Disney just dropped a TON of news about what’s coming to the parks during Cool Kids’ Summer 2026!
Art of Animation
This event — which debuted last year — brings a ton of new offerings to Disney World, including the return of the hotel water park perk, free days in the parks, discounts, and expanded character interactions throughout the parks and hotels. Speaking of which, you can expect to see some of your favorite Disney characters back at select hotels through this exciting summer event, and we’ve got all the details!
Cool Kids’ Summer runs from May 26th through September 8th, 2026, and we can’t wait! In addition to discounts, free tickets, exciting events, and more, Disney is also bringing back character appearances at select hotels.
Character Meet and Greet sign at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort
Throughout the summertime, hotel guests 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 have even more experiences and amenities designed for families with young children, including scheduled visits from favorite Disney pals!
Pop Century Resort
Disney started these scheduled character experiences at a few hotels last year, but we’re excited to see that they will be coming back as part of Cool Kids’ Summer!
Wilderness Lodge sign
Disney has also announced that as part of Cool Kids’ Summer, some iconic Toy Story characters will be featured at Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom! Get ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time as Jessie, Woody, and friends join diners for some “energetic fun” at Jessie’s Roundup Revue.
The Diamond Horseshoe
Not only that, but as part of Cool Kids’ Summer, all four parks will have characters available to meet and greet during Early Theme Park Entry for hotel guests.
Bert and Mr. Penguin
The free water park ticket perk is also returning for Cool Kids’ Summer, and both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open during this time!
Blizzard Beach
We’ll be on the lookout for additional updates about Cool Kids’ Summer and the latest happenings at Disney World. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!
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