Cool Kid Summer at Disney World: How to Make the Most of the Magic Without the Meltdowns
If summer at Disney sounds like long lines, sticky heat, and cranky kids—hang on, mama. This year, Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World is bringing the fun in a way that works for families. With surprise villain sightings, a brand-new nighttime parade, and plenty of ways to chill out in the Florida sun, Disney is helping families make memories without the meltdowns.
Here’s what to expect during Cool Kid Summer, where to go, and how to make the most of this limited-time summer celebration— whether you are traveling with littles, teens, or somewhere in between.
What is Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World?
Cool Kid Summer is a limited-time celebration made with families in mind—think surprise character moments, playful entertainment, and memory-making magic around every corner. It’s everything your kids will love, with just enough planning to keep it stress-free for you.
Cool Kid Summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
New! Cool Kid Summer Fun at Animation Courtyard
Get ready to dance, craft, and play! During Cool Kid Summer, Animation Courtyard transforms into a high-energy celebration filled with interactive fun.
- Watch jaw-dropping jump rope performers and a live magician
- Join Disney Junior characters and Mickey at an indoor DJ dance party
- Create fun crafts and challenge your kids to an imaginary obstacle course
This is the kind of energy little ones love, all in a shaded, family-friendly spot.
Note: Entertainment offerings may change without notice.
Brand-New Summer Stage Shows
Two exciting new shows are hitting the stage—and they’re must-sees for Disney fans of all ages:
- Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After – A wickedly fun twist on classic villain stories
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure – A colorful retelling perfect for kids who love Ariel
Classic Disney Fun (with a Cool Kid Twist)
- Ride through the worlds of Toy Story and Mickey Mouse cartoons
- Snap a photo with your favorite Disney and Pixar characters along the way
- Catch Fantasmic! at night—a dreamy mix of fireworks, characters, and magic
Cool & Comfortable Entertainment
Need a break from the heat during Cool Kid Summer? These shows are family faves and give you a chance to cool down:
- Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage (shaded outdoor seating)
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (air-conditioned bliss!)
Star Wars Adventures for Kids (and Grown-Up Fans Too)
Step into a galaxy far, far away with hands-on fun and thrilling attractions:
- Pilot the Millennium Falcon
- Build your own lightsaber or droid (extra cost, but unforgettable for older kids)
- Meet your favorite Star Wars characters around Galaxy’s Edge
Tips Just for Families
Something for Everyone
Worried about ride height limits? No problem. Hollywood Studios has a great mix of experiences for all ages—even toddlers. Check the app or map for “any height” attractions.
Character Dining Without the Rush
Want a calm spot to eat and meet characters? Book a table at Hollywood & Vine, where you can enjoy lunch with your favorite Disney Junior Characters or dinner with Minnie and her friends!
Baby Care Center
Need a quiet moment with your littlest? Stop by the Baby Care Center, located near Guest Relations. It’s a lifesaver for diaper changes, nursing, and feeding in peace.
Cool Kid Summer at EPCOT: Rides, Shows & Family Fun
New! GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall
During Cool Kid Summer at Epcot, Goofy’s bringing the party! Step into GoofyCore—a lively celebration inside CommuniCore Hall where kids can:
- Dance along to a DJ spinning family-friendly tunes
- Play silly games like Loopy Limbo and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks
- Burn off some energy in a fun (and shaded!) indoor space
🌀 Mom tip: This is a great spot to cool off and reset with littles during your EPCOT day.
(Entertainment subject to change without notice.)
Water Play + Undersea Adventures
- Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – Choose your path: splash through or stay dry!
- Head indoors to The Seas with Nemo & Friends for a calm ride and aquarium fun featuring sharks, sea turtles, and more.
🌊 Helpful hint: Bring extra clothes or water shoes for Moana’s water trail—just in case!
Chill Out with Favorite Characters
Keep your eyes open for Mickey, Minnie, and friends throughout the park—and don’t miss other fan favorites from Disney and Pixar films.
📸 Pro tip: Morning is best for shorter lines and cooler temps at character spots.
