Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World 2025

Walt Disney World is turning up the fun for summer 2025 with Cool Kid Summer – a season full of limited-time experiences, dance parties, new shows, crafts, and extra perks designed for families. Whether your kids love music, animals, Disney characters, or silly games, there’s something at every park to keep the fun flowing. Plus, with plenty of options to beat the heat and reduce overstimulation, many of these offerings are great picks for sensory-sensitive travellers too.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming to each park – and why this summer might be the perfect time for your next family adventure.

EPCOT: GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall

This Cool Kid Summer, Goofy is taking over CommuniCore Hall for an interactive experience filled with dancing, games, and laughs. Expect DJ-led dance parties and playful takes on classic games like limbo and parachute play – perfect for kids who like to move their bodies and be silly in a safe, contained space.

Heads up: CommuniCore Hall will temporarily close starting May 12 to prep for the fun, but CommuniCore Plaza and the Mickey & Friends meet-and-greet area will stay open. And if you’re visiting during the Flower & Garden Festival, check out the Farmer’s Feast menu popping up near Florida Fresh – a fun food detour for curious little eaters.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: New Activities and a Limited-Time Badge

Rafiki’s Planet Watch becomes a hub for hands-on activities focusing on pollinators – bees, butterflies, and more. It’s a great low-stimulation spot for crafting and learning in a quieter part of the park.

Kids can also earn a limited-time Wilderness Explorers badge, a fun motivator for exploring the park and spotting animals like okapi and tigers. Finish your day with a sing-along at Discovery Island – original songs and storytelling bring the day’s adventures to life in an engaging and inclusive way.

Hollywood Studios: Crafts, Characters & New Stage Shows

Head to Animation Courtyard for interactive games, crafts, and surprise performances – think magicians, jump rope pros, and characters popping up throughout the day. Then take a break indoors at a Disney Junior DJ dance party – a great option for cooling off while still keeping kids entertained.

Two new stage shows also debut on May 27:

• “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” – a fun and not-too-scary show starring Disney villains
• “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” – a family-friendly stage version of the beloved film, with stunning visuals and familiar songs

Magic Kingdom: Dance Parties in Tomorrowland and Storybook Circus

Two high-energy DJ parties are hitting Magic Kingdom: the Big Top Bash in Storybook Circus (with Pluto, stilt walkers, and jugglers) and the Galactic Blast in Tomorrowland (with Stitch and crafts tied to the new Disney-Pixar film “Elio”).

Later this summer, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” brings a dreamy nighttime celebration with characters from Encanto, Frozen, and Coco – perfect for winding down after a big park day.

Perks for Resort Guests: Water Park Entry and Early Park Access

Booking a stay at a Disney Resort hotel this summer comes with two extra perks:

• Free admission to a Disney water park on your check-in day (starting May 21)
• Early entry to the parks – 30 minutes ahead of regular opening times

Plus, if you’re staying at Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, or Wilderness Lodge, you’ll also find character visits with scheduled times and expanded family activity offerings to help structure your downtime.

Summer Savings: Disney Deals for 2025

Looking to stretch your budget? Here are the major deals families can tap into this summer:

• Kids 50% Off Tickets – Ages 3-9 get half off a 3-day+ ticket (May 27–Sept 20)
• 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket – Visit EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom from just $89/day (Apr 6–Sept 22)
• Resort Room Discounts – Up to 30% off stays from Aug 1–Oct 11, with extra discounts for Disney+ subscribers, Florida Residents, and Annual Passholders

Why It’s Worth Planning Ahead

From unique activities and stage shows to quieter craft stations and early entry options, Cool Kid Summer offers the kind of flexible, fun-filled experiences that work well for families with autistic or sensory-sensitive kids. It’s a great chance to blend high-energy moments with calming activities, and to build in downtime while still keeping things magical.

Need help planning your summer Disney getaway? I can help you choose the right resort, manage sensory-friendly strategies, and make the most of these limited-time experiences.

Let’s make this a summer your kids will talk about for years.