☀️ COOL KID Summer at Walt Disney World: Your Ultimate Family Guide
- Amanda Batts
- May 28
- 4 min read
Summer at Walt Disney World just got a whole lot cooler—literally! From May 27 through September 1, Disney is turning up the fun with "COOL KID Summer," a season packed with playful surprises, interactive activities, and character encounters designed especially for families.
As a mom who's navigated the parks with kids in tow, I know the importance of balancing excitement with rest, and thrills with chill. Here's your comprehensive guide to making the most of COOL KID Summer at each park:
🎉 EPCOT: Goofy Games & Phineas and Ferb Fun
🕺 GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall
Get ready for a Goofy twist on playtime! Join Goofy in an immersive experience featuring DJ-led dance parties and fun games like Loopy Limbo and red light/green light/orange light?? (the Goofy way). Not only is it a blast for the kiddos, but there are plenty of seats in the air conditioned space for parents to relax and recharge while the kids play (we're all about that!).
👬 Meet Phineas and Ferb
What 'cha doin'... I know what we're doing starting June 1! In advance of the new season premiere, Phineas and Ferb will be meeting with guests near EPCOT's main entrance. We're getting PUMPED!
🎬 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Creativity and Surprise
🎨 Get Animated - Animation Courtyard Activities
This was our girls' favorite spot (if they're picking favorites) - Not only can you meet characters like Daisy, Max and Clarabelle outside, but you can also spot magicians and jump rope artists in the Animation Courtyard. Our favorite spot was the indoor dance party (where the Disney Jr show usually takes place). Not only is it air conditioned but you can dance with Mickey, and Disney Jr characters while playing games like kids vs adults finish the lyrics. It's such a great refreshing and fun activity!
🧜♀️ The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
While you're visiting, don't forget to check out this newly refreshed show! It's a lot of fun for the whole family and... it's air conditioned (can you tell the heat is still fresh it my head since we went just yesterday and it was a real feel of 103 type of day...)
🎭 Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
This stage show showcases the misunderstood Maleficent, Cruella and Captain Hook with new songs and exciting visuals. This new show is located where the Lightning McQueen show used to be. The line was too long on opening day, so I'll be sharing more info on how the kids liked it when we go this week.
🐾 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Adventure and Exploration
🏅 Earn a New Wilderness Explorer Badge
Embark on a quest to discover amazing animals, including tigers and okapi, and earn a special, limited-time Wilderness Explorers badge. This activity, although toasty, is a wonderful way to keep your little adventurers engaged and learning on their park day!
🎶 Celebration Sing-Along at Discovery Island
Enjoy an interactive sing-along featuring original songs and stories, celebrating the animals you've encountered throughout the park. Check your app for showtimes daily.
🏰 Magic Kingdom Park: Classic Fun with a Cool Twist
🎪 Big Top Bash at Storybook Circus
Step right up for some seriously silly summer fun! Join the DJ ringmaster for a dance party full of circus-style surprises, from stilt walkers to jugglers popping up all around. It’s the kind of playful chaos kids love—and bonus, it’s shaded! There's also a charging station for phones and lots of midway style games for kids. Our girls got to be a part of the show and the performers had them balance spinning plates. Such a highlight! There are also lots of bubbles at the play area and the Casey Jr Splash and Play area is just a few feet away.
🚀 Galactic Blast at Tomorrowland
Blast off to Rocket Tower Plaza Stage where Stitch is throwing an intergalactic dance party for earthlings of all ages. After you’ve danced your socks off, pop into Merchant of Venus for a spacey, hands-on craft inspired by Disney-Pixar’s upcoming film Elio—a great way to cool down and get creative... while sending your postcard to space.
🌟 Extra Perks When Staying in the Magic
Enhance your COOL KID Summer experience by staying at a Disney Resort hotel. Guests can enjoy early theme park entry and other exclusive benefits, making it easier to beat the heat and the crowds.
💡 Mom Tips for a Cool and Memorable Summer
Stay Hydrated: Bring refillable water bottles and take advantage of water refill stations throughout the parks.
Pack Smart: Include cooling towels, high powered fans, sunscreen, and extra clothes for the kids. We also love UV blocking umbrellas for instant shade that are also waterproof for surprise Florida summer showers.
Plan Breaks: Schedule downtime during the hottest parts of the day, enjoying indoor attractions or shows.
Use Mobile Ordering: Save time and avoid lines by ordering food and snacks through the My Disney Experience app.
✨ FINAL MOM THOUGHTS
We COOL KID Summered HARD, and guess what? It was actually fun. No overstimulation. No epic tantrums. Just a well-paced, water-filled, snack-stocked day that everyone enjoyed.
So if you’re headed to Disney this summer, don’t stress the heat—plan to cool down between the magic and you'll have a vacation to remember (for all the right reasons).
Follow along on Instagram @bibbidibobbidibatts for breakdowns of each of these spots + more survival tips from one Disney-loving mama to another. 💛🎢