Ride Through Storybook Worlds
EPCOT’s attractions bring Disney stories to life in colorful, kid-friendly ways:
- Frozen Ever After in Norway
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in Paris
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends under the sea
- And so many more!
🎠 Good to know: Many of these rides have no height requirement—perfect for the whole family.
Music, Magic & Fireworks
- Sing along with Mirabel at the Encanto celebration (perfect for preschoolers!)
- End your night with Luminous: The Symphony of Us, EPCOT’s nighttime show featuring fireworks, fountains, and music the whole family will love.
Tips for a Stress-Free Day at EPCOT
Family-Friendly Attractions
EPCOT has a solid list of rides and shows with no height restrictions—great for mixed ages and stroller-sized explorers. Use the My Disney Experience app to filter them easily.
Indoor Play & Break Spots
- Advanced Training Lab (near Mission: SPACE): indoor games and space-themed fun
- Indoor playgrounds and hands-on exhibits are scattered throughout the park—perfect for midday breaks.
Tastes for Every Palate
Whether your kids are picky eaters or mini foodies, World Showcase has something for everyone. Try pretzels in Germany, macarons in France, or kid-friendly favorites in the U.S. pavilion.
🥤 Mom tip: Bring refillable water bottles and a few favorite snacks from home to keep everyone happy between meals.
Fun Extras for Kids
- Stop at Kidcot Fun Stops in each World Showcase country for activity cards
- Download the Play Disney Parks app to solve mysteries with Scrooge and the gang on the DuckTales World Showcase Adventure!
Baby Care Center
Need a quiet space? The Baby Care Center near the Odyssey pavilion has everything from changing tables to nursing rooms and feeding areas.
Cool Kid Summer at Animal Kingdom: Adventure, Animals & All-Ages Fun
New! Adventure All Around the Park
During Cool Kid Summer, your family can join in hands-on, nature-based fun all throughout Animal Kingdom:
- Meet favorite Disney Characters and take on mini-adventures inspired by the great outdoors
- Complete activities to earn a limited-time Wilderness Explorers badge—a perfect souvenir for little explorers
- Cap off your day at A Celebration Sing-Along on Discovery Island, led by the Dino Institute Intern, where you’ll help create silly songs about the animals (real and mythical!) you discovered
🎶 Mom tip: This is a great way to slow down and connect before heading out of the park.
(Entertainment is subject to change without notice.)
Animal Encounters & Wild Adventures
- Head out on the Kilimanjaro Safari to spot lions, giraffes, rhinos, and more
- Hop on the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where kids can meet barnyard animals up close at the Affection Section petting zoo
- Walk through the Maharajah Jungle Trek to see tigers and exotic birds
- Explore the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail to find zebras, hippos, and playful primates
🌿 Helpful hint: Mornings are best for animal activity and cooler weather!
Water Rides to Cool You Down
- Get soaked (and laugh a lot!) on Kali River Rapids, a whitewater rafting adventure in Asia
- Take a peaceful float through Na’vi River Journey in Pandora—beautiful visuals, and no height requirement!
💧 Mom tip: Pack raincoats and a dry change of clothes—just in case!
Can’t-Miss Live Shows
Sit back and enjoy Broadway-style stage shows your whole family will love:
- Festival of the Lion King – colorful costumes, live music, and a ton of energy
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond – puppets, songs, and ocean adventure!
🌞 These are great midday options when it’s hot outside and everyone needs a break.
Top Tips for Families Visiting Animal Kingdom
Rides for All Ages
From slow boat rides to jungle trails, Animal Kingdom has plenty of experiences with no height restrictions—perfect if you’re traveling with babies, toddlers, or grandparents.
Be a Wilderness Explorer
Pick up a Wilderness Explorer handbook (just like Russell from Up) and earn badges throughout the park by completing fun and educational activities. Kids love the sense of adventure!
Character Dining in the Heart of Africa
Book a meal at Tusker House Restaurant for an indoor buffet with visits from Mickey, Donald, and friends in their safari best. It’s a great way to enjoy air conditioning and characters—without waiting in line.
