While Walt Disney World may currently be in a period of transition and construction, that doesn’t mean things are slowing down at the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”

In fact, the resort is about to HEAT UP with the launch of the Cool Kids’ Summer promotion! Don’t sweat it, though, we’ve got everything you need to know to avoid any potential chaos!

Running from May 26th through September 8th, the Cool Kids Summer promotion features new versions of classic attractions, entertainment, and perks for guests staying at Disney World Hotels.

Big Thunder & Buzz are BACK!

Before we get into Cool Kids’ Summer proper, it behooves us to mention both Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Both of these Magic Kingdom stalwarts reopened in recent weeks after long refurbishments, and both have seen some notable improvements.

Buzz features new ride vehicles, new blasters, new interactive targets, and a new scene featuring the original robot character named Buddy, which ensures that “departing Space Rangers are fully prepared for their mission (by) enthusiastically providing encouragement, final system checks on their Star Cruisers, and a chance to hone their blaster aim.”

The legendary Big Thunder, meanwhile, returned in early May after a refurbishment that lasted well over a year. The legendary E-Ticket features updated tracks and trains that “preserve the attraction’s classic storytelling and trademark hootin’ an’ hollerin’ energy” while improving the ride experience.

These changes and a “comprehensive review from their safety teams” have even allowed Disney to lower the ride’s height requirement from 40 inches to 38 inches.

Buzz has returned as a Tier 2 Lightning Lane and is available during Early Entry, while Big Thunder is a Tier 1 Lightning Lane and is not available during Early Entry.

Mando & Grogu are Landing at Galaxy’s Edge

In conjunction with the release of the new Star Wars Mandalorian & Grogu feature film on May 22nd, Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run will see the addition of a new mission based on the titular character and his youngling Grogu (Baby Yoda, to those of you unfamiliar with the Galaxy Far, Far Away).

According to Disney, as part of the new experience, “the crew will be in control of their own destination, leading to potential adventures on Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star around Endor, or the just-announced bustling city-planet, Coruscant.” In addition, another new gameplay addition allows the engineer positions to communicate with Grogu, making them much more “important” to the ride’s overall story and narrative. The ride will be a Tier 1 Lightning Lane and available during Early Entry.

It’s Time to Ride the Muppets!

May 26th will also see the opening of the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. This new take on the class thrill ride will feature a soundtrack of classic songs as covered by the Electric Mayhem, as well as animatronics of Scooter, the penguins from Muppet*Vision 3D, and even Stadler and Waldorf!

The Tier 1 Lightning Lane attraction will be available during Early Entry, according to Disney’s website.

Fly High for America’s Birthday

May 26th will also see the official opening of a new take on Soarin’ over at EPCOT. In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this coming July, the ride has received an “all-new airborne adventure across the US, honoring the heart and spirit of the nation.”

The refurbishment is part of the “Disney Celebrates America” campaign, a “company-wide initiative spanning programming, storytelling, and experiences across its iconic brands and businesses.” Some destinations include the New England coastline, New York Harbor, the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, and “so many quintessentially American settings… the autumn colors of the heartland; the beauty of our bayous; the great plains of the west; the northern wilderness; and sunlit island shores.”

Soarin’ Across America will be a Tier 2 Lightning Lane offering.

In addition to these rides, several entertainment offerings are coming to the resort on May 26th, including:

• Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip Roarin’ Review at the Magic Kingdom. Led by “everyone’s favorite yodelin’ cowgirl” Jessie, guests “craft, dance, and yodel their day away” with Woody and friends in a “high-spirited Western revue!” The show will make the first live entertainment in the Diamond Horseshoe in over two decades. From the Magic Kingdom’s opening in 1971 through 2004, the restaurant – which has alternated between table service and quick service throughout its history – has hosted several incarnations of the Diamond Horseshoe Revue… and Goofy’s Country Dancin’ Jamboree. One of those things is certainly not like the other.
• Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live is a live show revolving around Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse searching for Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Pluto as audiences clap, cheer, and dance along as the adventure unfolds, which is premiering at Hollywood Studios.
• EPCOT’s Communicore Hall will be home to GoofyCore, a dance where guests can “dance and play along with the Goof Troop, DJ Dance Pants, and Goofy himself.”
• Finally, May 26th will ALSO see another major opening, because Disney decided to go HARD on Memorial Day Weekend this year. Animal Kingdom will finally welcome Bluey! The park’s Conservation Station will be home to Bluey’s Wild World, where guests will be able to “play and dance with Bluey and Bingo! Play some of (their) favorite games from Bluey episodes with a fun animal twist, like butterfly keepy uppy”, grab the whole family, and “snap some pictures alongside your Blue Heeler pals to remember this one-of-a-kind adventure. Plus, as part of your wild excursion, step outside to discover an experience with animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia!” Of note, this experience will utilize a virtual queue system, at least initially.

On the hotel side of things, May 26th will also see the return of the water park perk. In 2025, Disney introduced a new water park perk for hotel guests, which gave each member of their party admission to one of Walt Disney World’s water parks on their check-in day. The perk is returning from May 26th to September 8th.

In addition, there are several Cool Kids Summer perks available to guests at the Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Art of Animation, and Pop Century:

• Scheduled Character Appearances: Meet some favorite Disney pals—like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse—during scheduled appearances.
• Special Libraries: Little ones can celebrate Disney stories in libraries provided by Disney Publishing, where the magic of their imaginations can come alive with tales of princesses, heroes, and more.
• Pajama Party: Wind down with your family during story time! Participate in a “create your own bedtime story” activity, where the magic of a good book comes to life with the arrival of a favorite Disney Character.
• Pool Party: Make a splash at a high-energy poolside experience with games and music for the whole family.
• Campfire: Gather ‘round for a celebration filled with marshmallows and Disney-infused entertainment.

We Have the Perfect Solution to an Annoying Disney World Rope Drop Problem

Cool Kids Summer is about to kick off at Walt Disney World, and with that comes refurbished rides, shows, and perks! Stay tuned to DFB for further coverage of everything coming to Disney World!

What’s your favorite Cool Kids Summer offering? Let us know in the comments below.