Planning a Disney World Summer Vacation? 9 Things You Can’t Skip in 2026
It’s hard to believe that it’s already May, and there’s no time like the present to talk all things summer at Walt Disney World. Disney World’s summer season kicks off around Memorial Day Weekend with the return of seasonal offerings like Cool KIDS’ SUMMER and a lineup of exciting ride reopenings and updates.
If you’re planning a summer vacation to Disney World, keep reading. This article includes must-dos to add to your vacation itinerary and includes something for everyone in the family.
Free water park admission on check-in day
Disney World is offering additional perks to guests staying at one of the resort hotels. There are lots of reasons to stay on-property year-round, including proximity to the parks, early theme park hours, complimentary transportation to and from the parks, and more. This summer, there’s a bonus benefit that could help you save some money at the same time.
Returning for the summer season is complimentary water park admission for guests staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel. This offer is available on your arrival day only from May 26 through September 8 as part of the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER season (more on that in a sec).
All guests whose name appears on the resort reservation are eligible to receive this offer. Simply arrive at your water park of choice (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will both be open daily through the summer season) and enjoy the lazy river!
Considering how hot it can be at Disney World in the summer, a day at one of the water parks is a great way to cool off and get into vacation mode as soon as you arrive.
READ MORE: YOUR ULTIMATE DISNEY WORLD SUMMER 2026 BUCKET LIST
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER
Kids have even more fun activities to enjoy at Disney World this summer. Cool KIDS’ SUMMER returns from May 26 through September 8, offering kids a variety of ways to play at the theme parks and select resort hotels.
To burn off some of that energy, three entertainment offerings are available to families, complete with singing, dancing, games, and more.
- Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue! at Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom
- GoofyCore at Communicore Hall in EPCOT
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Animation Courtyard in Hollywood Studios
While Jessie’s Roundup and GoofyCore are part of the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER lineup, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will continue beyond September 8.
You’ll notice more characters making appearances at select locations and times during Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, too. Catch more characters at the following hotels:
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Pool parties, pajama parties, campfire activities, and more are also on deck at select times and locations during Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.
READ MORE: HOW TO STAY COOL AND COMFORTABLE IN THE SUMMER AT DISNEY WORLD
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets
The “headline act” for the summer is the reopening of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios. When it reopens on May 26, it will feature a new musical act: the Muppets!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will offer the same thrills we’ve all come to know and love from this indoor coaster, but with The Electric Mayhem now taking the stage. The story is familiar, too. Guests are on a VIP Tour of G-Force Records, where it’s revealed that The Electric Mayhem is running late to their show across town.
Like the Aerosmith version of the ride that came before, a race across town on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will include one of five songs (all covered by The Electric Mayhem). You won’t know which one you’ll hear until you ride!
READ MORE: THE TRACK LIST FOR ROCK ‘N’ ROLLER COASTER STARRING THE MUPPETS
Soarin’ Across America
As part of Disney World’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, a new version of Soarin’ will debut at EPCOT on May 26. Soarin’ Across America will feature breathtaking vistas highlighting both natural and man-made wonders across the country.
Soarin’ Across America is a “limited-time itinerary,” but should stick around for at least the summer season, if not longer. Other America 250 offerings will include the annual Fourth of July fireworks spectaculars at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
READ MORE: HOW DISNEY PARKS IS CELEBRATING AMERICA 250
Bluey and Bingo arrive in Animal Kingdom
At long last, Bluey and Bingo will arrive at Disney World this summer! The two heeler sisters from the hit Disney+ series Bluey will make appearances at Conservation Station in Animal Kingdom.
Bluey and Bingo will be playing some of their favorite games with animal twists, like butterfly keepy uppy. This is sure to be a popular offering for families with preschoolers, so plan accordingly! Guests can encounter animals native to Bluey and Bingo’s home of Australia at Conservation Station this summer, too.
READ MORE: WHAT’S COMING TO ANIMAL KINGDOM IN 2027
New missions on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, on May 22, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will receive its first significant update with new missions, characters, and destinations. Guests will now join forces with the Mandalorian and Grogu and find themselves navigating locations like Coruscant, Endor, and Bespin.
With Grogu in tow, some passengers will have new responsibilities as well to make sure he’s safe. On this new mission of “tracking down elusive ex-Imperial officers throughout the galaxy,” you’ll never know who you’ll run into.
READ MORE: HOW TECHNOLOGY IS FRONT AND CENTER AT DISNEY PARKS IN 2026
V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days
Disney World Annual Passholders have even more incentive to visit the parks late spring and early summer with the return of V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days. This limited-time offering begins May 1 and continues daily through July 31.
One of the most popular features of V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days is additional dining discounts:
Save 20% at the following restaurants—valid Monday to Thursday only from May 1 through July 31, 2026:
- Be Our Guest Restaurant (lunch only)*
- The Crystal Palace (lunch and dinner)*
Save 40% at the following restaurants—valid Monday to Thursday only from May 1 through July 31, 2026:
- Biergarten Restaurant (lunch only)*
- Coral Reef Restaurant (dinner only)
- Garden Grill Restaurant (lunch and dinner)*
- Hollywood & Vine (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Tiffins Restaurant (dinner only)
- Tusker House Restaurant (lunch and dinner)
- Boatwright’s Dining Hall (dinner only)
- Cape May Cafe (dinner only)
- Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood (dinner)
- Whispering Canyon Cafe (brunch and dinner)
Annual Passholders can also purchase new exclusive merchandise, redeem a new collectable magnet, enjoy a limited-time Passholder-exclusive lounge, and more.
READ MORE: SHOULD YOU BUY THE DISNEY DINING PLAN ON YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD VACATION?
Disney After Hours
If you’ve ever visited Disney World in the summer, then you know how hot it can be during the daytime hours. Extending your time in the parks after the sun sets is a great way to cool off, which is why I love Disney After Hours so much and think it’s a must during the summer.
Disney After Hours is a ticketed event taking place after regular park hours. It is available on select evenings at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios. Typhoon Lagoon also offers its own ticketed After Hours event, Disney H2O Glow After Hours, returning on select nights from June 2 through September 5.
Ticket holders can enjoy shorter wait times for rides, unique character meet-and-greets, and complimentary popcorn, ice cream novelties, and bottled beverages. You’ll be able to enter the park a few hours before the event begins, giving you time to grab a bite to eat or get a head start on a few rides.
READ MORE: SHOULD YOU ATTEND DISNEY AFTER HOURS ON YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD VACATION?
Ways to save on your Disney World summer vacation
If you’re planning a Disney World summer vacation, you must (and I mean MUST) review the current discounts and promotions Disney is offering. In recent years, summer has been the best time of year to visit in terms of the sheer volume of offers, and this year is no exception.
As of this writing, discounts are available on hotel accommodation, theme park admission, and dining for kids:
- 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket – Starting at $109 Per Day
- Specially Priced After 2 PM Ticket for Early Summer (May 1 through July 29)
- Save Up to 30% on Rooms in Early Summer (May 1 through July 29)
- Annual Passholders: Save Up to 40% on Rooms This Summer (May 1 through July 29)
- Annual Passholders: Save Up to 40% on Rooms in Late Summer & Early Fall (July 30 through October 3)
- Save Up to 30% on Rooms in Late Summer and Early Fall (July 30 through October 3)
- Disney+ Perks Members: Special Summer Room Offer
- FREE Dining Plan for Kids (Ages 3 to 9) in 2026
In many instances, discounts (in particular the resort discounts) can be applied retroactively. If your trip is eligible, you can reach out to Disney to have the latest discounts applied to your trip!