DisWorldGuide

From May 27 to September 1, 2025, Walt Disney World transforms into a summer paradise for kids and families. With dancing, character meet-and-greets, creative activities, and new shows across all four theme parks, Cool Kid Summer is one of Disney’s most extensive family-focused initiatives in years.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom will feature two new DJ-led dance parties. Storybook Circus becomes a lively circus zone with music, stilt walkers, and jugglers. Here, kids can dance freely and enjoy street entertainment in true Disney style. Tomorrowland will host Stitch, who invites guests to dance at the Rocket Tower Plaza Stage. Additionally, children can create crafts inspired by the upcoming Disney film Elio at the Merchant of Venus shop. These activities are designed to give kids a break from lines and a chance to express themselves creatively and physically.

Magic Kingdom also has a special summer surprise: the brand-new nighttime parade Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, debuting this summer. Disney has not yet announced an exact date for its premiere.

EPCOT

One of the biggest changes takes place at EPCOT: CommuniCore Hall will close from May 12 to 26 to be transformed into GoofyCore – a new concept where DJ Goofy hosts dance parties and games for kids. When the hall reopens on May 27, children can join activities like Loopy Limbo – a limbo contest with a Goofy twist – and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks – a group game with parachutes and fun surprises. While the hall is temporarily closed, CommuniCore Plaza and the Mickey & Friends meet-and-greet areas will remain open for guests to enjoy.

Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios focuses on performing arts and interactive experiences. In Animation Courtyard, kids can meet magicians, jump rope performers, and enjoy surprise character appearances.

Two new shows will premiere alongside the start of Cool Kid Summer. Both the updated The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and the brand-new Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will open on May 27.

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom blends nature and learning with play and music. At Rafiki’s Planet Watch, kids can take part in environmentally themed crafts. A new Wilderness Explorer badge will be available for a limited time – perfect for young adventurers eager to learn more about animals and nature. An interactive sing-along with a Dino Institute scientist lets kids sing, learn, and laugh with an enthusiastic guide. These activities aim to spark curiosity and learning while being fun and engaging.

Extra Magic at Disney Resorts

Disney is extending the Cool Kid Summer experience to several of its resorts. Guests staying at the following resorts will have access to exclusive character meet-and-greets and activities:
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
These activities take place at specific times during the day and offer kids the chance to meet characters in more intimate settings – perfect for those looking for a little extra Disney magic outside the parks.

Practical Information

Dates: May 27 – September 1, 2025
Included with Admission: All Cool Kid Summer activities are included with regular park entry.
Recommendation: Download the My Disney Experience app to keep track of times, locations, and character appearances.
Tip: Start your day early to avoid heat and crowds, and use the app to find the nearest activity or show.

Walt Disney World has recently announced several exciting updates, including the return of V.I.Passholder Days, free water parks, and free Dining Plan for kids, as well as the upcoming May 4th celebrations. Here is an overview of the latest updates.

V.I.Passholder Days are coming back

V.I.Passholder Days offer Annual Passholders exclusive discounts, experiences, and benefits. From May 14 to July 31, 2025, V.I.Passholder Days are back. At EPCOT, a dedicated passholder lounge will be open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day, and there will be significant discounts at selected restaurants.

Benefits for passholders include:
– 40% discount on food from Monday to Thursday at selected restaurants (see list below).
– Exclusive passholder lounge. Last year, this was located at Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT, offering free snacks and drinks.
– Free passholder magnet as a souvenir.
– 20% discount on DisneyStore.com from June 2 to July 22.

Discounted restaurants from May 14 to June 30:
Hollywood & Vine – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Tusker House Restaurant (lunch and dinner) – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Boatwright’s Dining Hall – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Cape May Café (dinner) – Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Discounted restaurants from July 1 to July 31:
The Diamond Horseshoe – Magic Kingdom
Whispering Canyon Café – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Tiffins Restaurant – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Coral Reef Restaurant – EPCOT
Ale & Compass Restaurant (breakfast and lunch) – Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Blizzard Beach closes May 1, while Typhoon Lagoon opens the same day

Blizzard Beach will temporarily close from May 1 to May 20 for maintenance, while Typhoon Lagoon opens for the season on May 1. At Typhoon Lagoon, you can find attractions like Miss Adventure Falls, Crush’ n’ Gusher, and the massive Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool.

