Some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site.
Cool Kid Summer 2026 Dates, Deals, and New Experiences Revealed for Walt Disney World
Disney just dropped the full scoop on Cool Kid Summer 2026, and it is shaping up to be one of the biggest summers ever at Walt Disney World. Cool Kid Summer officially runs from May 26 through September 8, 2026, bringing limited-time entertainment, refreshed attractions, character-filled experiences, and some of the best summer deals Disney has offered in years. If summer vacation planning is already on your mind, this is one calendar block you will want to circle in red, blue, and probably Mickey-shaped highlighter.
Related: Early Theme Park Entry Returning to Disney World this Summer
Disney is pairing Cool Kid Summer with serious savings. Guests can add two free nights and theme park days when booking select four night Walt Disney Travel Company packages, turning a trip into at least six full Disney days. That offer is valid for stays most nights from May 26 through September 15, 2026, and can be booked between January 6 and February 15.
Additionally, Disney is offering up to 30 percent off select resort hotels this summer. Florida Residents can save up to 35 percent, and Annual Passholders can save up to 40 percent on rooms. Summer at Disney is also one of the best times for ticket pricing, longer park hours, and now some truly stacked perks.
One of the biggest Cool Kid Summer bonuses is back again in 2026 with free water park admission on check-in day for guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels between May 26 and September 8. Even better, both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open at the same time, giving families the freedom to choose their splash style. Families can also stack this with the free dining plan for kids ages 3 to 9 when booking a package that includes a dining plan for adults and a Disney resort stay, making summer meals a whole lot easier to budget.
Entertainment-wise, Cool Kid Summer is leaning heavily into family fun. Bluey and Bingo are heading to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, appearing at Conservation Station with games inspired by the show and interactive play after a ride on the Wildlife Express Train. Magic Kingdom gets Jessie’s Roundup at the Diamond Horseshoe, where Jessie, Woody, and friends bring Toy Story energy to crafts, dancing, and western-themed fun.
Over at EPCOT, GoofyCore takes over CommuniCore Hall with DJ Dance Pants, Goofy Says, balloon games, and classic Goof Troop chaos. Hollywood Studios joins the party with Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live, a new stage show featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto in an interactive, music-filled adventure.
Related: Your Ultimate Guide to the runDisney Experience 2026
Several major attraction updates also land right in the heart of Cool Kid Summer. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopens with new ride vehicles, handheld blasters, interactive targets, and a brand new character named Buddy. Animal Kingdom continues to debut Zootopia: Better Zoogether, a new 4D show featuring Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. Hollywood Studios adds new missions featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, starting May 22, while Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets races into the park this summer with Electric Mayhem energy. EPCOT also gets a patriotic refresh with Soarin’ Across America, debuting by Memorial Day as part of the United States 250th anniversary celebration.
Disney resort guests get even more magic during Cool Kid Summer with enhanced Early Theme Park Entry. Characters will appear across all four parks during the daily 30-minute early entry window, encouraging guests to mix up their park days to catch them all. Select resorts, including Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside, will also feature extra kid-focused activities and scheduled character visits, on top of movies under the stars, pool games, and other resort favorites.
From May 26 through September 8, 2026, Walt Disney World is going all in on summer fun, with new entertainment, refreshed attractions, big savings, and extra perks that make staying on property more appealing than ever. Cool Kid Summer is not just back, it is leveled up.
Get all the best Disney News
and more, straight to your inbox!
We don't spam. Read our privacy policy for more info.
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.
Let our friends at Get Away Today help you book your next Disney or Universal Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
