11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Fresh Beats, Family Fun and Summer Vibes Take Over Walt Disney World Resort
This summer, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is turning up the fun with the debut of Cool Kid Summer, an enchanting celebration filled with pop-up entertainment, interactive activities and family-friendly surprises across its theme parks, water parks and hotels.
Now through September 1, guests can catch added character experiences, dynamic games, lively dance parties, two new stage shows, a nighttime parade premiering in July and more.
Our family visited during opening week of Cool Kid Summer, and I can confirm that it's the can't-miss event of the season. Here's what to expect - and how to join the party.
At Disney's Magic Kingdom, my children (ages 5, 5 and 8) danced with Pluto and played midway-style games at Big Top Bash at Storybook Circus, then headed to Tomorrowland for Galactic Blast, a space-themed DJ dance party with Stitch.
At Hollywood Studios, we caught two new stage shows, followed by the interactive "Get Animated at Animation Courtyard," featuring jump rope performers, magicians, games, crafts and an indoor DJ dance party with Mickey Mouse and Disney Junior friends.
At EPCOT, we spent a fun-filled morning at the all-new dance-and-play experience GoofyCore. And at Animal Kingdom, the kids earned limited-time Wilderness Explorers badges and participated in a singalong at Discovery Island.
SheBuysTravel tip: For even more fun, stay at Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort or Disney's Wilderness Lodge - all of which are offering character visits, family games, music and more as part of the event.
One of our family's favorite Cool Kid Summer spots is the brand-new GoofyCore activation at EPCOT, where CommuniCore Hall has been transformed into an immersive indoor play experience featuring a DJ dance party and games with Goofy and his friends. The memories created here are priceless; this is an event where Goofy made time to dance, play games and build forts with my kids.
The two new stage shows at Hollywood Studios are also terrific: "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" and "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After" are colorful, high-energy and perfect for all ages.
SheBuysTravel tip: Make sure to pick up a Cool Kid Summer guide for each of the parks, as well as a limited-edition Magic Shot photo guide with a map to all the best spots for fun family photos. An interactive map can also be found in the My Disney Experience app.
One major addition to Walt Disney World 's programming will be the dazzling nighttime parade "Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away," set to premiere July 20 at Disney's Magic Kingdom.
The first evening parade at the park since 2016, the parade will feature a majestic musical score, a procession of glittering floats and beloved Disney characters. Inspired by the classic Main Street Electrical Parade, guests will be treated to enchanting moments from Disney and Pixar animated films such as Moana, Encanto, Frozen and Peter Pan.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse will debut sparkling costumes for the parade, with new themed treats and commemorative merchandise available for purchase.
Some of the most memorable moments during Cool Kid Summer are the unexpected ones - the impromptu dance parties, surprise character pop-ins and themed sequences that appear out of nowhere.
On our visit, a spontaneous banshee parade through Pandora at Animal Kingdom had our kids clapping and cheering alongside cast members, while at Magic Kingdom, we stumbled upon Rapunzel and Flynn Rider dancing in the streets.
SheBuysTravel tip: Leave room in your days at the theme parks (and even resorts) to linger and explore. Disney has packed this seasonal event with moments meant to surprise and delight.
Planning a visit? There are several new ways to stretch your vacation budget during Cool Kid Summer:
50% Off Kids Tickets: Save on multi-day kids' park tickets (ages 3–9) for visits through September Three-Park Ticket: Visit EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom for as low as $89 per day (through Sept. 22).Disney Resort Hotel Deals: Save up to 30 percent on select resort stays from August 1 – October 11, with additional offers for Annual Passholders and Florida Subscriber Rates: Exclusive discounts for Disney+ subscribers, with hotel rates starting at $99 per night at select Resident Summer Magic Ticket: Four-day park ticket for just $60 per day (through Sept. 27).Free Water Park Admission: Complimentary water park entry on check-in day for Disney Resort hotel guests through Sept. 7.
SheBuysTravel tip: Stay at a Disney Resort hotel to enjoy 30 minutes of early park entry each day; a smart way to beat the crowds and heat. To stay cool at the parks, try alternating indoor and outdoor attractions.
Magic Kingdom Must-Do's: Essential Experiences for Preschoolers and Young ChildrenHow to Make the Most of Walt Disney World's EPCOT with Preschoolers and Young ChildrenInsider Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom with Preschoolers and Young ChildrenDisney World FAQs for First Time Visitors (and Veterans!)
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