Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 returns to Walt Disney World Resort from May 26 through September 8, 2026, bringing new character experiences, refreshed attractions, limited-time stage shows, and resort deals designed for families. The season spans all four theme parks, both water parks, Disney Springs, and select resort hotels, with the biggest single launch day landing on May 26, when four major experiences open simultaneously across three parks. This guide covers every confirmed experience, opening date, deal, and resort perk announced so far, and will be updated as new details arrive.
Last updated: March 15, 2026
What Is Cool Kids’ Summer?
Cool Kids’ Summer is Walt Disney World’s branded summer season, built around family-centered entertainment spread across the resort. The program launched in 2025 as a way to give the summer season its own identity, with kid-focused dance parties, interactive character experiences, and indoor activities designed to give families a break from the Florida heat. In 2026, Disney is expanding the concept with more confirmed opening dates, new exclusive shows, and a larger slate of experiences than the first year offered.
The season runs May 26 through September 8, 2026, though several of the experiences announced as part of Cool Kids’ Summer will stay open beyond that end date. Disney Resort hotel guests get additional perks throughout the summer, including early park entry and free water park admission on check-in day.
For everything Disney announced when the season was first revealed in January 2026, read our original Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 announcement guide.
What’s Opening Before Cool Kids’ Summer Begins
Two major attraction updates open before the May 26 start date and are part of the season’s overall rollout.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopens at Magic Kingdom on April 8, 2026. The recharged attraction features new hand-held blasters, updated interactive targets that light up and respond when hit, enhanced lighting and sound effects, and a new Star Command support bot named Buddy who walks guests through target practice before launch. For the first time, guests will receive Disney PhotoPass images showing their final score and rank after the mission ends.
Read our full coverage: Disney Confirms May 26 as the Biggest Single Day of Cool Kids’ Summer 2026.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom completes a full refurbishment and reopens in early May 2026. Disney has kept the specific date flexible, but confirmed the attraction will be back with new effects and a complete exterior refresh before Cool Kids’ Summer officially begins.
May 26: The Biggest Single Launch Day
Four new and returning experiences open simultaneously on May 26, 2026, across three parks. That date also marks the official start of Cool Kids’ Summer programming resort-wide.
The four May 26 openings are Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Hollywood Studios, The Walt Disney Studios outdoor courtyard at Hollywood Studios, and Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT.
One additional update launches just before the season starts: The Mandalorian and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run debuts at Hollywood Studios on May 22, 2026, three days before Cool Kids’ Summer officially opens.
Cool Kids’ Summer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station
Bluey and Bingo arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 26, 2026, with the experience staying beyond the end of Cool Kids’ Summer. Bluey’s Wild World is located at Conservation Station inside Rafiki’s Planet Watch, accessible only by the Wildlife Express Train from Harambe Station.
The experience brings games from the show to life with an animal twist, lets guests take photos with Bluey and Bingo, and includes Jumping Junction, where families can learn about animals native to Australia. A hosting cast drawn from Disney Live Entertainment will facilitate the games and character interaction throughout.
The Wildlife Express Train and Rafiki’s Planet Watch closed on February 22, 2026, for the conversion. Conservation Station is one of the most undervisited areas at Walt Disney World, and Disney is using Bluey’s enormous popularity to draw families through to a space that rarely sees significant foot traffic.
Full details: Bluey’s Wild World opens May 26 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it’s More Than a Meet-and-Greet.
Cool Kids’ Summer at EPCOT
GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall
GoofyCore returns to CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT for another summer of DJ-led dance parties and interactive playground-style games. The experience is free with park admission and takes place indoors, giving families an air-conditioned option during peak afternoon heat.
Games include Goofy Says, Balloon Bonanza, Loopy Limbo, and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks. DJ Dance Pants and the Goof Troop host the activities throughout the day. GoofyCore ran through the 2025 summer season and returns unchanged for 2026 as one of the signature Cool Kids’ Summer experiences at EPCOT.
Soarin’ Across America
Soarin’ Across America replaces Soarin’ Around the World at EPCOT on May 26, 2026. The new film celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States, taking guests over natural landmarks including the Grand Canyon alongside iconic American cityscapes. The experience comes with a new orchestration of the classic Soarin’ musical theme. Soarin’ Around the World closes permanently on May 13, 2026, giving the attraction a short downtime window for the changeover.
Full Details: Soarin’ Across America Debuts May 26 at EPCOT as Soarin’ Around the World Closes May 13
Cool Kids’ Summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! opens at Hollywood Studios on May 26, 2026, and stays beyond the end of Cool Kids’ Summer. The 20-minute show is located in Animation Courtyard inside the new Walt Disney Studios outdoor courtyard area.
