Walt Disney World is leaning fully into family fun this summer with the launch of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, a seasonal takeover running from May 26 through September 8. Across all four theme parks and Disney Springs, families will find DJ-led dance parties, surprise character moments, hands-on activities, and entertainment designed to keep kids moving, playing, and engaged throughout the day.

Summer at Disney World already brings longer park hours and some great deals and discounts. Still, Cool KIDS’ SUMMER layers on limited-time experiences that make this season feel especially tailored to families with kids.

Below is a park-by-park guide to what families can expect this summer, including Cool KIDS’ SUMMER highlights and everything else worth planning around.

Jump To

• Summer Fun at Magic Kingdom
• Beat the Heat at EPCOT
• Cool Down at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Bluey’s Big Summer at Animal Kingdom
• Splash-Filled Fun at the Water Parks

Summer Fun at Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom Park is still the classic Disney experience most families picture when planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Between spinning on teacups, grabbing a Dole Whip, meeting beloved characters, and watching fireworks light up the sky, it delivers the classic Disney vacation experience so many dream about.

This summer, the park also introduces refreshed experiences and added entertainment that give families even more reasons to stay all day.

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Highlights at Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is leaning into high-energy, character-driven fun this summer with new limited-time experiences designed especially for kids.

• Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue at the Diamond Horseshoe brings Toy Story characters together for music, games, and interactive moments where kids are part of the action
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin features updated interactive elements, including enhanced blasters and new gameplay effects that make each ride-through more engaging

Together, these experiences add a playful, hands-on layer to the park that fits perfectly into a summer day built around characters and classic Disney storytelling.

What Else to Look Forward to This Summer

Beyond the seasonal programming, Magic Kingdom remains one of the easiest parks for families to enjoy in the heat thanks to its strong mix of indoor attractions and shaded experiences.

• (NEW!) Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin gets a major refresh with new interactive blasters and reactive targets
• (NEW!) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened after refurbishment with refreshed effects and a polished experience
• Classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Peter Pan’s Flight offer reliable indoor breaks
• Happily Ever After fireworks and the new Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade remain a highlight for families ending their day in the park
• Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to maximize rides and minimize heat
• The park layout makes it easy to balance high-energy attractions with slower-paced breaks

Magic Kingdom continues to be the most “all-ages” park at Disney World, especially for families with younger kids who want a traditional Disney experience.

Beat the Heat at EPCOT

EPCOT has evolved far beyond its reputation as just a festival and food destination. Today, it’s one of the most family-friendly parks at Walt Disney World. It features attractions like Frozen Ever After and lively entertainment such as the sing-along dance party, ¡Celebración Encanto! The park is a strong choice for summer days, offering a mix of learning, play, and built-in breaks from the sun.

This summer, EPCOT becomes a major hub for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER activities, giving families even more reasons to spend time beyond the rides.

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Highlights at EPCOT

EPCOT’s summer focus is all about movement, music, and playful chaos in the best way. Be sure to include a visit to CommuniCore Hall in your EPCOT itinerary, since it’s where many of the summer activities take place, including the GoofyCore experiences and other special limited-time entertainment.

• GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall transforms EPCOT into a high-energy dance party with DJ-led music and interactive games
• Kids can jump into silly activities like loopy limbo and parachute-style group play
• The experience is intentionally unstructured, encouraging kids to move, laugh, and participate however they want

It’s one of the most flexible entertainment spaces in the resort this summer and works especially well as a midday or afternoon break.

What Else to Look Forward to This Summer

EPCOT also shines as a “slow burn” park where families can pace their day and escape the heat easily.

• (New!) Soarin’ Across America debuts a new flight showcasing U.S. landmarks and landscapes, including the Grand Canyon, paired with a refreshed musical score
• Indoor pavilions across World Showcase offer built-in breaks
• Shaded walking paths make it easier to explore at a relaxed pace
• It’s an ideal park for families who want flexibility instead of a rigid ride schedule

EPCOT continues to stand out for families who want a mix of entertainment and downtime in one place.

Cool Down at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a family-friendly park that balances thrilling attractions with kid-focused experiences in a way that works especially well during summer.

Recently, the park debuted new family-friendly stage entertainment, including The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, making it a strong choice for families looking for low-key fun and engaging live shows throughout the day.

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Highlights at Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is focusing on immersive, interactive entertainment that keeps kids engaged even when they’re not on rides.

