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New Disney World Area Off-Limits to Most Adults

In the age of likes, shares, and reels, there’s a growing tension in the most magical place on Earth—one that doesn’t involve long wait times or Genie+ debates. As the lines between guest experiences and digital content continue to blur, Disney seems to be making one thing clear: some spaces just aren’t meant for TikToks.

Every summer, Walt Disney World brings new experiences to its parks, whether it’s exclusive merchandise, seasonal food items, or themed entertainment. This year is no different. Disney has launched its new “Cool Kid Summer” celebration across all four parks, offering families even more reason to brave the Florida heat.

Goofy outside CommuniCore Hall for Cool Kid Summer
Credit: Disney

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From dance parties at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to playful surprises in Animal Kingdom, the limited-time event includes special appearances from classic characters, kid-friendly menus, and new spaces designed with younger guests in mind. But one particular offering at EPCOT has stirred up more than just excitement—it’s prompted a conversation about boundaries in the parks.

Nestled inside CommuniCore Hall, Goofy has taken center stage in a wacky, colorful new experience called GoofyCore, part of the Cool Kid Summer programming. This lighthearted event features games like Loopy Limbo and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks, a DJ spinning kid-safe jams, and a party atmosphere that encourages guests to get a little, well… goofy.

Young kids dance with Goofy at CommuniCore Plaza in EPCOT
Credit: Disney

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But GoofyCore isn’t open to everyone.

A simple, printed sign at the entrance to the area reads: “This play area is for the enjoyment of children ages 2 to 12 years old. Play equipment is for children ages 2–5.”

With content creators regularly documenting every corner of the parks, it didn’t take long before photos of the sign made their way to social media.

Among the voices weighing in was Cptn Jake’s Amity Boat Tours (@ThatJakeKid91), who shared a photo of the sign on X (formerly Twitter) and added:

“Gooftastic Summer makes it clear this is an influencer free zone, and I’m 100% here for that.”

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The reaction was swift. For many, it was a long-overdue move that prioritizes families over content creators. However, some speculated how long it would take before influencers found a workaround.

One sarcastically wrote, “Disney influencers trying to calculate how they can make a kid in time to be there the first day for content.”

Meanwhile, some guests offered constructive ideas—like opening GoofyCore up to adults in the evenings. “I’m genuinely asking, not trying to argue, how many adults would want to have an adults-only GoofCore session, maybe right before park closes?” asked one user in response to the trending tweet.

GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall in EPCOT for Cool Kid Summer
Credit: Disney

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This isn’t the first time Disney has taken subtle steps to control the influencer impact in its parks, but the clarity of this message—literal signage stating the age limit—has reignited the conversation about what theme park spaces are truly for.

To be clear, Disney hasn’t banned influencers outright. GoofyCore is part of a broader initiative meant to create age-appropriate experiences, especially during the school break season. And Cool Kid Summer has something for everyone: character encounters, pop-up activities, and no shortage of Instagram-worthy snacks.

Pluto stands in front of Storybook Circus at the Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

But by limiting access to GoofyCore’s space, Disney seems to be emphasizing its commitment to keeping certain areas sacred for their youngest guests. Whether you see it as a necessary boundary or an overcorrection, the move has made waves online—and may influence future event planning as social media continues to reshape guest behavior.

Cool Kid Summer runs through September 1 at Walt Disney World, and access to experiences like GoofyCore is included with regular park admission. No special ticket is required.

What do you think about the age restriction at GoofyCore? Should Disney draw more hard lines like this — or are content creators being unfairly singled out? Jump into the conversation and share your take below.

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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