If you are wondering what’s new at Walt Disney World this summer, the answer is: a lot. From May 26 – September 8, 2026, Disney’s Cool Kids Summer celebration brings reimagined rides, brand-new shows, and beloved character experiences to all four parks. Whether your family loves Toy Story, Bluey, Star Wars, or the Muppets, there is something wonderful waiting for you.

Here is everything you need to know, park by park.

Magic Kingdom: Two Fan Favorites Return Better Than Ever

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is back. The attraction reopened on May 3, 2026, after a full reimagining that includes a brand-new track, refreshed trains, and stunning new on-ride scenes.

The highlight is the new Rainbow Caverns. Early in the ride, guests plunge underground into a glowing cavern. Phosphorescent pools illuminate shimmering stalactites and stalagmites, and over 2,000 bats fill the scene above. A deep rumble builds the suspense before the real adventure begins.

Riders will also find refreshed Audio-Animatronics, restored effects, new gold props, and a breathtaking final lift that pays off the legend of Barnabas T. Bullion. The town of Tumbleweed has been lovingly updated too. The new track makes for a noticeably smoother ride from start to finish.

The best news for families: the height requirement has been lowered from 40 inches to 38 inches. Little ones who have been waiting to ride can finally join the adventure this summer.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopened on April 8, 2026, with meaningful upgrades across the board. This is a true reimagining of a ride that had been largely unchanged since 1998.

The biggest change: the blasters are now fully handheld. They feature an always-on laser sight, haptic feedback when you hit a target, and color-coded LED lighting so each rider can track their own shots. The ride vehicles are all new as well.

Before the mission begins, guests meet Buddy, a new support robot created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar. Buddy walks Space Rangers through blaster calibration and a quick training round. It is a fun touch that helps younger guests feel ready to take on Emperor Zurg.

The space battle scene near the end has been completely reworked. For the first time, Buzz Lightyear himself appears in the sequence. Your ride photo now shows your score, rank, mission location, and full stats. Veteran Space Rangers will find the new target system, which shifts point values in real time, adds a fresh challenge to every ride.

Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue at the Diamond Horseshoe

Opening May 26 at the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland, Jessie’s Roundup is a joyful Toy Story show featuring Jessie, Woody, Bullseye, and friends. The high-energy western experience includes singing, dancing, games, and interactive fun for the whole family. The timing feels perfect with Toy Story 5 on the horizon.

EPCOT: A Brand-New Film and a Beloved Experience Returns

Soarin Across America

EPCOT’s beloved Soarin attraction has an all-new film. Soarin Across America opens May 26, replacing Soarin Around the World. The new film celebrates America’s 250th birthday with a sweeping flight over dozens of stunning American landscapes. The classic Soarin score has been reimagined for the journey, and Patrick Warburton returns. This overlay is limited time, so this summer is the moment to fly.

GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall

GoofyCore returns to CommuniCore Hall for its second Cool Kids Summer. Led by Goofy and DJ Dance Pants, the indoor space features group games, dancing, and plenty of laughs. The comfortable seating and air conditioning make it a wonderful way to play together during warm Florida afternoons. Kids tend to talk about this one long after the trip ends.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The Most New Experiences of Any Park This Summer

Rock n Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

The Muppets have taken over Sunset Boulevard. Rock n Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens May 26. The Electric Mayhem is headlining the biggest concert of their careers, and guests help them get there on time aboard Muppets Labs’ L.I.M.O. (Lengthy Immediate Motion Object).

The soundtrack features The Electric Mayhem alongside Def Leppard, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, and Questlove. Songs include Born to Be Wild, Love Rollercoaster, Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop), and Walking on Sunshine. Celebrity cameos appear throughout the queue and post-show. This high-thrill coaster is intense and you must be 48 inches or taller to ride.

New Mando and Grogu Mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Starting May 22, the Millennium Falcon has a brand-new mission. Din Djarin and Grogu lead guests on a chase to track down ex-Imperial officers. Pilots can now choose which planets the ship visits, and engineers can communicate directly with Grogu during the flight. Star Wars fans who have ridden before will find this mission brings real new energy to the experience.

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live

Opening May 26 in the newly reimagined Walt Disney Studios courtyard, this brand-new stage show is inspired by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+. Mickey and Minnie are throwing a party, but their friends have not arrived yet. The 20-minute show follows the gang on a fun adventure to find Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto. It is made for young Disney fans and will continue beyond the Cool Kids Summer season.

The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard and The Magic of Disney Animation

Opening May 26, the reimagined Walt Disney Studios courtyard is a lush gathering space home to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live and The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure. Later this summer, The Magic of Disney Animation joins the lineup. It will feature a Drawn to Wonderland play area, character meet-and-greets in Off the Page, and Olaf Draws, where guests learn to draw from legendary Disney Animation artists. Hollywood Studios truly has something for every age this season.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bluey and Bingo Have Arrived

Bluey’s Wild World

Bluey and Bingo have made their Walt Disney World debut. Opening May 26, Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station is one of the most anticipated new experiences of the season. After riding the Wildlife Express Train, families arrive at Conservation Station to play games from the show, dance with Bluey and Bingo, and discover animals native to Australia. The experience fits beautifully into Animal Kingdom’s spirit of wonder. It is staying well beyond summer, so any family visiting Walt Disney World in 2026 can enjoy it.

Resort-Wide Magic All Summer Long

Cool Kids Summer goes beyond the parks. Guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels receive free admission to one Disney water park on their check-in day. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are open all summer.

At select resort hotels, families enjoy Disney Publishing reading libraries, poolside DJ dance parties, pajama party story time, and campfire sing-alongs. All Disney Resort hotel guests also enjoy early theme park entry each morning, with special character experiences available during that window this summer.

Disney Springs joins the fun too, with DJ dance parties, a splash pad, themed photo opportunities, and summer activities on select dates.

Key Dates at a Glance

Plan Your Walt Disney World Summer Vacation

Now you know what’s new at Walt Disney World this summer, the only thing left is to book your trip. Every park has something fresh and exciting waiting for your family, and the 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket starting at $399 + tax total is a wonderful way to experience it all.

Your Disney travel agent can help you choose the best dates, find the right resort, and handle every detail so all you have to do is enjoy the magic.

Contact your favorite Disney travel agent today and start planning your Walt Disney World summer vacation!