• A new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ Live Show brings Mickey, Minnie, and friends into a high-energy interactive adventure
• Families help guide the characters through a musical rescue-style story filled with songs, dancing, and audience participation
• The show is fully indoors, making it a great mid-day break from the heat

This adds to the park’s growing lineup of family entertainment that is less about waiting in lines and more about experiencing live storytelling together.

What Else to Look Forward to This Summer

Hollywood Studios is one of the best parks for balancing entertainment and heat relief thanks to its strong lineup of indoor attractions.

• (NEW!) Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run adds a new mission with The Mandalorian and Grogu, plus updated gameplay where guests help choose destinations and interact with Grogu during flight
• (NEW!) The Walt Disney Studios courtyard opens for families to explore as a new outdoor space starting May 26
• (NEW!) The Magic of Disney Animation debuts later this summer with interactive creative spaces, character moments, and a drawing experience hosted by Olaf
• (NEW!) Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets brings a reimagined high-speed ride experience powered by The Electric Mayhem, opening May 26
• Major attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Tower of Terror offer immersive experiences that appeal to older kids and teens
• Indoor theaters and live shows provide consistent breaks throughout the day

It’s a strong “split day” park where families can mix thrill rides with slower entertainment.

Bluey’s Big Summer at Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is often underestimated when it comes to family trips, but it can easily become one of the most memorable parks for younger kids. Between animal trails, shaded pathways, interactive exhibits, and live entertainment like Festival of the Lion King, it offers a slower, more relaxed pace that works especially well in the summer heat.

This year, it becomes even more appealing for families thanks to a major Cool KIDS’ SUMMER addition featuring one of kids’ most beloved characters, Bluey!

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Highlights at Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is getting an extra dose of kid-focused excitement this summer with the arrival of Bluey and Bingo, bringing one of today’s most popular children’s characters into the park for interactive fun.

• Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station invite kids into interactive games inspired by the hit series
• Families can explore “Jumping Junction” and other hands-on activities tied to Bluey episodes
• Character meet-and-greets add a rare and highly engaging experience for younger guests

All of these new experiences make Animal Kingdom especially appealing for families with preschool and early elementary-aged kids

What Else to Look Forward to This Summer

Animal Kingdom’s design naturally supports summer travel thanks to its heavy use of shade and indoor experiences.

• Kilimanjaro Safaris is best experienced early in the morning when animals are most active
• Festival of the Lion King offers one of the best indoor shows at Walt Disney World
• Nature trails and exhibits provide slower-paced exploration options
• The overall layout encourages a relaxed, flexible touring style

This park is often the best “mid-trip reset” park for families needing a break from high-energy touring days.

Splash-Filled Fun at the Water Parks

Water parks are one of the best ways to balance out a summer Disney trip, especially during peak heat hours. This year, they’re also part of the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER celebration with character appearances that make pool days even more fun.

Pro-Tip: Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel can also take advantage of a limited-time summer perk: free admission to a Disney water park on the day of check-in, making it an easy way to start the vacation with a full day of splash-filled fun before even stepping into the theme parks.

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Highlights at Disney Water Parks

• Goofy shows up in a relaxed beach look at Blizzard Beach, greeting families poolside and adding a playful energy to the atmosphere
• Stitch brings his signature mischief to Typhoon Lagoon, popping up for fun, unpredictable character moments
• These character experiences are designed for casual, in-water park settings, so families can meet and interact with characters while already enjoying the pools, slides, and splash zones

What Else to Look Forward to This Summer

• Lazy rivers, wave pools, and splash zones for all-day cooling off
• Kid-friendly play areas for a wide range of ages
• One of the easiest ways to beat peak afternoon heat

Plan Your Disney World Summer Trip

Walt Disney World feels especially built for families this summer, with entertainment that makes it easier to shape your day around experiences, characters, and play-based activities rather than focusing only on rides.

Ready to start planning your visit? Here’s where to start:

• Save on Walt Disney World tickets for summer travel to lock in availability early and take advantage of seasonal pricing during this high-demand period
• Explore last-minute stay options through Disney resort partners like DVC rentals, which can offer flexible booking options and the added convenience of staying closer to the parks, with benefits like early entry
• Check out our full Orlando summer guide for broader planning tips, including packing essentials, heat strategies, and how to structure your park days around weather and crowds