Inspired by the Disney Jr. series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, the show opens with Mickey and Minnie preparing for a party at the Clubhouse when Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto fail to arrive. Mickey and Minnie take the party on the road to find their friends, with the audience invited along for the chase. The production features original songs, interactive dance moments, and direct audience participation, with multiple showtimes throughout the day. It replaces Disney Jr. Play and Dance and the Get Animated show, both of which closed permanently in September 2025.
Full details: Hollywood Studios Is Getting a New Mickey Mouse Stage Show for Cool Kids’ Summer.
The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard
A new outdoor courtyard called The Walt Disney Studios opens at Hollywood Studios on May 26, 2026. Disney has kept the details of the space’s launch configuration limited, but the courtyard serves as the home for Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at opening and will expand later in the summer.
The Magic of Disney Animation
The Magic of Disney Animation opens in the Walt Disney Studios courtyard area late summer 2026, with no specific date confirmed yet. The experience has three components: Drawn to Wonderland, a playground-style area for young guests; Off the Page, a character greeting space; and Olaf Draws, a drawing class where guests learn from legendary Disney Animation artists through pre-recorded sessions hosted by Olaf. The Olaf Draws concept is designed for guests of all ages and has no equivalent experience currently at Walt Disney World.
The Mandalorian and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Beginning May 22, three days before Cool Kids’ Summer officially opens, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge gets a full retheme. Din Djarin and Grogu lead guests on a new mission tracking ex-Imperial officers. For the first time, pilots can select which planets the ship visits. Engineers now have a new gameplay feature that lets them communicate directly with Grogu during the mission.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios reopens summer 2026 with a full Muppets retheme, driven by the music of Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem. A specific opening date has not been confirmed. The attraction has been closed for the conversion, and it represents one of the larger infrastructure changes coming to Hollywood Studios this year.
Cool Kids’ Summer at Magic Kingdom
Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue
Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue is a limited-time Cool Kids’ Summer exclusive experience at the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland. Jessie, Woody, Bullseye, and other Toy Story characters host an interactive roundup with songs, dance, games, and audience participation. The show runs only for the duration of Cool Kids’ Summer, May 26 through September 8, 2026, making it one of the true time-limited exclusives of the season.
Mickey and Friends Greeting Committee
Starting May 26, 2026, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Pluto will gather in Town Square and around the castle hub at Magic Kingdom in new summer outfits to welcome guests at the start of each park day. The Greeting Committee experience ties to the Early Park Entry benefit for Disney Resort hotel guests and gives families a way to see multiple classic characters without waiting in individual meet-and-greet queues.
Full details: Mickey and Friends to Host New Greeting Committee at Magic Kingdom This Summer.
Cool Kids’ Summer at Disney Springs
On select nights at the Marketplace, Disney Springs will host a dance party featuring music from Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Camp Rock 3, timed to the release of both original movies on Disney+ this summer. Specific nights have not been announced.
Cool Kids’ Summer at the Water Parks
Both water parks are open for the full summer season. Guests can meet Goofy in his beach-style outfit at Blizzard Beach and catch Stitch at Typhoon Lagoon throughout the summer.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours returns to Typhoon Lagoon on select nights from June 2 through September 5, 2026. The separately ticketed after-dark event gives guests access to the water park after regular operating hours, along with a beach party atmosphere and rare character appearances, including Powerline Max and Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers.
Resort Hotel Perks During Cool Kids’ Summer
All Disney Resorts Collection hotel guests arriving between May 26 and September 8, 2026, receive free admission to one Walt Disney World water park on their check-in day. With both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach open, guests can choose which park to visit.
All Disney Resort hotel and select partner hotel guests receive 30 minutes of Early Park Entry every day of their stay across all four theme parks. Disney has confirmed that special summer character appearances will be available during early entry, giving guests additional time with Disney friends before the park opens to the general public.
Four resorts have an enhanced family program for Cool Kids’ Summer: Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside. Guests staying at these properties get scheduled character visits from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse with set appearance times, special libraries curated by Disney Publishing, pajama parties with story time and a create-your-own-bedtime-story activity on select evenings, and pool parties with high-energy entertainment and interactive games. Complimentary baby essentials are also available at these four resorts, including bottle warmers, infant bathtubs, diaper disposal units, and nightlights.
