What’s New at Walt Disney World for Cool Kids Summer 2026

If you’ve been on the fence about a Disney trip this summer, Cool Kids Summer might be the little nudge you needed. Cool Kids Summer 2026 is one of the most genuinely exciting seasons the resort has put together in years. We’re talking a first-ever park appearance from one of the most beloved characters in kids’ entertainment right now, a completely reimagined section of Hollywood Studios, a fan-favorite coaster with a brand-new identity, and upgrades to classic attractions that make even the familiar feel fresh.

Cool Kids Summer 2026 runs from May 26 through September 8, which gives you a solid booking window to work with. The experiences span all four theme parks, both water parks, Disney Springs, and select resort hotels, so no matter how you build your trip, there’s something worth showing up for.

Here’s what’s actually new, what’s worth your time, and how to make the most of it.

What Makes Cool Kids Summer Different This Year

Cool Kids Summer is Walt Disney World’s annual summer season, and every year it brings some mix of limited-time entertainment, new character experiences, and seasonal fun. Instead of relying only on returning entertainment or small seasonal extras, several major experiences are debuting at the same time.

May 26 is the single biggest launch date of Cool Kids Summer. Nearly everything brand new kicks off on that day, which means an early summer trip puts you in the best position to experience the freshest version of everything before the crowds fully catch on.

If your dates are flexible, late May outside of the holiday weekend or the first two weeks of June tend to be the sweet spot for newness without the absolute peak of summer crowds.

Bluey’s Wild World Comes to Animal Kingdom for Cool Kids Summer

This is going to be huge for families with young kids. Starting May 26 and continuing beyond the summer season, Bluey and Bingo are making their very first appearance at Walt Disney World, and the experience goes beyond a basic character meet and greet.

Bluey’s Wild World takes place at Conservation Station, which means you will need to ride the Wildlife Express Train to get there. Once you arrive, guests can play games inspired by the show, dance with Bluey and Bingo, take photos, and explore Jumping Junction, a new habitat with animals native to Australia.

The most important thing to know is that Bluey’s Wild World will require a virtual queue. You’ll join through the My Disney Experience app at either 7 AM or 10 AM. For the 7AM drop, you will need to have valid park admission but you do not need to be inside the park yet. At 10 AM, you’ll also need valid park admission and you have to be inside Animal Kingdom.

If Bluey is a priority for your family, treat that 7 AM virtual queue like a real part of your plan. Have the app downloaded, your tickets linked, and your party selected before that morning. The first few weeks of Cool Kids Summer will likely be very popular, and this is not the moment to be figuring out your password.

Animal Kingdom is also getting some fun Bluey-inspired food for Cool Kids Summer. Pizzafari is serving Fairy Bread Cake, Wackadoo Fruit Freeze, and Bluey’s Berry Lemonade. Pretzel’s Pretzels are available at Isle of Java with cheese and blueberry-mustard dipping sauces, and a Bluey sipper will be available while supplies last.

Hollywood Studios is Getting Some of the Biggest Cool Kids Summer Updates

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has the most new things happening for Cool Kids Summer, especially if your family loves Disney Jr., animation, or The Muppets.

This is the park I would prioritize early in your trip if you want to experience the newest offerings. Brand-new attractions and entertainment usually draw the most attention during the first few weeks, and Hollywood Studios already tends to be a park where having a plan matters.

The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard

The former Animation Courtyard area is being transformed into The Walt Disney Studios, an outdoor space inspired by the real Walt Disney Animation Studios campus in Burbank.

This new courtyard opens May 26 and is designed to feel more like a studio lot, with updated architecture, shaded places to sit, and details that reward you for slowing down and looking around. It will include the Studio Theater, home to The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure, along with the soundstage for Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

The courtyard itself is a relaxed, park-like setting with trees, shaded spots to sit, and an area to slow down and explore rather than just rush from show to show. Keep your eyes open while you wander because the Imagineers have tucked in some fun details, and you never know who you might spot playing in the branches or hanging around the grounds.

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster reopens May 26 with a brand new Muppets storyline, and honestly, The Electric Mayhem feels like such a natural fit for this ride.

The coaster itself is still the high-speed launch coaster guests already know, but the story and soundtrack are completely refreshed. The ride features five different tracks from The Electric Mayhem and their friends.

Right outside the exit, FØØD by Swedish Chef is getting a refreshed look and an updated menu of snacks and drinks.

Plan for this attraction to have significant waits in the first few weeks and throughout July, and consider Lightning Lane if you want to experience it without committing a large chunk of your day to standing in line.

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! also opens May 26 inside the new Walt Disney Studios area. This show is made for younger kids, with Mickey and Minnie leading an interactive party full of music, dancing, and familiar friends.

