Limited-Time “Cool Kid Summer” Activations & Character Meets coming to Walt Disney World This Summer
- Emma Walton
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
Walt Disney World has announced tons of limited-time "extras" for families throughout the resort this summer.
There is nothing like a visit to Walt Disney World Resort, and with summer just around the corner and kids almost out of school, Disney today announced new limited-time activities and entertainment created for families with kids. Disney World will also debut two new shows this summer and its first new nighttime parade in nearly a decade.
This summer is the perfect time for families to visit and experience more magical moments they can find only at Disney World.
Limited-Time Experiences In The Theme Parks
From May 27 through September 1, 2025, families should be on the lookout for limited-time experiences perfect for young kids in the theme parks, including kid zones featuring new activities and fun ways to interact with more Disney characters. There will be pop-up entertainment offerings, games, music, dancing and other adventures to help little ones make those core Disney memories.
“We’re curating simple, yet fun entertainment experiences geared towards families,” Jason Kirk, Senior Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World said during a panel at Disney. “There will be areas where guests can go, have fun and relax.”
For example, over at Magic Kingdom, families can discover kid zones with added fun in Storybook Circus and in Tomorrowland with Stitch. And, following the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, families with young kids will be able to cool down while enjoying the ultimate game party and play space featuring none other than Goofy as he takes over CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT. We don’t want to spoil all the surprises but be on the lookout for more details soon.
Some of Disney’s characters will also be out in the park earlier than normal for Disney Resort hotel guests during their daily early theme park entry period (valid theme park admission required).
Disney’s theme parks are often open for longer hours during the summer months, which can help guests plan their day around a mid-day pool break or get on more of their favorite attractions.
Stay at These Disney Resort Hotels for Additional Summer Fun
This summer, guests staying at select resorts – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – will be able to enjoy even more Disney-themed activities designed for families with kids.
These activities will include character visits with set appearance times to help guests plan your day and an expanded itinerary of things to do with their family throughout their stay at these four resorts.
Other activities will continue to be available across all our resorts, like Disney movie nights, brought to life by Disney’s amazing cast members.
“We’re being very intentional and really celebrating the family experience,” said Alison Armor, Vice President of Resort Operations at Walt Disney World. “Guests tell us one of the best-kept secrets of staying at a Disney Resort is all the activities available. We’re creating programming for the resorts so guests can plan both their day at the parks and their day at the resorts and can prioritize what they want to do.”
See New Shows and Nighttime Parade
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will both debut on May 27, 2025.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure:
The Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid” comes to life on stage with all-new sets and stunning visuals.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After:
This delightfully wicked stage show engages the audience to decide who has been treated the most unfairly of them all.
Plus, the new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, is coming to Magic Kingdom later this summer. Little ones will want to stay up for this one, where guests will spot beloved characters from “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen” and more. It’s our first nighttime parade at Disney World in nearly 10 years! More details and an opening date will be shared soon.
Plan Your Vacation with Disney Family Travel Specialists
Guests will be able to book Disney’s new summer deals by visiting DisneyWorld.com starting March 27. Disney cast members at its contact center can help with each family’s vacation planning needs. They can take extra time to talk through options and share their top travel tips for families, wherever a guest is in your Disney planning journey.
To plan a vacation, guests can call 407-W-DISNEY, or they can book their vacation through travel professionals, who are also experts in planning family vacations to Disney World. These options are great for families, especially if it’s their first time visiting.
With more surprise, more delight and more fun coming to every corner of Walt Disney World, it’s all part of Cool Kid Summer. Visit DisneyWorld.com/Summer to learn more.
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