Blizzard Beach will reopen later in May, and both water parks will be available to guests throughout the summer. This marks the first time since 2019 that both water parks will be open simultaneously, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy both winter and tropical experiences.

Extended Evening Hours return in 2026

Extended Evening Hours will be available again in 2026 for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts and Disney Vacation Club Resorts. This gives guests two extra hours in the park after closing time, with lower crowds and shorter wait times for attractions. Guests can enjoy attractions like Tron, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Avatar Flight of Passage with significantly shorter wait times. It is important to check the calendar on the My Disney Experience app or website to see which parks have Extended Evening Hours on which days. This can help plan park days around which parks have extended evening hours, especially if you do not have the Park Hopper Add On.

May 4th at Hollywood Studios

On May 4th, known as Star Wars Day, Hollywood Studios will offer special experiences and extended opening hours. Guests can expect exclusive merchandise, themed snacks, and the new “Reclaimed and Reforged” lightsaber experience at Savi’s Workshop. Hollywood Studios will also have special character appearances and photo opportunities with characters like Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and Rey. There will be themed food items such as Wookiee Cookies and Lightsaber Churros available at several restaurants. Guests can also participate in interactive experiences like Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple for kids.

Free water parks on check-in day, extended to 2026

Guests staying at Disney Resorts will continue to enjoy free admission to the water parks on check-in day throughout 2026. This includes both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon and can provide a fantastic start to the vacation. This benefit gives guests the opportunity to explore the water parks at no extra cost on the first day of their stay. It is a perfect way to begin the vacation, especially for families with children who love water activities. Guests can enjoy attractions like Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach and Humunga Kowabunga at Typhoon Lagoon.

Free Disney Dining Plan for kids in 2026

Starting in 2026, families who book a standard dining plan for adults will receive a free Disney Dining Plan for children aged 3 to 9. This offer gives children access to meals and snacks at participating restaurants. The Disney Dining Plan includes meals and snacks, allowing families to focus on enjoying the magic without worrying about the meal budget. Children must choose from the kids’ menu where available, and the offer can be combined with other selected special offers. This provides significant savings for families and makes it easier to plan meals during the stay.

Disney has recently unveiled new images of the upcoming nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, set to debut in the summer of 2025 at Magic Kingdom. Disney promises that this parade will be a dazzling experience celebrating magical moments from Disney stories.

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is a star-studded constellation of Disney dreams, brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy. The parade will feature enchanting moments from your favorite Disney and Pixar stories such as Moana, Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, Pinocchio, and more. The parade will move along the usual route from Frontierland to Main Street USA.

New images of the parade showcase a variety of fantastic floats, including the new Wish float and the Coco float. The Wish float is inspired by the upcoming Disney film “Wish,” where Asha, a sharp idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force. The Coco float will celebrate the Pixar film with Mariachi music and a larger-than-life Pepita, with Miguel playing guitar at the foot of a marigold bridge to the Land of the Dead.

Disney Starlight will continue the legacy of previous nighttime parades like the Main Street Electrical Parade, using the latest technology to tell new stories about beloved characters.

With Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, visitors can look forward to a nightly spectacular experience that lights up the streets of Magic Kingdom.

Dive into all the latest news, events, and surprises waiting to make your visit unforgettable. From thrilling new attractions and dazzling shows to exciting updates across the parks.

A Splash of History at the Water Parks

For the first time since 2019, both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon will be open simultaneously. Starting May 21, 2025, Blizzard Beach will reopen after a brief closure, joining Typhoon Lagoon for daily operations through September 7, 2025. This marks a historic milestone, as all six Disney parks in Florida will be open at once! So grab your swimsuit and get ready for some sunny, splashy fun.

Glow Nights Return to Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon is lighting up the summer with the return of H2O Glow Nights! From May 23 to September 13, 2025, guests can enjoy glow-themed decorations, live DJ dance parties, and exclusive access to attractions with shorter wait times. And that’s not all—unlimited ice cream, popcorn, and select beverages are included! Whether you’re seeking a unique after-dark water park adventure or just a way to escape the daytime crowds, H2O Glow Nights are a must-see.

New Shows Take the Stage at Hollywood Studios

Starting May 27, 2025, Hollywood Studios will debut two incredible new shows: Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure.

• Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After puts Disney’s most iconic villains, like Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, and Captain Hook, in the spotlight as they rewrite their own stories with drama and humor.
• The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure immerses audiences in Ariel’s magical world, complete with stunning visuals, brilliant performances, and beloved songs like Part of Your World. Both shows are sure to captivate Disney fans young and old.

