Cool Kid Summer Brings Playful Magic to Walt Disney World

Seven young girls wearing Mickey ears enjoy Mickey-shaped ice cream bars while sitting on a bench at Walt Disney World.

The Ultimate Summer Celebration Has Arrived

It’s officially a Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World Resort! Now through September 1, young guests can enjoy high-energy dance parties, surprise character visits, immersive crafts, and unforgettable entertainment across all four theme parks and select Disney Resort hotels. Here's what’s popping up around the resort:

All-New Entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

“Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After”
Step into the shimmering world of the Magic Mirror as iconic Disney villains steal the spotlight in a delightfully wicked stage show.

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”
Dive under the sea with Ariel in a vibrant musical retelling of the classic animated film, complete with fan-favorite songs and theatrical effects.

Plus, families can join ongoing fun at Animation Courtyard with creative crafts, games, and pop-up performances. Look out for magicians, jump rope artists, and surprise character moments! And for little ones with big energy, a DJ dance party with Mickey Mouse and Disney Junior pals brings the beat indoors.

GoofyCore Fun at CommuniCore Hall

Playtime gets a delightfully wacky upgrade with Goofy as host. Enjoy DJ-led dance sessions and join in zany games like Loopy Limbo and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks—where the sillier, the better!

Wild Adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Aspiring explorers can head to Rafiki’s Planet Watch to learn about pollinators through interactive crafts. Complete a limited-time Wilderness Explorers badge and discover exotic animals like tigers and okapi along the way. End the adventure with a heartwarming sing-along filled with original tunes and playful storytelling celebrating the park’s animal residents.

Magical Moments at Magic Kingdom

Under the Big Top, kids can dance with Pluto and the DJ ringmaster, surrounded by jugglers and stilt walkers adding to the circus-style fun. At Rocket Tower Plaza Stage, dance with Stitch in a galactic DJ party, then pop into Merchant of Venus for a craft inspired by Disney-Pixar’s upcoming film, Elio.

Don’t miss the grand arrival of the “Disney Starlight” nighttime parade on July 20, the first of its kind at Walt Disney World in nearly a decade. This dazzling procession features favorites from Encanto, Frozen, Coco, and more!

Pro tip: With extended summer hours, there’s more time to enjoy the parks and take a refreshing mid-day break at the pool.

Stay Where the Magic Never Stops

Guests staying at Disney Resort Collection hotels get even more summer perks:

  • Free water park admission on check-in day at either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach.

  • Early theme park entry—30 minutes before official opening—for even more magic (and shorter lines!).

  • Exclusive character appearances and themed activities at select resorts like Disney’s Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Wilderness Lodge.

Other resort-wide favorites include Disney movie nights under the stars, guided by cast members, plus complimentary transportation to and from the parks.


Let the Cool Kid Summer celebration begin—because when the magic meets the sunshine, the fun never ends!

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