There’s never a bad time of year to visit Walt Disney World, but the Most Magical Place on Earth is making a strong case for why summer should be your season of choice for making a trip. Disney just announced a lineup of opening dates for reimagined attractions as well as the return of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, making a summer vacation hard to say no to! Some of these opening dates have been long-awaited, so I’m sure many of you will want to head to the parks ASAP to check them out.
I know, I know, summer at Walt Disney World is not for the faint of heart. As long as you have a strategy to beat the heat, however, I find that summer is one of the best times to go. Summer is usually filled with awesome discounts and promotions, limited-time offerings, and longer park hours. Let’s take a look at what Disney has announced and when you can expect these new offerings to come online.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopens in April
Following a months-long renovation, Disney has announced that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will reopen at Magic Kingdom on April 8.
The ride has gone through an extensive update, including new ride vehicles and blasters.
The ride will also feature a new show scene starring a new character named Buddy.
Guests will enjoy competing for a virtually limitless high score thanks to the ride’s new scoring system, which will also debut when the ride reopens on April 8.
READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE SUMMER 2026 WALT DISNEY WORLD BUCKET LIST
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens in May
Another Magic Kingdom attraction that has undergone a lengthy refurb recently is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The ride closed at the top of 2025 for some extensive TLC, and we’re getting closer and closer to the grand reopening of the wildest ride in the wilderness.
Disney shared that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen in early May. An exact date was not given at the time of announcement.
When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens, it will feature “new magic” in the form of new show effects seen throughout the attraction.
READ MORE: NEW WAYS YOU COULD SAVE HUNDREDS ON YOUR SUMMER 2026 WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATION
May 26 Kicks off Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at Disney World
You’ll want to circle May 26 on your calendar — it’s going to be a BIG day across Walt Disney World!
May 26 kicks off the return of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, running daily through September 8. Cool KIDS’ SUMMER dials the fun up to an 11 all season long with limited-time offerings perfect for kids. This includes the arrival of Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station, opening at Animal Kingdom on May 26.
GoofyCore returns to EPCOT on May 26 as well, giving kids an opportunity to dance the day away at CommuniCore Hall.
Over in Magic Kingdom, a new entertainment offering called Jessie’s Roundup debuts on May 26 at Diamond Horseshoe.
Kids will also want to check out Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, inspired by the hit series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, at Hollywood Studios. The show debuts on May 26.
Also returning on May 26 as part of this year’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER offerings is free water park admission for Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests. Guests can take advantage of complimentary admission to one of Disney World’s water parks on their arrival and check in day. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open daily as of May 26 through September 8.
Be on the lookout for increased character meet-and-greets at select Disney World resort hotels during Cool KIDS’ SUMMER. From May 26 through September 8, guests staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will be able to catch scheduled visits from Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and more.
Character appearances will take place at all four theme parks during Early Theme Park Entry, available to all Disney World Resort guests daily 30 minutes prior to each parks’ opening.
Just in time for the 250th anniversary of the United States, Soarin’ Across America will debut at EPCOT on May 26.
Finally, “The Walt Disney Studios” outdoor courtyard will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 26.
The courtyard will lead to The Magic of Disney Animation, a new indoor animation experience featuring play spaces, animation classes, and more. The Magic of Disney Animation opens in late summer.
READ MORE: A NEW ANIMATION EXPERIENCE IS COMING TO WALT DISNEY WORLD THIS SUMMER
Still to come this summer at Walt Disney World
There are some additional previously-announced ride reimaginings I cannot wait to experience this summer. Just before Memorial Day Weekend, guests can embark on new journeys on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run with the Mandalorian and Grogu. These new missions, which include new destinations and new interactive elements for riders, arrives on May 22.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will make its debut sometime this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The original version of the attraction starring Aerosmith closed on March 1.
Finally, as I mentioned above, The Magic of Disney Animation will be found beyond the Walt Disney Studios courtyard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Magic of Disney Animation will be home to a new animation experience called Olaf Draws!, where guests will be taught how to draw their favorite Disney characters by a new Audio-Animatronic figure of Olaf. The Magic of Disney Animation opens in late summer.
Whew! That’s looking like one very cool summer coming up at Walt Disney World. If you want to experience the bulk of these new offerings, you’ll be happy to know that most of them will be available as of Memorial Day Weekend. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more of the latest news and announcements from Walt Disney World!
READ MORE: WHEN TO VISIT WALT DISNEY WORLD IN 2026
Disney World Reveals Opening Dates For Reimagined Attractions, Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Returns was originally published on The World of Spark.
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