Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World 2025
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Cool Kid Summer is Walt Disney World’s official seasonal celebration running from May 24 to August 31, 2025.
It’s all about fun for families, with kid-approved entertainment, character experiences, and surprises across all four parks.
The best part? Almost everything has no additional cost and is included with your park admission!
While the theme is a “kid-centric” summer vacation, there’s plenty of nostalgia and retro fun for adults – read on for all of the details.
Magic Kingdom Highlights
The biggest news for the summer is the debut of the first nighttime parade since 2016 at Magic Kingdom – Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away. This parade debuts on July 20th. We don’t have a time yet but I expect it will be 8:30 pm or later nightly.
Magic Kingdom has several limited-time entertainment offerings for Cool Kid Summer.
Big Top Bash
Check out midway-style games, DJ Ringmaster summertime dance party, and pop-up visits with Pluto inside Big Top Souvenirs in Fantasyland.
Galactic Bash
At Rocket Tower Stage in Tomorrowland there will be a DJ-led dance party and visits from Stitch.
There will also be specialty treats available for purchase at Auntie Gravity’s (which has some incredible cold brew coffee for the grownups) including a Surfing Stitch Float.
Want to have the best possible summer vacation in Disney World? Click here for my guide to visiting Disney World in summer.
EPCOT Highlights
Goofy is taking over CommuniCore Hall with interactive games and a DJ-led dance party.
A special kid-centered snack location opens June 3rd nearby in Communicore Plaza. It will serve snacks for purchase including Cookies and Cream Ravioli (hope it’s not as gross as it sounds).
Hollywood Studios Highlights
Get Animated at Animation Courtyard will feature magicians and jumprope performers as well as fun games and crafts for the little ones. There will be a a dance party with Mickey and friends including Fancy Nancy and Vampirina.
Two new stage shows are also making their debut this summer: The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villians: Unfairly Ever After.
The Little Mermaid show will be included as a Lightning Lane Multi Pass selection (though you likely won’t need this since lines will be short). Get my free cheat sheet for using the Lightning Lanes at Disney World here.
Then click here for details on the Disney villians stage show!
Animal Kingdom Highlights
Earn a limited-time Wilderness Explorers badge during Cool Kids Summer. Pick up a free activity map at Discovery Island and search for adorable baby animal statues throughout the park.
Complete the crawl and redeem a prize sticker pack at the Outpost Shop—no purchase necessary!
In the afternoon there will be a Celebration Sing-Along at Discovery Island, and you can find a pollinator craft at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
If you’re visiting Disney World with kids this summer you’ll get lots of added value during your visit thanks to these limited-time offerings.
Any questions? Leave a comment below!
