at Blizzard Beach while Stitch takes over Typhoon Lagoon. Disney H2O Glow After Hours returns to Typhoon Lagoon on select nights, June 2 through September 5, with rare character appearances, including Powerline Max and the Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers cast.
Summer Savings. Disney confirmed several deals running alongside the new experiences. A 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket starts at $109 per day for visits May 26 through October 3. Families who book a qualifying 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package by April 30 can get a free dining plan for the whole family, valid for arrivals on select nights June 28 through October 3 and into the holiday season. Disney Resort hotel rooms are discounted up to 30% for stays most nights July 30 through October 3, with Florida Residents saving up to 35% and Annual Passholders up to 40% for four-night-or-more stays. Guests staying at any Disney Resorts Collection hotel between May 26 and September 8 also get free water park access on their check-in day.
Cool Kids’ Summer runs May 26 through September 8, 2026. For our full breakdown of everything announced for the season, see our original Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 guide from January. Keep it locked to Fantasy Land News as more opening dates are confirmed.
Disney Confirms May 26 as the Biggest Single Day of Cool Kids’ Summer 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 start at Walt Disney World?
Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 runs May 26 through September 8, 2026, at Walt Disney World.
What opens May 26 at Walt Disney World?
Four experiences open May 26: Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! and The Walt Disney Studios courtyard at Hollywood Studios, and Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT.
What is Soarin’ Across America?
Soarin’ Across America is a new film version of the Soarin’ attraction at EPCOT, replacing Soarin’ Around the World on May 26, 2026. It celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States with new footage of American landmarks and a new orchestration of the Soarin’ theme music.
What is Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live?
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is a new stage show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios inspired by the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ series. It features Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto with original songs and interactive dance. It opens May 26 and stays beyond Cool Kids’ Summer.
What is The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios?
The Magic of Disney Animation is a new experience opening later in the summer of 2026 at Hollywood Studios. It includes the Drawn to Wonderland playground, Off the Page character greetings, and Olaf Draws, a drawing class led by pre-recorded Disney Animation artists with Olaf as host.
How do you get a free dining plan at Disney World this summer?
Guests who book a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package at a select Disney Resort hotel with a Park Hopper ticket option by April 30, 2026 can receive a free dining plan for their whole family. The offer is valid for arrivals on select nights June 28 through October 3, 2026.
Is there a discount on Disney World hotel rooms in summer 2026?
Yes. Disney Resort Collection hotel rooms are discounted up to 30% for stays most nights July 30 through October 3, 2026. Florida Residents can save up to 35% and Annual Passholders up to 40% for stays of four nights or more during the same window.
