New attractions and character meet and greets are expected to keep things cool at Walt Disney World this summer.
The number of Disney characters with whom I have done the Cha-Cha Slide is growing.
The first time I slid to the left with a Disney character was years ago at The Incredibles dance party. With one kid next to me and another on my shoulders, I backed it up, slid to the right and left, and turned. I do not believe that I attempted a criss cross with a toddler on my shoulders, but that particular memory is lost to the ravages of time.
This time I did not have a child on my shoulders, and my participation was slightly less exuberant than before. It’s not that I’m against dancing with Stitch, it’s just that I left most of the real Cha-Cha-ing (and limbo-ing) to the more youthful visitors in the crowd.
Why was I dancing with a crowd of children – and a few parents – in nearly 100-degree heat in Tomorrowland?
It was Cool KID’ SUMMER at Disney World – and while I’m neither cool, nor a kid, I was going to get every bit of value out of my Disney day.
Now, Disney has announced Cool KIDS’ SUMMER again for summer 2026, and it may be time to break back out our dancing shoes
IN THIS ARTICLE
What is Cool KIDS’ SUMMER?
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is a promotion that debuted last year and will return – from May 26 through September 8.
This time around Cool KIDS’ SUMMER will include some limited-time experiences, the return of some updated classic attractions, as well as the debut of a few things that Disney had previously announced.
Last year, at Magic Kingdom, there were two parties. Stitch was in Tomorrowland and Pluto danced with guests in Storybook Circus.
Each featured DJs and cast members who help wrangle the fun. I don’t see either on the announced events for this year’s Cool Kid Summer, but there’s still time.
This year they are bringing back Toy Story characters to Frontierland. Jessie’s Roundup show will take place in the Diamond Horseshoe. The first time this facility has held a show in years.
“Get ready to craft, dance and yodel your day away alongside Jessie, Woody and friends in this high-spirited Western revue,” Disney says,
It sounds like this is replacing either the Stitch or Pluto show, but it’s possible all three could still be on.
Other “Cool Kid” events planned for the Magic Kingdom include the return of the refurbished Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – both scheduled for the Spring.
Other highlighted attractions include Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade, which debuted last year.
In Hollywood Studios, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will debut focused on younger guests.
The 20-minute show will feature “upbeat original songs, plenty of interactive fun for the little ones, and appearances by beloved Disney characters to sing and dance with.”
In addition, Disney is touting the refresh of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with the Muppets, the new mission on Smuggler’s Run featuring The Mandalorian & Grogu movie coming out in May, and the Magic of Disney Animation opening in the late Summer.
In Epcot, Goofy returns to CommuniCore Hall with the wacky works of Goofy’s Game Machine at GoofyCore. Disney is also promoting the upcoming Soarin’ Across America – which is in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
Other “Cool Kid” events listed include Frozen Ever After, Moana Journey of Water, and the updated Test Track.
In Animal Kingdom, comes a big announcement. Bluey and Bingo are coming to Conservation Station, and they will be joined by animals from Bluey’s home in Australia.
Other events include the new Zootopia:Better Zoogether! show, the Kali River Rapids, and Finding Nemo The Big Blue… and Beyond!
Is there more to Cool Kid Summer?
Yes. Disney is going to be doing select special scheduled character appearances at Disney Resort hotels this summer.
You might see Donald Duck at the Caribbean Beach or, who knows, Baloo at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Also, Disney is bringing back its free water park admission program. If you stay in a Disney resort, you can get free access to the water parks on check in day.
Why is Disney doing this?
I expect over the next couple of years that you’ll see more of these “smaller” type promotions. They allow Disney to take advantage of its deep roster of characters to create new and fun in park experiences.
Why?
It’s one place that Universal can’t really compete. Sure, Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon land have upped Universal’s character game, but they can’t compete with Disney’s beloved deep cuts.
Also, I think it’s because there’s a heckuva a lot of change going on in Disney World right now and there are a lot of attractions that are closing or going to be off the table temporarily.
This is a way to provide a little extra value and keep crowd stress off of the big ticket attractions that are open.
Should I change my park strategy for any of these Cool KIDS’ SUMMER offerings?
Certainly, if you have a youngster that likes to dance and enjoys character interaction, put the parties and shows on your to-do list
The more interesting question is about rope drop in the Magic Kingdom.
Last year, we had rope dropped Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and rode it twice, so it wasn’t on our list.
Instead, we bopped around Fantasyland with the characters. They move like Mando in Galaxy’s Edge, so you’re not guaranteed they’ll stop and pose for pictures.
There’s no line or anything like that. We made our way over next to Haunted Mansion for second rope drop and headed straight to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. We were lucky and got a wait time of less than 20 minutes. Honestly, it was a pretty cool way to start off a summer day in the Magic Kingdom.