Baby Care Center
Located next to Creature Comforts, the Baby Care Center is your go-to spot for nursing, diaper changes, and quiet time away from the crowds.
Cool Kid Summer at Magic Kingdom: Dance, Splash & Make Magical Memories
New! Big Top Bash at Storybook Circus
Step into the fun at this whimsical dance party perfect for little ones!
- Dance with the DJ Ringmaster under the big top
- Play midway-style games designed for kids
- Pop in to Big Top Souvenirs for hands-on crafts and activities
- Keep an eye out for Pluto and a few surprise antics along the way!
🎈 Mom tip: This is a great stop for toddlers who need space to move and play—plus it’s partially shaded!
New! Galactic Blast in Tomorrowland
It’s a party in space! Head to Rocket Tower Plaza Stage where:
- A DJ brings the beats with a space-themed playlist
- Stitch may pop in for a little cosmic chaos
- Step into Merchant of Venus for cool air and indoor crafts inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Elio
🪐 Helpful hint: This is a great afternoon stop to regroup and cool down.
New! Nighttime Magic: Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
Debuting July 2025!
This brand-new nighttime parade lights up Main Street with music, floats, and favorite characters—pure Disney magic, and a can’t-miss memory-maker for families.
Classic Magic + Cool Summer Highlights
- Character Meet & Greets – Meet Mickey, Minnie, Disney Princesses, and even some villains in air-conditioned or shaded areas.
- Water Fun – Ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Pirates of the Caribbean for a splash of cool. Don’t forget the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station for little ones who just want to get wet!
- Coaster Fun – Feel the breeze on The Barnstormer (great for young riders!) or take on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train if your crew is up for a bit more thrill.
- Evening Fireworks – End the day with a dazzling display on Cinderella Castle—music, lights, and memories you’ll never forget.
Top Tips for Families at Magic Kingdom
Something for All Ages
Not sure what your toddler can ride? Filter for “no height requirement” attractions in the Disney app. Magic Kingdom has the most family-friendly ride options of any park.
Character Dining with Classic Charm
Sit down at The Crystal Palace and enjoy a meal with Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore. Great food, air conditioning, and no character meet-and-greet lines—yes, please.
Baby Care Center
Located between The Crystal Palace and Casey’s Corner, the Baby Care Center is your go-to for diaper changes, nursing, or just taking a break. It’s quiet, clean, and stocked with essentials.
Where to Stay for a Magical (and Stress-Free) Cool Kid Summer
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation during Cool Kid Summer, staying at a Disney Resort hotel can make your trip so much smoother—and a lot more magical.
Why Our Family Loves Staying In The Magic (and why yours might, too)
Early Theme Park Entry
Start your day before the crowds! Disney Resort guests can enter all four theme parks 30 minutes early—perfect for riding favorites before the heat or lines kick in. And this summer, some mornings even include special Character encounters just for early entry guests.
Free Transportation That Just Works
No need to stress about driving or parking. Disney’s buses, boats, monorails, and Skyliner gondolas make it easy to get from your hotel to the parks and back again—no car seats required.
Water Park Entry on Arrival Day
If you’re arriving in 2025, Disney Resort guests get free admission to a water park on check-in day! Whether you head to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach (both open all summer), it’s a fun and splashy way to start your trip right away—without needing a park ticket.
Magic Just Steps Away
From themed pools and campfires to Disney movies under the stars, there’s always something fun happening at your resort during Cool Kid Summer. You’ll also find:
- Character sightings in the most unexpected places
- Pools with waterslides, life jackets, and plenty of towels
- Arts & crafts, arcades, and outdoor games to help kids wind down
- On-site shops with snacks, sunscreen, and all the vacation things you forgot to pack
- Dining options for every taste—from fast bites to sit-down favorites
“Planning your Cool Kid Summer adventure? Don’t miss current deals on park tickets and Disney Resort hotel stays—kids can even get 50% off right now. I always recommend checking with Get Away Today for tickets and no-hidden-fee pricing.”
