Why Disney World Fans Are Suddenly Changing Their Summer 2026 Plans

If you don’t have a visit to Disney World on your summer calendar, this might change your mind!

Goofy at CommuniCore Hall

Cool Kid Summer is coming back to Disney World from May 26th to September 8th, 2026. This event brings about limited-time experiences, activities, and more around the theme parks and resorts. But that’s not all, there’s even more perks and discounts hitting Disney World that are having Disney fans excited about visiting this summer!

A lot is happening this summer at Disney World, and we’re going to break it all down for you, so buckle up!

Magic Kingdom

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom has been closed for some seriously massive changes and upgrades, but we won’t have to wait too much longer to see them! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will reopen on April 8th. We’re getting new ride vehicles, new blasters, targets, and a new character named Buddy.

©Disney

Speaking of ride refurbishments, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is set to reopen in early May 2026, though an exact date has not been shared by Disney. The attraction has been closed since the beginning of 2025 to get a refresh. Disney has shared that it will reopen with “new magic” and the “shine and polish” of an all-over refurbishment. This makeover comes with new geysers, new lighting and effects, as well as a new, smoother track.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

This one is very exciting as we are getting Toy Story characters at Magic Kingdom! Jessie’s Roundup is coming to the Diamond Horseshoe. At Jessie’s Roundup, you can craft, dance, and “yodel your hearts out” with the characters! The restaurant typically serves the same menu as Liberty Tree Tavern, right next door. After talking to a Cast Member, they confirmed that the restaurant is still expected to offer a meal or to be a dinner show, similar to events they’ve hosted in the past.

Jessie

EPCOT

Disney revealed that Soarin’ in both Disney World and Disneyland would become Soarin’ Across America to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. It will debut May 26th at EPCOT. The Disney World calendar shows that the last day to ride Soarin’ Over The World will be on May 13th, so it will be closing on May 14th. Soarin’ Across America will send us on a new adventure to soar across both coasts of the U.S., highlighting some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.

©Disney

Returning this year is GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall! Here, guests can join Goofy for a party filled with laughter, movement, and just the right amount of silliness. Kids can jump into DJ-led dancing where wiggly moves, freestyle fun, and big belly laughs are all part of the routine.

It’s GoofyCore summer!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Over in Hollywood Studios, we have a lot of new offerings debuting! Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is opening May 26th! In the new show inspired by the Disney Jr. series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, Mickey and Minnie are inviting everyone to a party, but their guests haven’t arrived yet! We’ll go on an adventure to find Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto. In addition to the show, the “Walt Disney Studios” outdoor courtyard will be open.

Disney Jr. Let’s Play!

Then, in late summer, The Magic of Disney Animation will open. Here, guests will meet characters, draw with Olaf, and play on the “Drawn to Wonderland” playground, entirely inspired by the original “Alice in Wonderland” concept art.

Walt Disney Studios ©Disney

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Bluey is coming to Disney World! The Bluey experience at Animal Kingdom opens on May 26th! But Bluey will also stay beyond Cool Kid Summer, making it a new permanent edition to Animal Kingdom. Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station will let you meet Bluey and Bingo, play games from the show with them, and you can also meet animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia at the petting zoo, Jumping Junction (previously Affection Section). We know this is going to be a very popular addiction to the park.

Bluey and Bingo!

Disney’s Water Parks

Make a splash right from the start. Guests of Disney Resorts can enjoy free admission to one of our two water parks on the day of their check-in for free. In case you missed it, both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open this summer.

Blizzard Beach

What makes a Disney Water Park even more fun? Characters, of course! Just for the summer, guests can meet Goofy in his laid-back beach style at Blizzard Beach or catch Stitch spreading playful chaos at Typhoon Lagoon.

Stitch

Disney Springs

When visiting Disney Springs over at the Marketplace on select nights, break out your best dance moves during a party featuring hits from Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Camp Rock 3, in celebration of the new original movies coming to Disney+ this summer.

Disney Springs

Disney World Resorts

For summertime only, guests staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort , and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside  will have even more experiences and amenities designed for families with young children, including scheduled visits from favorite Disney pals like Mickey and Minnie.

There, you’ll be able to enjoy even more Disney-themed activities, including character visits with set appearance times to help you plan your day and an expanded itinerary of things to do with your family throughout your stay at these four resorts.

‘The Lion King’ section of Art of Animation Resort

At these select resorts, you will also be able to find pool parties! But that’s not all, guests will get to enjoy special libraries curated by Disney Publishing. On select evenings, families can also wind down with a cozy pajama party that includes story time and a fun “create your own bedtime story” activity.

Pop Century

Now let’s talk about the discounts Disney released to help make this summer vacation happen! First, there is a 4-Day, 4-Park Magic ticket is the perfect way to soak up all there is to see and do this summer. You can visit all four theme parks, one park per day, with one admission per park, starting at $109 per day, plus tax (total price starting at $436, plus tax) for visits between May 26 and October 3, 2026.

This summer, mealtimes can be part of the magic with our FREE Dining Plan offer! When guests purchase a non-discounted 4-night/4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package for their family that includes a room at select Disney Resort Collection and tickets with the Park Hopper option, they’ll receive a complimentary dining plan for the whole family.

Book between March 12 and April 30, 2026, to take advantage of this deal. This offer is available for most nights, June 28 through October 3, October 19 through October 31, and December 6 through December 21, 2026.

Florida Residents can save up to 35%, and Annual Passholders can save up to 40% on rooms at select Disney Resorts when staying four nights or more during the same travel window.

This summer is going to be a blast at Disney World with so much to do. If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

For more Disney news, be sure to follow AllEars.net.

Disney World Rules Are Changing in 2026

Need a vacation from planning your vacation?

Feeling overwhelmed planning your dream Disney vacation? Our friends at MouseFanTravel.com have got you covered! They’ll wait on hold for HOURS to get discounts you haven't even read about yet. Plus, they'll help you create an itinerary that's absolutely perfect for you, because their agents are Disney pros and know ALL the inside tips. I mean they are friends with us after-all.

The best part? They take all the stress off your shoulders, so you can kick back and truly enjoy your vacation. Their services are 100% free, so what are you waiting for? Get a quote from their amazing team today!