In case you haven’t noticed, a lot is going on at Disney World right now. The parks are preparing to reopen several attractions over the next week, including Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, now Starring the Muppets, as well as a new version of Soarin’ called Soarin’ Across America.
There’s always a lot of hype focused on opening day, but not everyone will be around for the kickoff of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER. If you’re considering booking a late summer Disney World vacation or your upcoming trip isn’t for another couple of months, you might be wondering what all of the commotion this week means for your visit.
The good news is that the majority of these new offerings will stick around for a while, so there’s no need to rush to Disney World on May 26. However, some of this summer’s events are limited-time. Let’s take a look at what will still be available come June, July, and even August, how crowds could shake out over the summer, and more.
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER runs through September 8
Let’s start with a discussion about Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, which begins on May 26 and runs daily through September 8. Here are the major components of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER that will only be around during that timeframe:
- Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel receive complimentary water park admission on their check-in day.
- Kids can take part in high-energy activities, dance parties, games, and more at GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall in EPCOT and Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue at Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom. Activities are available throughout the day.
- You’ll notice increased character meet and greets in the theme parks in the early morning hours and at the following Disney World Resort hotels: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.
- Those same four resorts will offer limited-time activities for kids, including pool parties, pajama parties, campfires, and more.
After September 8, these offerings will conclude, so you’ll want to make sure you’re checked into your Disney World hotel before that date to take advantage of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.
READ MORE: YOUR ULTIMATE DISNEY WORLD SUMMER VACATION BUCKET LIST
When will the opening day crowds die down?
It’s always hard to predict exactly when crowds will increase or decrease at Disney World. It’s really more of an art than a science. That said, there are a few hard facts we can look at in order to determine which weeks and parks could cause some headaches.
Opening day and opening week crowds are always something you need to consider, and May 26 packs a punch with multiple openings and debuts. I wouldn’t be surprised if the excitement around Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets, Soarin’ Across America, and the new storyline on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run lasts through the summer.
However, I don’t think these attractions will demand the sort of crowds that a brand-new ride or land will. All three of these examples are reimaginings of existing rides, so while there will be an initial spike in wait times, I would imagine things could even out in the weeks that follow.
The one potential exception to this thought is Bluey’s Wild World at Animal Kingdom. I wouldn’t underestimate the popularity of Bluey, and given the fact that its core audience is preschool-aged kids, the crowds at this particular Animal Kingdom attraction could extend past the summer season.
That said, Bluey’s Wild World could be more manageable thanks to its virtual queue system. To access Conservation Station (where Bluey’s Wild World is located), you must join a virtual queue that is available starting at 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM daily.
READ MORE: EVERYTHING OPENING AND RETURNING ON MAY 26 AT WALT DISNEY WORLD
What else could draw crowds to Disney World this summer?
Reimagined rides and new experiences for families aren’t the only draws to Disney World this summer. While the Fourth of July holiday is always a popular week for the parks, this year is especially appealing for families looking to celebrate America 250.
In addition to the new patriotic spin on Soarin’, Disney World will have special fireworks on three nights this year – a first for the resort. Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky will perform at Magic Kingdom on July 3, 4, and 5 at 9 pm, and The Heartbeat of Freedom will perform after Luminous The Symphony of Us on July 3, 4, and 5 at 9:15 pm.
Theme park fans know late summer as the start of Halloween at Walt Disney World, and 2026 is no exception. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will have its first event on August 7. Expect increased crowds at Magic Kingdom on party nights.
READ MORE: HALLOWEEN AND “FALL” FESTIVITIES RETURN TO DISNEY WORLD IN AUGUST
Can I still save on a late summer Disney World vacation?
The good news about a late summer vacation to Disney World is that it’s usually one of the best times to score great rates on the resort hotels and lower prices on theme park tickets.
In addition to already-lower rates, the following promotions are worth keeping in mind as you plan your trip:
- Disney World’s 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket starts at $109 per day plus tax (totalling $436 plus tax). This ticket is eligible for use with start dates from May 26 to September 26, 2026.
- Guests can save up to 30% on rooms in Late Summer and Early Fall. Eligible for most arrivals from July 30 to October 3, 2026.
- Annual Passholders can save up to 40% on rooms in Late Summer & Early Fall. Eligible for most arrivals from July 30 to October 3, 2026.
- Disney+ Perks Members can take advantage of a Special Summer Room Offer with rates starting at $99 per night at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. Valid most nights from June 21 to August 15, 2026. 2-night minimum length of stay required.
As you can see, there are several solid deals available directly from Disney to make the cost of your next vacation more manageable. Yes, Central Florida’s weather can feel pretty swampy in late summer, but if you can brave the humidity, it’s one of the most affordable times of the year to visit Walt Disney World.
READ MORE: WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR 2026 DISNEY WORLD VACATION
The Best Way to Experience Disney World’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER If You’re Not Going Until August was originally published on The World of Spark.
