Why Experts Are Suddenly Changing Their Disney World Hotel Reservations

If you’re looking to squeeze in a bit more Disney magic into your vacation, the next time you visit Disney World, it might be a good idea to visit one of these FOUR hotels!

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Cool Kids’ Summer is COMING BACK to Disney World in 2026, and we’re stoked! This event will bring with it the return of the free water park admission perk, free park tickets, discounts, and more character interactions throughout the resort! When it comes to meeting characters, this event will see more characters in the hotels, and we’re gonna see folks flocking to four Disney World hotels in particular for some super rare character meet-and-greets!

From May 26th through September 8th, 2026, special character experiences will be available on select days at a few Disney World hotels — including a few along the Disney Skyliner route, which makes them easier to visit even if you’re not staying there as a hotel guest! It’s also a reason some guests may be deciding to stay at these Disney World hotels instead of others this summer!

Wilderness Lodge sign

The hotels in question are Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside!

Disney’s Pop Century

Cool Kids’ Summer debuted last year, and this event saw scheduled character appearances at select hotels. These hotels will have signage letting you know where you can meet characters on which days and at what time. Don’t expect to see your favorite characters just wandering around — this is a limited offering with a strict meeting window.

Wilderness Lodge sign

Additionally, as part of Cool Kids’ Summer, some iconic Toy Story characters will appear at Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom, and other special characters will meet guests during Early Theme Park Entry for hotel guests at the four Disney World theme parks.

Bert and Mr. Penguin

Along with the usual hotel perks like free transportation (like the Skyliner at Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Caribbean Beach Resort — water taxi at Port Orleans – Riverside), immersive theming, Early Theme Park Entry, extended Lightning Lane booking windows, and top-notch amenities, the free water park ticket perk will also be offered at these hotels.

Blizzard Beach

This perk allows guests staying at Disney hotels FREE access to either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach on check-in day.

Typhoon Lagoon

Hotel perks and offerings are always subject to change and grow, so you can count on us to stay up-to-date on any and all adjustments! Keep it posted right here at DFB for all the latest Disney World tips and updates!

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Which characters are you hoping to meet this year at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!