Summer might not officially begin until late June, but the energy at Walt Disney World Resort is already shifting into vacation mode. As schools across the country wrap up for the season, families are beginning to plan their sunny getaways—and for many, that means returning to a place where magic meets memory-making.
Disney has always known how to celebrate the changing seasons, but this year, the company is introducing something a bit different. A new resort-wide initiative is about to launch, one that stretches across all four major theme parks and adds a mix of entertainment, interactivity, and limited-time offerings to the guest experience.
Related: WDW’s 2027 Expansion Plans Will Completely Transform the Way Disney World Guests Vacation
Running from May 27 through September 1, this all-new event is called Cool Kid Summer, and it promises a fresh lineup of activities, shows, and character appearances designed to make the parks feel even more alive. Here’s how each park is joining the celebration:
EPCOT
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GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall
Get ready to get goofy with the legend himself in CommuniCore Hall! Goofy will host the ultimate summer party, complete with games like Loopy Limbo and a fun dance party. -
Phineas and Ferb near EPCOT Main Entrance
It’s always memorable when you get to see some rare characters during your Disney World vacation, and guests will be able to meet Phineas and Ferb right when they enter the theme park.
Related: Fans Push Back Against Disney World’s Surprise EPCOT Update
Magic Kingdom
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Big Top Bash at Storybook Circus
Guests can dance alongside Pluto to some of their favorite songs, all while jugglers and stilt walkers make them feel like they have joined the circus. -
Galactic Blast at Tomorrowland
Everyone knows that Stitch loves to dance, and he will be hosting his very own dance party at the Rocket Tower Plaza Stage. -
Craft Station at Merchant of Venus
Inside the Merchant of Venus, guests can celebrate Disney’s upcoming animated film Elio with a special craft project.
Related: Must-Do Pursuits During Your First Time Visiting Magic Kingdom Park
Hollywood Studios
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Animation Courtyard Activities
During Cool Kid Summer, Animation Courtyard will be full of games and crafts that will keep kids entertained all day long. There will be things like magicians, jump rope performances, and special character interactions. -
Dance Party With Disney Jr. Characters
Mickey Mouse and his friends from Disney Jr. will also be hosting their own fun dance party, so be sure to get your groove on! -
TWO New Stage Shows
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“Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” – Some of your favorite Disney villains take center stage at the brand-new stage show. Guests will venture through the Magic Mirror and enjoy a show full of wickedly fun musical numbers and special effects.
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“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” – Journey back under the sea and watch Ariel and her friends sing fan-favorite songs from the classic Disney movie. The new show will also have tons of amazing new visuals and “theatrical magic.”
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Animal Kingdom
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Crafts at Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Rafiki’s Planet Watch is an amazing area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom where guests can learn all about different animal habitats and what they can do to help conservation efforts at home. During Cool Kid Summer, this area will feature a new craft activity focusing on pollinators like bees and butterflies. -
Wilderness Explorer Badge
“A Wilderness Explorer is a friend to all, be a plant or fish, or tiny mole.” Guests know that the wilderness must be explored, and those who participate in the Wilderness Explorers during Cool Kid Summer will earn a special badge. -
Celebration Sing-Along at Discovery Island
This fun new sing-along will be hosted by a Dino Institute intern. Guests will be able to participate in the interactive storytelling and sing about some of their favorite animals.
To help guests take full advantage of the event, Disney is also offering new discounts, including a 50% savings on standard child tickets between May 27 and September 20. For those planning shorter trips, the 3-Day, 3-Park ticket—priced at just $89 per park, per day—is another option that could add value to your summer visit.
With offerings in every park and something new around every corner, Cool Kid Summer may be the most event-packed seasonal celebration Walt Disney World has launched in recent years.
Will you be visiting during Cool Kid Summer? Which park experience are you most excited to try? Tell us in the comments!
