If you’re planning your Disney World summer vacation, there is something you really need to know that’s going to impact your trip.

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER to return to Disney World from May 26th to September 8th this year, and a lot is happening! Cool KIDS’ SUMMER made its debut in 2025, and in 2026, they are adding even more characters and fun activities throughout Disney World for kids of all ages. There are also great package deals and new attractions opening that will attract families to visit. So if you are ready to pack your bags for a summer Disney trip, there is something you need to be prepared for.

First, let’s do a full run-through of everything going on this summer at Disney World, because the list is extensive! Here’s everything you need to know about this summer’s offerings and how they will affect your vacation.

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

Bluey and Bingo in Animal Kingdom

Bluey is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Bluey and Bingo are making an excursion to Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where guests will be able to encounter animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia. Here, you’ll be able to meet and dance with Bluey and Bingo for the very first time in the East Coast theme parks! Bluey and Bingo will be hosting some popular games from Bluey episodes (including Keepy Uppy) with animal twists. 

Jessie’s Roundup in Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland is welcoming your favorite Toy Story pals to Jessie’s Roundup at the Diamond Horseshoe! Jessie, Woody, and friends join diners for some “energetic fun” at Jessie’s Roundup! Guests will be able to “craft, dance, and yodel (their) hearts out” with Jessie, Woody, and the gang during this western show.

GoofyCore in EPCOT

GoofyCore is returning to EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall, where guests can “dance and play along with the Goof Troop, DJ Dance Pants, and Goofy himself in fun activities. Goofy’s Game Machine presents playtime favorites such as Goofy Says, Balloon Bonanza, and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks.

Character Appearances at Select Disney World Resort Hotels

Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will offer more experiences and amenities designed for families with young children, including scheduled visits from favorite Disney pals during Cool Kids’ Summer!

Early Theme Park Entry

If you stay at any of the Disney World Resort hotels, you have access to Early Theme Park Entry, which allows you to enter any Disney World park 30 minutes before opening on every day of your trip. During Cool Kid Summer, various Disney characters will meet guests across all four parks during Early Entry!

Free Water Park Perk

The free water park ticket perk is also returning for the Cool Kids’ Summer dates! From May 26th through September 8th, 2026, Disney World Resort Hotel guests (including Disney Vacation Club properties) will receive a FREE water park ticket for use on their arrival day. You’ll be able to use this perk at either Blizzard Beach Water Park or Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and only on your check-in day.

Free Kids Dining

When you book a stay at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel in 2026 and purchase a dining plan with your vacation package for members aged 10 and up in your party, you can qualify for a free Disney dining package for kids aged 3-9. However, to book online, your package must also include theme park tickets. You can book by phone if you already have admission to the theme parks. The number of packages with this deal is limited, but at this time, it is still available!

Learn More About Free Dining Plan Here!

2 Days Free

While this deal is closed now, there was an offer that included two free nights at a Disney World hotel and two free theme park days when you purchase select 4-night, 4-day (or longer) Walt Disney World Travel Company room and ticket packages. The deal was available for most nights from May 26th through September 15th, 2026, but the deal closed on February 15th. We’re always on the lookout for the latest discounts and deals that will help you save money on your Disney World trips, so be sure to stay tuned for any more deals you can use this summer.

New Offerings and Reopenings

There are going to be a few changes to attraction line-ups this summer. Two rides are likely to open after a long refurbishment this summer — Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. Both will feature new parts of the ride, and lots of guests will want to check out the changes! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Featuring Aerosmith will close on March 2nd and will reopen this summer as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Featuring The Muppets.

A brand new area is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: get ready to step into The Walt Disney Studios when it opens in the latter part of Summer 2026! Animation Courtyard is being reimagined into The Walt Disney Studios as a “special nod to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot” in Burbank, California. But here, Disney Animation characters will “leap off the screen and into our world.” The new land will retain two of Animation Courtyard’s signature attractions while introducing brand-new experiences inspired by beloved Disney characters as well as the “Once Upon a Studio” short film!

In the upcoming Walt Disney Studios, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will be joining the lineup! Here you can dance alongside Mickey and Minnie as they go on a road trip to find their best pals, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto. (Please be aware that this addition will make its debut later in the summer.)

The Problem

You might be thinking all of this sounds great! How could there be a problem with saving money, new experiences, and attractions reopening? Well, with all of this happening, it will bring in a LOT of visitors this summer. As attendance rises, we could see increased Lightning Lane prices, longer wait times, and dining reservations becoming increasingly harder to get. The parks, water parks, Disney resorts, and Disney Springs will be packed with things to do, but also guests trying to enjoy all of the offerings. Is it a reason to not go to Disney World this summer? Probably not, but you will want to set your expectations on what your vacation will look like and be flexible.

Tips for Navigating this Summer

There are a few tips we have for navigating this summer to help you have a better vacation.

• Book Those Reservations Early. Be sure to book any dining you are hoping for exactly 60 days in advance, around 6 AM ET. Also, grab those Lightning Lane selections when they open (7 days in advance for Disney hotel guests and 3 days in advance for other guests).
• Take Breaks. When it feels hot and too crowded, you don’t have to power through it. Go back to your hotel, do a table service lunch, or see a show indoors to take a break. I promise, you’ll feel so much better by doing so.
• Use the MyDisney Experience App to Save Time. Utilize Mobile Ordering for your food and set it for a time in advance to minimize long waits when you’re hungry. You can also save time by doing mobile checkout at many stores in Disney World through the app.
• Set Your Expectations. The summer will be hot and crowded. You are likely not going to get to see, do, and eat everything you want in one trip. Set your expectations and pick a few must-dos each day; anything over that is a happy bonus!

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t head to Disney this summer, but we hope this information helps you plan for a smoother vacation! For more Disney World tips and news, be sure to follow us at DFB!

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