Cool KID’S Summer Is Back At Walt Disney World
Disney has officially pulled back the curtain on everything coming to Walt Disney World this summer, and there’s a surprising amount packed into the lineup. Between new entertainment, refreshed attractions, character experiences and limited-time offerings for families, “Cool KIDS’ SUMMER” has essentially turned the parks into a giant seasonal playground running now through September 8, 2026.
Some of the big additions have already debuted, including the refreshed version of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom, Bluey’s arrival at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the new Disney Jr. stage show at Hollywood Studios and Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT.
And honestly? This feels like one of the more family-focused summers Disney World has put together in a while.
Bluey Has Officially Arrived at Disney World
One of the biggest additions this summer is Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Starting May 26, guests can meet both Bluey and Bingo, play interactive games inspired by the show and explore animal experiences themed around Australia. It’s tucked away at Rafiki’s Planet Watch after hopping aboard the Wildlife Express Train, which already gives the whole thing a little “hidden Disney side quest” energy.
For families with younger kids, this is probably going to become one of the hottest meet-and-greet locations of the summer.
Magic Kingdom Added More Than Just Buzz Lightyear
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin officially reopened back in April with several major updates including new handheld blasters, upgraded targets, fresh effects and an all-new support bot named Buddy helping guests train before their mission against Zurg.
Disney also reopened Big Thunder Mountain Railroad following its refurbishment, bringing the wildest ride in the wilderness back online just in time for summer crowds.
Meanwhile, Frontierland picked up a brand-new limited-time experience called Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue at the Diamond Horseshoe. The Toy Story themed offering features Jessie, Woody, Bullseye and interactive games, songs and dance activities aimed squarely at younger guests who still have enough energy left to vibrate through concrete after seven hours in the Florida heat.
Hollywood Studios Is Having a Very Busy Summer
Hollywood Studios may quietly be getting the biggest overall glow-up this summer.
The new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show officially debuts on May 26 and brings Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy and Pluto together in a fully interactive stage production inspired by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+.
“The Walt Disney Studios” courtyard also opens on that day, giving families another space to explore while Disney continues preparing for even more additions later this summer.
Still on the way is The Magic of Disney Animation, which sounds like a modern reimagining of the classic animation experience longtime fans will remember. The new space will include a Drawn to Wonderland playground, character experiences and an Olaf-led drawing class experience.
And then the thing I am most excited for: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets.
Disney confirmed the revamped version of the coaster is arriving this summer with The Electric Mayhem taking over the attraction. Which means there’s a very real possibility that Animal from The Muppets may soon be responsible for launching guests through inversions at highway speeds. A sentence that somehow feels both ridiculous and completely correct.
EPCOT Leaned Fully Into “Goofy Energy”
EPCOT’s contribution to Cool KIDS’ SUMMER comes in the form of GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall.
The experience includes dance parties, interactive games and oversized playground-style activities built around maximum silliness. It sounds like Disney took the internet’s “chaotic Goofy meme energy,” handed it a festival budget and let it loose inside EPCOT.
The park also brought back Soarin’ Across America for the summer in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The updated version includes new scenes, refreshed visuals and an updated orchestration of the classic attraction soundtrack.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Took Over the Millennium Falcon
Starting May 22, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run introduced a brand-new mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Guests can now help track ex-Imperial officers while choosing which planets they visit during the mission. Disney also added new interactions allowing engineers to directly communicate with Grogu during the ride.
Which means yes, Baby Yoda can now apparently judge your flying skills in real time. No pressure.
Disney Water Parks Are Fully in Summer Mode
Disney’s water parks also received some seasonal updates this year.
Guests visiting Blizzard Beach can meet Goofy in beach mode, while Typhoon Lagoon features Stitch causing his usual brand of delightful public disorder.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours also returned for select nights at Typhoon Lagoon through September 5. The separately ticketed event includes shorter wait times, dance parties and rare character appearances including Powerline Max and Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers characters.
Disney Resort Guests Are Getting Extra Perks
Disney is also leaning heavily into resort-exclusive offerings this summer.
Guests staying at select resorts including Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans Riverside can find additional character appearances, bedtime activities for kids and more. There are also special pajama parties and Disney Publishing storytime experiences happening on select nights.
Summer Discounts and Ticket Deals
Disney also rolled out several offers for summer travel including:
A 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket starting at $436 plus tax
Free Disney Dining Plans with select vacation packages
Up to 30% off Disney Resort hotel stays
Up to 40% off for Annual Passholders
Free water park admission on check-in day for Disney Resort hotel guests through September 8
Most of the booking windows and travel dates vary depending on the offer, but Disney is clearly making a strong push to position summer 2026 as a major family travel season.
More details on all of the summer offerings and discounts can be found at Disney World’s official summer page and Disney World special offers.