Cool Kids’ Summer Deals and Ticket Offers
Disney released a package of deals alongside the Cool Kids’ Summer announcement. All offers are available at DisneyWorld.com/SummerSave.
The 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket starts at $109 per day plus tax, for a total starting at $436 plus tax. The ticket covers all four Walt Disney World theme parks with one park per day, one admission per park, and must be used within seven days of first use. Valid for visits May 26 through October 3, 2026.
The Free Dining Plan offer is available to families who book a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package with a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and tickets with the Park Hopper option. The booking window is March 12 through April 30, 2026. The offer is valid for arrivals on select nights June 28 through October 3, October 19 through October 31, and December 6 through December 21, 2026.
Resort hotel room discounts of up to 30% are available for stays of five nights or more, for arrivals most nights July 30 through October 3, 2026. Florida Residents can save up to 35%, and Annual Passholders can save up to 40% on stays of four nights or more during the same travel window.
Cool Kids’ Summer Market Tour
To kick off the season, Walt Disney World launched a Cool Kids’ Summer Market Tour, bringing pop-up family events to three cities with oversized props, photo opportunities, and giveaways. The three stops are New York City at Times Square on March 12, Atlanta at Pemberton Place on March 26, and Houston at Herman Park on April 2, 2026.
Character Meet and Greets During Cool Kids’ Summer
Character meet-and-greets are one of the most searched topics for families planning a Cool Kids’ Summer trip. Disney significantly expands the number of characters available across all four parks during the summer season and releases official character guide maps when the season opens. Fantasy Land News will update the 2026 section below with confirmed locations the moment those maps are published on May 26.
Two character experiences are already confirmed for 2026. The Mickey and Friends Greeting Committee opens at Magic Kingdom on May 26, with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Pluto gathering in Town Square and the castle hub area in new summer outfits. Disney Resort hotel guests can access this during the 30-minute Early Park Entry window before the park opens to the general public. Full details: Mickey and Friends to Host New Greeting Committee at Magic Kingdom This Summer.
Bluey and Bingo are confirmed at Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom starting May 26 as part of Bluey’s Wild World. Full details on that experience are in the Animal Kingdom section above.
Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 Character Greetings
Disney will release the official character maps for all four parks on or around May 26. This section will be updated the same day with every confirmed character location across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Bookmark this page and follow Fantasy Land News for the update on opening day.
Cool Kids’ Summer 2025 Character Greetings: The Complete List
The 2025 character lists are the best available reference for what to expect in 2026. Disney maintains a broadly similar roster each year with some additions and location adjustments. The lists below are drawn from the official Disney guide maps released at the parks on opening day of Cool Kids’ Summer 2025, with characters confirmed in the parks by Fantasy Land News added in bold. Those bold characters did not appear on the official map but were verified as active greetings during the season.
Full source coverage: Walt Disney World Cool Kids’ Summer 2025: All Characters You Can Meet at Disney Parks and More Disney Characters Arrive at the Magic Kingdom for Cool Kids’ Summer 2025.
Magic Kingdom
Fantasyland had the largest character presence in the park. Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, Goofy, Mirabel, Minnie Mouse, Peter Pan, Princess Tiana, Tigger, and Winnie the Pooh were all available, along with Anastasia and Drizella with Lady Tremaine, Hook and Smee, and Rapunzel and Flynn.
On Main Street, U.S.A., Mickey Mouse greeted guests at Town Hall Square, with Elena and Mulan at the Town Square Theater Porch and Mary Poppins with Bert and Penguin on Center Street behind Uptown Jewelers.
In Adventureland, Aladdin and Princess Jasmine wandered the area in the morning, sometimes near the Magic Carpets of Agrabah. Raya met guests across from Sunshine Tree Terrace near the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse entrance. 2025 marked Raya’s first daytime character greeting at Magic Kingdom.
Tomorrowland featured Chip and Dale, Stitch, and Mr. and Mrs. Incredible.
Frontierland brought back The Country Bears with Wendell, Romeo McGrowl, Shaker, and Big Al. Romeo McGrowl made his debut during Cool Kids’ Summer 2025.
Liberty Square had Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen, along with Pocahontas.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios had one of the most expansive character rosters across the resort. Olaf greeted guests at Echo Lake. Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse were at Commissary Lane. Toy Story Land had Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Jessie. Pixar Plaza featured Edna Mode, Frozone, Mrs. Incredible, and Sully. The live-action Ariel met guests at Walt Disney Presents.
