By Sinaiyouth 
In case you haven’t noticed, There’s a lot 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 with the Muppetsas well as a new version of Soarin’ called Soarin’ Across America.
There’s always a lot of hype around opening day, but not everyone will be there for the Kick-off of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER. If you’re considering booking a Disney World vacation in late summer or your next trip won’t be for a few months, You may be wondering what all the hustle and bustle this week means for your visit.
The good news is that The majority of these new offerings will be around for a while, so there’s no need to rush to Disney World on May 26. However, some events this summer are for a limited time. Let’s take a look at which will still be available in June, July and even August, how crowds might shake during the summer, and more.
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER runs until September 8
Let’s start with a discussion about Cool SUMMER FOR CHILDRENwhich begins on May 26 and runs daily until September 8. Here are the main components of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER that will only be available during this period:
- Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel receive free entry to the water park on the day of their arrival.
- Children can participate in energetic activities, dance parties, games and much more. DingoCore at EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall and The Jessie Summary: A Heartbreaking Review at the Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom. Activities are available throughout the day.
- You will notice increased character meet and greets at the following early morning theme parks and 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.
- These same four stations will offer limited time activities for children, including pool parties, sleepovers, campfires and much more.
After September 8, these offers will end, so you need to make sure you are checked into your Disney World hotel before this date to enjoy Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.
READ MORE: YOUR ULTIMATE DISNEY WORLD SUMMER VACATION BUCKET LIST
When will opening day crowds dwindle?
It’s always difficult 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 some hard facts we can look at to determine which weeks and parks might cause headaches.
Crowds on opening day and week are always something you need to take into account, 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 Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run storyline lasts throughout the summer.
However, I don’t think these attractions will demand the kind of crowds that a brand new ride or land will demand. These three examples are reinventions of existing ridesso even though there will be an initial increase in wait times, I imagine things could even out in the weeks that follow.
The only potential exception to this thinking is Bluey’s wild world in the Animal Kingdom. I wouldn’t underestimate Bluey’s popularity, and given that its primary audience is preschoolers, the crowds at this particular Animal Kingdom attraction could extend beyond the summer season.
That said, Bluey’s Wild World could be more manageable thanks to its virtual queuing system. To access Conservation Station (where Bluey’s Wild World is located), you must join a virtual queue which is available from 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. every day.
READ MORE: ALL OPEN AND RETURN ON MAY 26 TO WALT DISNEY WORLD
What could draw crowds to Disney World this summer?
Reinvented rides and new family-friendly experiences aren’t the only attractions at Disney World this summer. While the Fourth of July the holidays are always a popular week for the parks, this year is especially attractive for families looking to party America 250.
In addition to the new patriotic version of Soarin’, Disney World will have special fireworks on three evenings this year – a first for the station. Disney Celebrate America! – A 4th of July concert in the sky will perform at the Magic Kingdom on July 3, 4 and 5 at 9 p.m., and The Heartbeat of freedom will perform after Luminous The Symphony of Us on July 3, 4 and 5 at 9:15 p.m.
Theme park fans know the end of summer as the start of Halloween at Walt Disney World, and 2026 is no exception. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will have his first event on August 7. Expect increased crowds at Magic Kingdom on holiday nights.
READ MORE: HALLOWEEN AND “FALL” FESTIVITIES RETURN TO DISNEY WORLD IN AUGUST
Can I still save on a Disney World vacation at the end of summer?
The good news about end of summer vacation at Disney World is that This is usually one of the best times to score great rates on resort hotels and lower prices on theme park tickets.
In addition to the already discounted rates, the following promotions are worth considering when planning your trip:
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 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 Before August was originally published on The World of Spark.