Cool Kids Summer at Walt Disney World

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Is Coming Back to Disney World in 2026 (Yes, Big Kids Count)

Clear your calendars and your snack pouches: Walt Disney World Resort is bringing back Cool KIDS’ SUMMER from May 26th through September 8th, 2026!

This event debuted in 2025, and in 2026 it’s returning with MORE character appearances and limited-time experiences across the resort. And despite the name, we’re all invited, including the “I can’t believe I just paid $6 for a bottle of water” crowd. 😉

Disney Character Experiences

The Bluey franchise is coming to Animal Kingdom! Bluey and Bingo are headed to Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where guests can also encounter animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia.

This is where you’ll be able to meet and dance with Bluey and Bingo for the very first time in the East Coast theme parks! They’ll be hosting popular games from Bluey episodes (including Keepy Uppy), with some fun animal twists.

Jessie’s Roundup in Magic Kingdom

Frontierland is welcoming your favorite Toy Story pals to Jessie’s Roundup at The Diamond Horseshoe!

Get ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time as Jessie, Woody, and friends join diners for some “energetic fun.” Guests will be able to craft, dance, and yodel their hearts out with the gang during this western show. (Yes. Yodel. Consider your life choices accordingly.)

GoofyCore in EPCOT

GoofyCore is returning to CommuniCore Hall, where guests can dance and play along with Goofy, the Goof Troop, and DJ Dance Pants in fun activities.

And yes, Goofy’s Game Machine is back with playtime favorites like:

• Goofy Says
• Balloon Bonanza
• Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! in Hollywood Studios

A new addition is joining the lineup: Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

You’ll be able to dance alongside Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they head out on a road trip to find their pals: Daisy Duck and Pluto (plus a few familiar faces you already know and love). Just note: this show will debut later in the summer.

Disney World Resort Hotel Guest Perks

Character appearances at select Disney World Resort hotels

During Cool Kids’ Summer, these hotels will offer more experiences and amenities designed for families with young children, including scheduled visits from favorite Disney pals:

• Disney’s Pop Century Resort,
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort,
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

If your kiddo lives for meet-and-greets (or you do… no judgment, we’ve all been emotionally supported by a character hug), staying at one of these hotels is a very good idea.

FREE water park ticket on your check-in day

The free water park ticket perk is also returning for the Cool Kids’ Summer dates! From May 26th through September 8th, 2026, Disney World Resort hotel guests (including Disney Vacation Club properties) will get a FREE water park ticket for use on their arrival day.

This perk applies to all members of your party and can be used at either:

• Blizzard Beach
• Typhoon Lagoon

One important detail: you can only use that free water park ticket on your check-in day.

Early Theme Park Entry (with extra character magic)

If you stay at any Disney World Resort hotel, you get Early Theme Park Entry, which lets you enter any Disney World park 30 minutes before official opening every day of your trip.

During Cool Kid Summer, different Disney characters will be meeting guests across all four parks during Early Entry, which is basically Disney saying: “Congrats on being functional in the morning. Here is a reward.”

When Does Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Start?

Disney has announced the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER date range as May 26th to September 8th, 2026, and we can’t wait to hang out with all you cool kids when Cool KIDS’ SUMMER kicks off on May 28th, 2026. (We’re keeping our eyes peeled for any clarification on that kickoff wording, but either way… summer fun is incoming.)

And if you want more Disney planning news, snack updates, and “why is this so cute and why do I need it” alerts, AllEars.Net will be watching it all like a hawk.