Animation Courtyard hosted the largest single-location character roster in any park during the 2025 season: BB-8, Chewbacca, Chip and Dale, Clarabelle Cow, Doc McStuffins, Darth Vader, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Fancy Nancy, Goofy, Max, Pluto, Timon, and Vampirina. Clarabelle Cow’s return to Animation Courtyard was one of the standout additions of the summer.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge had The Mandalorian and Grogu, Stormtroopers, Kylo Ren, and Vi Moradi.
EPCOT
World Celebration had Mickey and Friends along with Figment. World Discovery had Star-Lord. World Nature had Moana. World Showcase carried the largest EPCOT character presence, with Asha, Jasmine, Donald Duck, Belle, Anna and Elsa, Aurora, Mulan, Alice, Snow White, and Winnie the Pooh spread across the pavilions.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Pluto moved to the Oasis for the 2025 season, a change from prior years. Discovery Island had Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Russell and Dug, Kevin, Moana, and Pocahontas. DinoLand U.S.A. had Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Chip and Dale, and Goofy.
In 2026, Bluey and Bingo join Animal Kingdom’s summer character lineup at Conservation Station, which is the most significant new character addition to any park for Cool Kids’ Summer 2026.
Cool Kids’ Summer 2025: The First Year
Cool Kids’ Summer launched in 2025 as Walt Disney World’s first attempt at giving the summer season a distinct branded identity. The 2025 season ran May 27 through September 1 and included GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT, the Big Top Bash with DJ Ringmaster and Pluto at Storybook Circus in Magic Kingdom, Galactic Blast with Stitch at the Tomorrowland Stage, and Get Animated at Animation Courtyard in Hollywood Studios.
Animal Kingdom’s Cool Kids’ Summer offering in 2025 centered on a special Wilderness Explorers nature badge, hands-on pollinator crafts at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, and a Celebration Sing-Along at Discovery Island. The Disney Starlight parade also debuted at Magic Kingdom during the summer of 2025.
The park-by-park family guides from 2025 remain available for historical reference:
- Family Guide to Cool Kids’ Summer at Hollywood Studios (2025)
- Family Guide to Cool Kids’ Summer at Magic Kingdom (2025)
- Family Guide to Cool Kids’ Summer at EPCOT (2025)
- Family Guide to Cool Kids’ Summer at Animal Kingdom (2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 start and end?
Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 runs May 26 through September 8, 2026. Several experiences announced as part of the season, including Bluey’s Wild World and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, are confirmed to stay at the parks beyond September 8.
Is Cool Kids’ Summer a separate ticket or included with park admission?
All Cool Kids’ Summer experiences are included with regular theme park admission. No separate ticket is required for the character experiences, stage shows, or dance parties. Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon is the one separately ticketed event during the season.
What is Bluey’s Wild World and where is it located?
Bluey’s Wild World is an interactive character experience at Conservation Station inside Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests access it via the Wildlife Express Train from Harambe Station. The experience includes live games from the show, photo opportunities with Bluey and Bingo, and Jumping Junction, where families can learn about animals from Australia.
What is GoofyCore at EPCOT?
GoofyCore is a DJ-led dance party and interactive game experience held inside CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT. It is indoors with air conditioning and free with park admission. Games include Goofy Says, Balloon Bonanza, Loopy Limbo, and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks. GoofyCore ran during Cool Kids’ Summer 2025 and returns for 2026.
Which Disney hotels have the extra Cool Kids’ Summer family programming?
Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside offer the enhanced family program. This includes scheduled character visits with set times, Disney Publishing libraries, pajama parties, pool parties, and complimentary baby essentials.
What is the free water park perk for resort guests?
Guests staying at any Disney Resorts Collection hotel between May 26 and September 8, 2026, receive free admission to one Walt Disney World water park on their check-in day. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are open throughout the summer. The perk applies to all four theme park resort tiers.
Is Soarin’ Across America a permanent change or just for Cool Kids’ Summer?
Soarin’ Across America is a permanent film replacement. Soarin’ Around the World closes May 13, 2026, and the new film opens May 26 as part of the 250th anniversary of the United States celebration. There is no announced end date for Soarin’ Across America.
What is the deadline to book the free dining plan offer?
The free dining plan offer must be booked by April 30, 2026. It requires a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package at a select Disney Resort hotel with the Park Hopper ticket option. The offer covers arrivals on select nights June 28 through October 3, October 19 through October 31, and December 6 through December 21, 2026.
Keep it locked to www.fantasylandnews.com for updates as Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 approaches, including park-by-park family guides, confirmed show times, and any new experiences Disney announces before May 26. For more Walt Disney World coverage, visit fantasylandnews.com/category/walt-disney-world/.