Our Favorite Family-Friendly Disney Resorts
Here are four great options that mix fun themes, family-friendly vibes, and access to everything Disney during Cool Kid Summer:
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
A favorite for families with little ones! You’ll be surrounded by larger-than-life characters from Cars, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and The Little Mermaid. The family suites at Disney's Art of Animation Resort are spacious, colorful, and ideal if you need room to spread out.
💡 Mom tip: The Big Blue Pool is the largest at Walt Disney World—and it has zero-entry and underwater music!
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Affordable, fun, and filled with nostalgia, this resort celebrates the decades—from groovy 60s to high-tech 90s. It’s also on the Disney Skyliner, so you can zip right to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios without folding up your stroller.
🛼 Mom tip: It's a great value option without sacrificing that Disney feel.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Want tropical vibes with tons of space to play? Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort has colorful villages, sandy beaches, and a pirate-themed splash area that’s perfect for preschoolers and big kids alike. Plus, it’s a Skyliner hub—hello, no buses!
🍍 Mom tip: Book a room near Old Port Royale to be close to the pool, dining, and Skyliner access.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Feel like you’re on a family retreat to the mountains—right in the middle of the magic. The log cabin-style resort is quiet, peaceful, and full of cozy charm. Kids love roasting marshmallows and spotting wildlife along the walking trails.
🔥 Mom tip: Take the boat to Magic Kingdom for a peaceful start (and end) to your park day.
Bonus Summer Tip: Two Water Parks = Double the Fun!
From May 21 to September 7, 2025, both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open. If you’re staying on property, you can pick your water park adventure—whether you want lazy rivers or wild wave pools!
Planning a Cool Kid Summer? Don’t Miss These Deals
If you’re hoping to make a Walt Disney World trip happen this summer, the good news is—it might be more doable than you think. From limited-time ticket deals to room discounts and special packages, there are several ways to stretch your budget without cutting out the magic.
One of my favorite resources for this is Get Away Today. Their customer service is incredible, they offer refundable tickets (a huge win for families), and there are no hidden fees—just the prices you see and peace of mind if plans change.
Here are a few current offers you may want to take advantage of:
🎟️ Kids 50% Off Tickets
For a limited time, kids can get tickets to Walt Disney World at half price!
This includes Base Tickets, Park Hopper, Water Park & Sports, and Park Hopper Plus options.
Perfect if you’ve got more than one little adventurer tagging along.
🎟️ 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket Offer
Explore the magic of three different parks over three days—at a deeply discounted price.
This is a great fit for shorter trips where you want to make the most of each day without overpacking your schedule.
✨ Discounted Special Event Tickets
Planning to attend one of the after-hours events, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?
Get Away Today often has discounted special event tickets that make these memory-making experiences a little more accessible.
🌞 Florida Resident Summer Magic Tickets
If you’re local to Florida, there are seasonal offers just for you—including flexible Florida Resident Tickets at the best available rates.
🏨 Save on Disney Resort Stays
Planning to stay on property (which I highly recommend for convenience and magic)? You can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels when you stay five nights or more.
Why I Use Get Away Today
- Refundable ticket options (because life happens)
- No hidden fees
- Support that actually supports you
- And usually, the best price I can find
✨ Just So You Know
I may receive a small commission when you book through my Get Away Today links—at no extra cost to you. I only share companies I trust, use myself, and would recommend to a fellow mom over coffee. These partnerships help keep Simplifying Family running so I can continue sharing simple ways to make family life more magical.
Ready to Dance, Play, and Chill?
Cool Kid Summer won’t last forever—but the memories you make can. Whether you’re dancing along a parade route or just watching your child light up at a surprise character moment, this summer is full of small joys that make a big impact. You’ve got this, mama—and Disney’s doing its part to bring the fun.
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Great tips on making the most of Cool Kid Summer at Disney! Just wondering, do the new stage shows have frequent performances throughout the day or just specific times? Planning ahead would really help keep the day smooth for the kids.
There are frequent performances! The times are listed in the MDE app!!