Cool KIDS' SUMMER Is Back - What We Love and What We Want More Of

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER (formerly “Cool Kid Summer”) returned to Walt Disney World on May 26, 2026! Let’s talk about what you can expect from Cool KIDS’ SUMMER this year!

Basics of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

At its heart, Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is an enigma. Well, no, it’s mostly a marketing effort with a touch of real-world razzmatazz. It’s summer by some other name, but one that smells just a tad sweeter because of it. Following?

Me neither. Fine—Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is a resort-wide event at Walt Disney World that returned May 26 and goes until September 8, 2026. There are unique offerings as part of the event, and we’ll discuss those. But first…deals!

Room and Ticket Deals for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

As part of the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER promotional push, there are several deals to know about, including room-only deals covering May 1 through October 3, a special ticket option, and Free Dining. PLUS Kids Dine Free is still available for 2026.

What To Expect From Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

Now, onto what we can actually expect from Cool KIDS’ SUMMER. There are two categories here—(1) things that are debuting alongside Cool KIDS’ SUMMER but that are not really a “part” of that “event,” and (2) things that are more tied to Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.

Let’s start with the major changes coming to the parks this summer…

Summer 2026 Debuts and Updates at Walt Disney World

  • Just Before Cool KIDS’ SUMMER:

    • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Hollywood Studios) got a new storyline May 22

  • Permanent updates Debuting With Cool KIDS’ SUMMER on May 26, 2026:

Still TBD: The Magic of Disney Animation (Hollywood Studios) debuts late summer 2026

All of these things are self-explanatory or discussed in the links. These are also changes that are going to exist beyond Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.

But there are also some things that are exclusive to the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER timeframe, so let’s talk about those…

Water Park Paradise Returns for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

Fitting neatly into the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER timeframe is the return of the check-in day water park perk and days with both water parks open.

Guests of Disney resorts will have complimentary access to both water parks on their check-in days between May 26 and September 8, 2026. This has to be used on your check-in day (or not at all).

And that’s right—both water parks will be open again this summer. While Disney has mostly kept only one water park open at a time over the last few years, summer 2025 saw the return of both water parks being open, and we’ll get that arrangement again at least from May 26 to September 8, 2026.

GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall Returns to EPCOT

CommuniCore Hall is a flex space in EPCOT, and for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER it will again be transformed into “GoofyCore.” This is something of a dance-and-play party, with Goofy, a DJ, and a variety of games.

Zoe absolutely loves GoofyCore. We stayed for a 15-minute “set” that involved a variety of games, including a version of Keepy Uppy.

ICYMI—there’s a reason it’s “Cool” KIDS’ SUMMER. Summer in Florida is not usually cool. So, along with the water park option, the philosophy behind the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER activities is to give people indoor or shaded places to cool off. And there’s a new one this year, too…

Jessie’s Roundup Debuts at Magic Kingdom

Taking over The Diamond Horseshoe restaurant at Magic Kingdom, “Jessie’s Roundup” will be a “rootin’ tootin’ good time” where you’ll have the chance to “craft, dance, and yodel your hearts out in this western revue” alongside Jessie, Woody, and friends.

The Diamond Horseshoe doesn’t operate as a restaurant this time—it’s just be an indoor (“cool”) space for these activities. This is, more or less, the Magic Kingdom version of GoofyCore, even some of the games are the same (we played “Goofy Says” one day and “Bullseye Says” the next).

Special Character Appearances

Characters once again appear during Early Entry and guests at Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Port Orleans Riverside will see special character appearances. (These are distinct from the character caravan, I guess).

My Commentary On Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

Overall I found Cool KIDS’ SUMMER 2026 to be an improvement on the 2025 version.

I still find the marketing to be a bit strained. In 2025, there were the two new shows at Hollywood Studios. In 2026, we’ve got new attractions across three parks. I guess Disney doesn’t want people to think these will end when Cool KIDS’ SUMMER ends in September, but I still find it a bit awkward to advertise Cool KIDS’ SUMMER and then always have to add “also happening this summer…”

On the plus side, the core offerings firmed up a bit. GoofyCore, Jessie’s Roundup, and the new not-specifically-tied-to-Cool-KIDS’-SUMMER Bluey’s Wild World all operate on the same basic premise—come in and play games with characters inside.

Hollywood Studios is the only park without one of these play area, but it’s got the new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, plus The Magic of Disney Animation debuting later in the summer.

There are also some seasonal snacks:

I still think the whole thing could be thickened up a bit. I’d love to see some merchandise, though I say that as someone who rarely actually buys anything.

I’d also really like to see the character offerings expanded. We saw an increase in character appearances with the debut of Walt Disney Studios courtyard at Hollywood, alongside a “Disney Jr. Zone” in that park. To put this issue bluntly—I’m sick of hearing the excuse that Disney World guests can’t handle unique, roaming characters. Summer crowds are the most manageable crowds, and I’d like to see Disney using this opportunity to more aggressively get guests attuned to roaming characters.

For us, the bottom line is that Zoe absolutely loved GoofyCore and Jessie’s Roundup (GoofyCore moreso). This has come up repeatedly in my writings, but I’m always struck by the tension these things create at theme parks—lots of kids actually just love to play.

They love playgrounds. They love keepy uppy. They love “Goofy Says.” It’s hard to detach from stacking Lightning Lanes in favor of letting your kids play these simple games, but it’s also often the most rewarding thing you can do.

All Your Other Disney World Planning Questions Answered

Don't be overwhelmed by Disney World planning! Take a second to check out our most important content and you'll not only be an expert, but you'll save big $$$ along the way. Just starting out? Check out our Walt Disney World planning guide!

When it comes time to book we’ll help you find discount Disney World tickets. Decide whether you need a dining plan in our Complete Guide to Disney World Dining Plans! And don't forget to book those Disney World Advance Dining Reservations!

Be sure to master your Disney World Lightning Lane Guide and Strategy a few weeks in advance. Good strategy will keep you out of long lines so you can maximize the magical time in the parks! We've got park-specific guides as well: Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane Strategy, EPCOT Lightning Lane Strategy, Animal Kingdom Lightning Lane Strategy, and Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane Strategy.

Know what to ride with our guides: Magic Kingdom rides, Hollywood Studios rides, EPCOT rides, and Animal Kingdom rides! Plus learn about the water parks with our Guide to Blizzard Beach and our Guide to Typhoon Lagoon! And for some fun prep, check out our Ranking of Every Ride at Walt Disney World.

Finally, before you head out, be sure to check out our to-the-point packing list, 10 essentials you forget to pack for every Disney trip.