Single Rider Lines for a Seamless Experience

For solo travelers or efficiency enthusiasts, Walt Disney World is introducing single rider lines at several popular attractions. These include:

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Expedition Everest
• Test Track
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

The My Disney Experience app now highlights rides with single rider queues, making it easier than ever to plan your adventure.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Gets an Upgrade

At Magic Kingdom, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin will take a break in August 2025 for major enhancements. When it reopens, guests can look forward to upgraded ride vehicles, interactive blasters, refreshed targets, and an exciting new scene featuring a character named Buddy. Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience!

FUN ZONES for All Ages

From May 27 to September 1, 2025, Disney will introduce FUN ZONES across its parks. These dynamic areas will feature music, dancing, interactive games, and surprise appearances from beloved Disney characters. Perfect for guests looking to sprinkle a little extra spontaneity and magic into their day!

If you’re like us, you can’t get enough of the magic and wonder that Walt Disney World brings to life. But today, we’re stepping outside the Disney bubble to talk about something truly epic—Universal Orlando Resort’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe, opening on May 22 2025. Watch our video below for a first look at the new theme park.

This summer, Walt Disney World will open both of its water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, for the first time in several years. Get ready for a summer full of water fun and exciting experiences!

Walt Disney World has announced that both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open simultaneously from May 21 to September 7, 2025. This is the first time since 2019 that both water parks will be available to guests at the same time. Typhoon Lagoon will open the season on May 1, 2025, while Blizzard Beach will undergo a short refurbishment from May 1 to May 20 before reopening.

Typhoon Lagoon, which opened in 1989, is known for its tropical theme and exciting attractions, including one of the world’s largest wave pools. Blizzard Beach, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, has a unique theme based on a melted ski resort and offers some of the world’s tallest and fastest water slides.

The history of Walt Disney World’s water parks begins with River Country, which opened in 1976 as the first water park at Disney World. River Country was a huge success and inspired the development of Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. River Country was eventually closed in 2001 due to increasing competition and the need for more modern attractions.

This summer will also mark the return of H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon, a nightly party with lights, music, and fun activities. Blizzard Beach will celebrate its anniversary with special dance parties, food and drinks, and meet-and-greets with Disney characters in winter attire.

The reasons for this change can be many. One speculation is that the free water park day for hotel guests on check-in day has led to high demand and occasionally full water parks. By having both water parks open, Disney can better manage this increased demand and spread guests over a larger area, which can help reduce crowded parks and improve the guest experience.

With both water parks open, guests can look forward to an unforgettable summer at Walt Disney World, filled with water slides, wave pools, and exciting experiences for the whole family.

Walt Disney World has recently announced a comprehensive upgrade to the popular attraction “Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin” in Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom. Disney promises an enhanced experience with new and exciting elements.

One of the most exciting updates is the introduction of a brand-new scene at the beginning of the ride. Here, guests will be greeted by a new character, a friendly robot named “Buddy.” Buddy is a support robot ensuring all Space Rangers are ready for their mission, performing final system checks on the Star Cruiser vehicles, and giving guests the opportunity to practice target shooting with the new interactive features.

The attraction’s Star Cruiser vehicles will also receive a facelift with a new design inspired by Buzz Lightyear and Star Command. The upgraded vehicles will be equipped with video monitors providing real-time score updates and other exciting features.

Another major improvement is that the previously fixed blasters will be replaced with handheld units. These new blasters have an always-on laser to assist with aiming, and each Star Cruiser will have two different colored blasters, which will also feature new light, sound, and haptic effects. The old Z-targets will also be updated to interact with the new blasters, with each hit triggering light effects and more.

The attraction will close in August 2025 to undergo these extensive upgrades and is expected to reopen sometime in 2026.

Disney World has recently announced the opening dates for two exciting new shows coming to Hollywood Studios this summer. “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” and “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will both open on the same day.

“Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” replaces Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, which closed in October 2024. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” replaces the former “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” show. Both shows will premiere on May 27th this year at Hollywood Studios.

“Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” takes place in Sunset Showcase, right behind Rock’n’Roller Coaster, and takes the audience into the realm of the Magic Mirror, where a number of well-known villains are trapped. Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent are among those who will present their cases on stage, trying to convince the audience who has been treated the most unfairly.