For families with toddlers and preschoolers, this is a smart mid-day option. It gives kids a chance to move, sing, and interact without needing to stand in a long outdoor line in the heat.

Check My Disney Experience on your park day for showtimes, then build it into your plan before everyone gets tired.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Gets a New Mission

Hollywood Studios is also getting a major Star Wars update right before Cool Kids Summer officially begins. Starting May 22, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run adds a new mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, which gives this already interactive attraction a fresh reason to be on your list.

For the first time, the crew can control the destination, which means your flight could take you to Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star near Endor, or Coruscant. There is also a new gameplay element that lets the engineer positions communicate with Grogu during the mission, which is such a fun little detail for kids and Star Wars fans.

This is a smart one to prioritize if you have Star Wars fans in your group, especially since new ride updates tend to bring renewed attention to attractions that might not normally be at the very top of your Hollywood Studios plan.

The Magic of Disney Animation Opens Later This Summer

The Magic of Disney Animation is expected to open later in summer 2026, so this is the one Hollywood Studios update that may not be available for early summer trips.

When it opens, the indoor experience will bring back an animation-focused space with character meet and greets, interactive areas, a theater experience, and drawing classes. One of the highlights will be Olaf Draws!, featuring an Audio-Animatronics Olaf who helps host character sketching sessions with instruction from Disney Animation artists.

Families with younger kids will also want to know about Drawn to Wonderland, an indoor play area inspired by Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland concept art. An indoor playground at Hollywood Studios in the middle of summer is the kind of thing that can completely save an afternoon.

Jessie’s Roundup Brings Toy Story Fun to Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom’s headline Cool Kids Summer experience is Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue at The Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland.

This limited-time Toy Story experience features Jessie, Woody, Bullseye, and friends with music, dancing, games, crafts, and playful Western-style fun. It runs during Cool Kids Summer, so if you have Toy Story fans in your group, add it to your list before you go.

This is the kind of entertainment that can be easy to miss if you are only focused on rides. Check My Disney Experience for times on your Magic Kingdom day and plan to arrive a few minutes early for a good spot.

Magic Kingdom also has a few attraction updates worth knowing about for summer 2026. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopened in April with upgraded handheld blasters, interactive targets, a new support bot named Buddy, and new PhotoPass moments that include your score.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad returned from a full refurbishment with a new track, refreshed trains, and a brand-new underground scene featuring glowing phosphorescent caverns called the Rainbow Caverns. The height requirement has also been lowered to 38 inches, which opens the ride up to younger guests who might have just missed the cutoff before. If you have not ridden either one in a while, they are worth adding back into your Magic Kingdom plan.

EPCOT Adds GoofyCore and Soarin’ Across America for Cool Kids Summer

EPCOT has two Cool Kids Summer experiences that make a lot of sense for families, especially if you want a mix of air conditioning, movement, and something new.

GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall

GoofyCore takes over CommuniCore Hall with DJ-led dance parties, silly games, and interactive activities for kids. It is designed to be playful, low-pressure, and a little chaotic in the best way.

The other very important detail is that it is indoors. EPCOT in the summer can be a lot, especially if you are walking through World Showcase in the afternoon. Having an air-conditioned place where kids can move around and have fun is a win.

Soarin’ Across America

Soarin’ Across America opens May 26 in celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration. The ride format stays the same as Soarin’ Around the World, with guests lifted into a simulated hang-gliding experience, but the film changes to an aerial journey across the United States.

Disney has shared that the new film will highlight natural beauty and iconic cityscapes across America. If Soarin’ has become a “we’ll do it if the wait is short” ride for your family, this fresh version makes it feel like a priority again.

Grabbing a Lightning Lane or heading to Soarin’ early is a solid strategy, especially if you want to ride with a lower wait and then enjoy the rest of the park at a more relaxed pace.

Both Disney Water Parks Are Open for Cool Kids Summer

Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are running this summer, which doesn’t always happen. Having both parks operating at the same time means you have real choices depending on your group’s vibe.

Typhoon Lagoon tends to skew younger with an incredible wave pool as its centerpiece. Blizzard Beach is more thrill-focused with Mount Gushmore as its anchor. Knowing which park fits your crew before you go saves a lot of decision fatigue in the moment.

Disney Resort hotel guests arriving between May 26 and September 8, 2026, get free admission to one water parks on their check-in day. Take advantage of that on arrival before you’ve exhausted yourself in the theme parks. It’s a genuinely good perk and a fun, lower-key way to ease into your trip.

Cool Kids Summer also brings character fun to the water parks. You can find Stitch at Typhoon Lagoon, while Goofy will be in his beach look at Blizzard Beach. Those character moments can be a little more relaxed than what you might find in the theme parks.

If you plan to take advantage of the water park check-in day benefit, make sure your water park essentials are packed and easy to grab.

