Summer in Disney World is about to be different from what it was before, but what does that really look like?
Disney introduced that this year they’d be doing something called Cool Kid Summer, and while it sounds great on paper, we’ve been really curious to see how it would come across in real life. But what really IS Cool Kid Summer, and is it worth heading to the parks to experience?
Cool Kid Summer is spread across all four parks this season and includes special ticket deals, character experiences, and so much more. But what is Disney really offering this summer? Are these offerings just for kids, or can adults enjoy them too? Let’s break it down!
Ticket and Hotel Offers
You can save some big money on tickets this year with Cool Kid Summer — there’s a special 3-day, 3-park ticket offer that doesn’t include Magic Kingdom, for $89 per day, plus tax, which brings it to a total of $267, plus tax. In addition to that, parents can save 50% on their kids’ 3-day or longer standard Walt Disney World tickets, which is a GREAT deal!
Additionally, if you’re thinking of staying at a Disney World hotel and you’re a Disney+ subscriber, select hotels start from $99 per night, plus tax (total starting from $198, plus tax for a 2-night stay). You must be staying for at least two nights and traveling between June 29th to July 31st, 2025.
Magic Kingdom
LOTS is coming to Magic Kingdom this summer, and one of the most exciting new additions is the Disney Starlight Parade! This new nighttime parade will debut on July 20th, 2025.
There are also TWO new DJ-led dance parties in Magic Kingdom. Big Top Bash is located at Storybook Circus, and kids can dance to their favorite tunes and marvel at the stilt walkers and jugglers performing. And over in Tomorrowland, you can join Stitch at the Rocket Tower Plaza Stage to dance!
We’ve also seen lots of new wandering character interactions happening around the park throughout the day. If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel and are stepping into the park for Early Entry, you’ll especially want to keep your eyes peeled!
EPCOT
Again, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for the wandering character interactions at Early Entry. Phineas and Ferb from the hit TV show are also meeting guests through June! You can find them at the front of the park near Spaceship Earth.
The main attraction here is GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall, which includes games like Loopy Limbo and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks, as well as dancing along to tunes with Goofy.
This is a great place to get in the AC for a little while, but let your kids run around and burn off some energy!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
You can also spot iconic characters like Donald, Goofy, and Chip and Dale out and about, along with magicians, jump rope extraordinaires, and more, over in Animation Courtyard!
There’s also a new show in Animation Courtyard called Get Animated, which is a new dance show with some of your favorite Disney Junior characters. Kiddos are sure to love it!
There’s also a new snack stand nearby, Get Refreshed, which is sponsored by Once Upon a Farm.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
There’s a handy dandy new guide in this park that has a ton of different animals to find and circle throughout your park day. We think it’s super cute and wish it would stay around together!
You can also unlock a limited-time Wilderness Explorers badge when you pick up your Wilderness Explorer book at the station on Discovery Island. The Cool Kids Summer badge is located at that little gazebo in front of Feathered Friends in Flight and Yak & Yeti in Asia! It’s all about learning to play outside, which is perfect for summer.
With that being said, we think these Cool Kid Summer activities are certainly fantastic for kids, but adults who love meeting characters, especially seeing them in environments they don’t usually get to (ie. outside of regular meet and greets, wandering around, etc.) will also really find extra value in booking a trip during this time.
Going to Disney World in the summer isn’t for the faint of heart, so be sure you pack that sunscreen, grab your cooling towels and mini fans, and get ready to step into the AC whenever you need to cool off for a moment. We’ll be here to help you make sure you’re all set to go for your perfect summer vacation, so stay tuned to DFB!
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