Summer and theme parks have been synonymous for ages. But at Walt Disney World, summer may actually be the best time to take little kids. No, you didn’t read that wrong, and I already know what you’re thinking. The idea of taking young kids to a theme park in Florida when it’s 100 degrees outside sounds awful. Still, this year, Disney is filling the days with indoor fun, newly refreshed attractions that feel like they’ve debuted for the very first time, and hotel perks at resorts that are ideal for families.
So whether you’re right in the middle of planning your summer vacation to Walt Disney World or heading to the parks next week, keep reading for all of the things families with young kids can do together this summer.
1. Cool KIDS’ SUMMER
Across all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and some Disney Resort hotels, Cool KIDS’ Summer is taking over. Around Walt Disney World, your family can enjoy dance parties, surprise character meet-and-greets, games, and big summer vibes. This is also the time of year when tickets are the cheapest, and the parks have longer hours. That means that you can feel good about going back to your hotel in the middle of the day for a nap or a swim since the parks are open late.
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For families who want to experience all four theme parks, four-day, four-park tickets are available for $436 plus tax, and are good for visits between May 26 and October 3, 2026. Additionally, there are plenty of room deals for those who want to stay for five nights or more, Florida residents, and annual passholders.
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER officially kicks off May 26 and runs through September 8, though some of the things you’ll read below are sticking around well past the end of summer.
2. Indoor fun across the parks
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
If your kids can’t get enough of Bluey and Bingo, you’re going to want to head straight for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where the two sisters are setting up camp at Conservation Station. Inside the air-conditioned building, kids (and adults) can play games and dance with Bluey and Bingo. Just know there’s not a traditional meet-and-greet with this experience, but kids will love playing games like Keepy Uppy. And don’t forget to say hi to the new kangaroos and wallabies that are now calling Jumping Junction, an outdoor animal viewing area, home.
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EPCOT
When your park days take you to EPCOT, but you need a break, head inside to CommuniCore Hall, located right in the middle of World Celebration. Inside, parents will find plenty of places to sit to cool off, while kids can get their wiggles out dancing and playing games with Goofy.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is a cute new show that just debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The show features Mickey and Minnie, who set out on an adventure to gather everyone for a party at the Clubhouse. The show is filled with cute songs and the invitation for kids to get up and dance. And of course, no visit to the Clubhouse is complete without doing the Hot Dog Dance, so you should practice your best moves at home.
Magic Kingdom
If your kids can’t get enough Toy Story, then you’re going to want to get to the Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom for Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue. Here, parents can take a seat while kids hit the dance floor for games and activities with the likes of Jessie, Woody, and Bullseye from the Toy Story movies.
3. Like-new kid-friendly rides at Walt Disney World
When it’s time to hop on a ride or two, there’s obviously plenty of attractions to choose from across all four parks. For youngsters who may not be tall enough for the newly refreshed Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, there are still other options that have gotten major upgrades.
One of the best upgraded attractions at Walt Disney World is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom. The entire ride got a refresh, including upgraded vehicles, new blasters that can be removed from the holsters, and interactive targets. I particularly love that when you hit a target, your blaster vibrates, letting you know you got points.
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And just beyond Cinderella Castle, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad got some fresh paint and a few new scenes, but the biggest upgrade is actually the lowered height requirement. Now, little kids only have to be 38 inches tall to ride the wildest ride in the wilderness.
Additionally, at EPCOT, Frozen Ever After got a major refresh just before summer, introducing new and very improved Audio-Animatronics figures. So if you haven’t ridden the updated attraction yet, this is a good time. You can ride via Lightning Lane or the traditional standby line.
4. Free fun at Disney Springs
If your vacation is taking you to Disney Springs, be sure to check out the ultimate dance party at the Marketplace stage. The DescenDANCE Party x Camp Rock Jam will have a DJ spinning the best tunes from both the Descendants and Camp Rock movies. The parties take place every Tuesday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. I, for one, can’t wait to belt out “This is Me” and “Play My Music” from Camp Rock.
5. Special hotel experiences
A few of the Disney World hotels are getting in on the summertime fun with limited-time experiences and amenities. These include Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.
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At each of these hotels, you can expect scheduled visits from characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, a curated library of Disney books where kids can check out books to read, pool parties, and campfires with s’mores and Disney sing-alongs.
It’s also important to note that no matter which Disney hotel you stay at, everyone gets 30 minutes of early entry to all four theme parks in the morning. This time is best used to ride popular attractions, like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom, Frozen Ever After at EPCOT, Slinky Dog Dash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
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