The show lasts 40 minutes and includes catchy music and a memorable finale where the audience gets to decide who has been treated the most unfairly.

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will bring a new approach to the classic story of Ariel. This show takes place at Animation Courtyard and will include puppets, digital characters, and impressive effects.

The audience can look forward to hearing well-known songs like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World,” as well as new additions like “Daughters of Triton.” The show promises to be a visual feast with fantastic sets, creative costumes, and a bold new design aesthetic that will capture Ariel’s imagination and emotions.

So, we have a magical summer ahead with the opening of these two new shows on May 27, 2025, and something extra exciting to look forward to for visitors to Hollywood Studios, whether you are a fan of Disney villains or love the timeless story of The Little Mermaid.

Walt Disney World has recently announced several exciting updates and news. From the permanent closure of a beloved attraction to the reopening of popular rides and the launch of new events, here’s an overview of the latest happenings:

“It’s Tough to be a Bug” has permanently closed

The popular attraction “It’s Tough to be a Bug” in Disney’s Animal Kingdom has permanently closed. A favorite among visitors since the park’s opening, its final performance took place on March 16, 2025. It will be replaced by a new Zootopia-themed experience opening in the winter of 2025.

River Rapids has reopened

After being closed since the beginning of the year, the Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom finally reopened on March 14, 2025. Visitors can once again enjoy the thrilling water ride that takes them through the jungle and down a 20-foot waterfall.

Typhoon Lagoon reopens on May 1

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park is set to reopen on May 1, 2025, as Blizzard Beach closes for the season on April 30, 2025. Visitors can look forward to a summer filled with water fun and thrilling attractions.

H2O Glow After Hours event returns to Typhoon Lagoon

This summer, the popular “H2O Glow After Hours” event will return to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. The event gives guests the chance to enjoy the water park after dark, complete with glowing decorations, DJ dance parties, and shorter wait times for attractions. Exact dates for 2025 have yet to be announced, but it will be held on select evenings throughout the summer.

New mission coming soon to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

A new mission featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu will soon debut at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new experience is set to launch on May 22, 2026, coinciding with the premiere of the movie “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

Gran Fiesta Tour has reopened

The Gran Fiesta Tour in Epcot reopened on March 15, 2025, after being closed since early January. The attraction has undergone extensive refurbishment and now features updated scenes and lighting.

Disney reveals first look at the Monsters Inc Land roller coaster

Disney has provided a first look at the roller coaster in the upcoming Monsters Inc Land. This new attraction will be the first suspended roller coaster in a Disney park, taking guests on an exciting ride through the door vault from the movie. The attraction will also feature a vertical lift mechanism that raises guests before zooming into the door vault.

Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival is underway

Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival is now in full swing, running from March 5 to June 2, 2025. The festival showcases beautiful gardens, unique displays, living sculptures of Disney characters, and delightful food experiences.

Disney reveals the name of the new Spaceship Earth Lounge in Epcot

The new lounge in Spaceship Earth at Epcot will be called GEO-82. This adults-only lounge will offer modern cocktails and small plates inspired by global flavors, as well as spectacular views of the World Celebration Gardens and World Showcase Lagoon.

The popular attraction “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” at Hollywood Studios will “soon” feature an entirely new story to explore, and Disney promises to take you on an exciting new adventure through the galaxy.

The attraction “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” first opened at Hollywood Studios on August 29, 2019, and is part of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, an area dedicated to the iconic film series created by George Lucas. The attraction allows guests to take a seat in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, where they are assigned roles as pilots, gunners, or engineers, and together they must navigate through an interactive smuggling mission.

The story behind “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” is set between the events of the films “The Last Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker.” Guests are recruited by Hondo Ohnaka, a space pirate and smuggler, who needs help transporting valuable cargo through the galaxy. With Chewbacca lending the Millennium Falcon to Hondo, visitors become part of an exciting mission that tests their skills and teamwork.

On May 22 2026, NOT 2025 as first reported, a new update to the attraction will debut, which includes an entirely new mission featuring characters from “The Mandalorian” and “Grogu.” This update is developed in collaboration with Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, and will give guests the opportunity to experience new scenes and locations from the Star Wars universe, including Cloud City, Endor, and Tatooine. The update is designed to give a sense of participating in events happening parallel to the storyline of the upcoming film “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

With the new update to “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” debuting in 2026, visitors can look forward to an even more engaging experience at the heart of the Star Wars universe.