Disney has announced a brand new seasonal offering for Summer 2026 called “Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.”
And if you’ve ever thought to yourself, “You know what Disney World needs? More dancing.” then congratulations, this event might have been designed specifically for you.
Running from May 26 through September 8, the initiative promises DJ dance parties, surprise characters, kids’ activities, and what Disney is describing as “nonstop summer vibes.
Which is corporate Disney speak for:
“Please come to Florida in the Summer, we’re struggling.”
Let’s break down what’s actually happening.
Animal Kingdom Is Getting Bluey (Which Is Actually Quite Good)
The genuinely big news here is that Bluey and Bingo are coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Starting May 26, guests heading to Conservation Station will be able to:
Honestly, this is a huge win for parents. Bluey is basically the only children’s show adults can watch without slowly losing their sanity.
Also, expect very long queues; the train queue is going to be insane.
EPCOT Is Hosting Something Called “GoofyCore”
Over at CommuniCore Hall, Disney is introducing something called “GoofyCore.”
Which sounds like either:
A DJ set
A 2004 MySpace music genre
Or a TikTok trend that hasn’t happened yet
The experience basically involves DJ-led dance parties, limbo games, and giant playground-style activities.
So if you’ve ever wanted to dance in EPCOT while Goofy judges your life choices, this is your moment. So glad we’re spending hundreds of dollars a day to play with a parachute.
Soarin’ Across America Comes to EPCOT — Because Apparently That’s What the World Needs Right Now
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Disney has announced that Soarin’ Across America will replace Soarin’ Around the World at EPCOT, beginning May 26.
Because obviously, when you’re visiting an international park celebrating global culture, what you really want is… more America.
Hollywood Studios Is Getting Another Disney Jr. Show
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s a brand new show called “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!”
It’s based on the new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ series and follows a very complex plot:
Mickey and Minnie are throwing a party…
But their friends are missing…
So you have to help find them.
Truly gripping storytelling.
Expect lots of singing, dancing, and parents quietly checking the time until the show ends.
Also Coming to Hollywood Studios: A Mandalorian Mission on Smugglers Run
Not everything this summer is dance floors and DJ booths though.
Starting May 22, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting a new mission featuring Din Djarin (The Mandalorian) and everyone’s favourite tiny chaos gremlin, Grogu.
A couple of new features are coming with it:
You’ll choose which planets your Falcon visits, meaning the ride path can vary
Engineers will now be able to communicate directly with Grogu during the mission, meaning I guess the role won’t now be totally pointless?
This is the way.
Magic Kingdom Adds a Toy Story Show (And Updates Buzz Lightyear)
In Magic Kingdom, Disney is introducing Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue at the Diamond Horseshoe.
Kids can join Jessie, Woody, and friends for:
Which is great if your children have energy to burn, but it comes at a premium price.
Meanwhile, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is getting some updates including:
And presumably the same experience of one person on the ride scoring 999,9999 points while the rest of your family scores 4,000.
Big Thunder Mountain Is Reopening This Summer — Newly Polished and Ready to Yeet You Around Again
Disney has also confirmed that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen at Magic Kingdom in early May, just in time for the whole Cool KIDS’ SUMMER thing.
Disney Springs… Is Also Doing Dancing
Over at Disney Springs, there will be dance parties in the Marketplace featuring music from upcoming Disney+ films like:
Yes. Apparently, Camp Rock 3 is happening.
We were not emotionally prepared for this information either.
Characters Are Also Invading the Water Parks
At the water parks this summer you’ll also find:
Which feels entirely on brand for Stitch.
Resort Guests Get the Usual Perks (Plus a Few Extras)
If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you’ll get a few bonuses including:
Some hotels will also add:
Pool parties
Campfire sing-alongs
Bedtime story sessions
Kids’ libraries
Pajama parties
Ryan
Ryan has been attending theme parks since as long as he can remember and his first proper memory comes from when he was just three years old sitting in Main Street USA drinking a Nesquik milkshake from a carton while the piano was being played outside Casey’s Corner.