The Cool Kids Summer Resort Hotel Perks Worth Knowing About

Four Disney Resort hotels are getting extra Cool Kids Summer fun: Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.

At these resorts, guests can expect special character visits, poolside entertainment, interactive games, campfire fun, and Disney Publishing book libraries. Some nights will also include pajama party story time, which is such a sweet way to end a busy park day with little kids.

Families with babies and toddlers should also pay attention to the complimentary baby care items available at these four resorts. Disney has shared that bottle warmers, infant bathtubs, diaper disposal units, and nightlights will be available to request for guest use during Cool Kids Summer at these resorts.

That is genuinely helpful if you are trying to pack lighter. I would still bring your true must-haves, but knowing some of those bulkier baby items may be available can take a little pressure off your packing list.

All Disney Resort hotel guests also get 30 minutes of early theme park entry at all four parks each day of their stay. During Cool Kids Summer, that extra time can make a big difference, especially if you are trying to get ahead of crowds and heat.

Annual Passholder Perks During Cool Kids Summer

If you are a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder, V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days runs May 1 through July 31, 2026 and includes some perks worth planning around.

Passholders can pick up a free exclusive Woody and Buzz Lightyear magnet at Creations Shop in EPCOT while supplies last. You need your valid Annual Pass and a government-issued photo ID, and it’s one per Passholder.

There is also a dining discount at select restaurants. Passholders can save up to 40% at select table-service restaurants Monday through Thursday. There are also 20% discounts at select locations, including Be Our Guest Restaurant for lunch and The Crystal Palace for lunch and dinner.

The best strategy is to plan your bigger table-service meals during the weekday portion of your trip. If you are already considering a nicer meal at EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, or a resort restaurant, those discounts can make a real difference.

Looking for the best travel essentials or Disney-inspired finds? I’ve rounded up all my favorites on Amazon, from park must-haves to magical extras. Take a peek and snag some goodies for your next vacation!

Disney Springs is Getting New Things This Summer Too

Disney Springs is also adding some new options for summer 2026, which gives families and adults more to do outside the parks.

Level99 is opening on the West Side near Drawn to Life and House of Blues. It will feature more than 60 life-sized mini games, challenge rooms, player-vs-player duels, art installations, and a two-story bar. This sounds like a strong option for adults, older teens, rainy afternoons, or a non-park evening.

Six Ravens is also coming to The Landing from the team behind Gideon’s Bakehouse. Instead of cookies, this new spot will focus on savory grab-and-go hand pies called Coffyns, inspired by Medieval European pastry traditions.

Disney Springs will also host dance parties celebrating the new Disney+ original movies Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Camp Rock 3. For families who want evening entertainment without adding another ticketed event, that could be a fun option to keep in mind.

Tips for Planning Your Cool Kids Summer Trip

A Disney World summer trip can be wonderful, but it is not the season to wing it. Between heat, crowds, virtual queues, Lightning Lane, mobile ordering, and new entertainment, Cool Kids Summer is much easier when you have a loose plan before you arrive.

Prioritize Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Bluey’s Wild World and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets are going to be two of the biggest draws. Magic Kingdom and EPCOT summer additions are wonderful, but more forgiving from a logistics standpoint.

For Bluey’s Wild World, make the 7 AM virtual queue your main goal on Animal Kingdom day. Have your My Disney Experience app downloaded and set up, your tickets linked, and your party selected before the morning of your park day.

Keep your phone charged. Between virtual queues, Lightning Lane, mobile ordering, and PhotoPass, your battery is going to take a real hit. A portable charger is one of the smartest things you can pack,

Plan around the heat instead of pretending it will not affect you. Lightweight clothes, cooling towels, refillable water bottles, and afternoon breaks can make a huge difference. Knowing what to wear to Disney theme parks in the summer is not just about cute outfits. It is about making sure everyone can last the day.

If you are staying at Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, or Port Orleans Riverside, check the resort activity schedule when you arrive. A character appearance at your resort with a posted time can be such an underrated win, especially compared to waiting in a long park line.

For Annual Passholders, plan dining strategically. If you can schedule your bigger meals Monday through Thursday, the V.I.PASSHOLDER dining discounts may help you stretch your budget a little further.

Make the Most of Cool Kids Summer

Cool Kids Summer at Walt Disney World feels like a really fun reason to plan a 2026 summer trip. Whether you’re going with littles who will completely lose their minds over Bluey, older kids who are going to be obsessed with the Muppets coaster, or a group of grown-ups who just want a summer trip worth remembering, this season has something that will land for every person in your group.

The key is not trying to do every single thing. Pick the experiences that matter most for your family, build your park days around those priorities, and leave room for the little moments that make a Disney trip feel special.

If you want help planning your Cool Kids Summer trip, I would love to help you sort through the options, choose the right resort, and build a plan that makes the whole thing feel a lot less overwhelming.