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Walt Disney World has officially launched its *Cool Kid Summer* celebration — a vibrant season packed with unforgettable experiences designed to delight families and thrill young adventurers. This summer-long event features brand-new shows inspired by *The Little Mermaid* and iconic Disney Villains, an all-new nighttime parade called Disney Starlight, exclusive discounts on tickets and resort stays, immersive indoor dance parties filled with arts, crafts, games, and character meet-and-greets, and much more.
Disney recently invited us to experience the highlights of Cool Kid Summer firsthand, and we’re here to share why this could be the perfect time to plan a magical getaway — one that delights both your family and your budget.
1. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
This exciting new show debuts at Hollywood Studios’ Sunset Showcase Theater, replacing Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. Centered around some of Disney’s most captivating villains — Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent — Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After offers a fresh twist by letting these infamous characters tell their side of the story.
In a clever interactive format, guests are encouraged to cheer for the villain they believe is the most misunderstood, influencing which antagonist takes center stage in the finale. This dynamic storytelling enhances the show's rewatchability, as each audience shapes the outcome differently.
Though only three main actors appear on stage, numerous Disney villains make appearances through portraits and projections, creating a visually rich homage to the franchise’s legacy. Art director Matheus Fiuza described the show as “inevitable,” emphasizing how fitting it feels for Disney to celebrate its iconic antagonists in such a theatrical way.
This production marks the beginning of what’s sure to be a growing presence of Villains-themed entertainment at Disney parks, including the upcoming Villains land coming to Magic Kingdom.
2. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
Replacing the long-running Voyage of the Little Mermaid, this reimagined 18-minute performance at Hollywood Studios brings Ariel’s story to life through a blend of live-action performers, puppets, and animation. The show includes a brand-new song titled Daughters of Triton, adding a modern touch to the beloved classic.
According to Katrina Mena Rick, senior creative producer at Disney Live Entertainment, the new version is told entirely from Ariel’s perspective, making the experience “whimsical, bright, and colorful” — just like a teenage girl seeing the world beyond her underwater home.
Jodi Benson, the legendary voice behind Ariel and a Disney Legend herself, expressed her joy over the inclusion of the fan-favorite track Kiss the Girl, calling it a “lovely surprise.” More importantly, she emphasized the emotional impact of the show:
“We want the audience to feel joy, love, and hope. We want people to leave feeling uplifted, and this show definitely does that.”
With stunning technical effects and a seamless mix of live action and animation, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure promises to become a must-see attraction for fans of all ages.
3. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Nighttime Parade at Walt Disney World
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Set to debut at Magic Kingdom on July 20, 2025, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is a dazzling nighttime parade celebrating decades of Disney magic. Drawing inspiration from the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade and Disneyland’s Paint the Night Parade, this new procession blends nostalgia with modern innovation.
The storyline follows the Blue Fairy’s magical influence, bringing dreams and wishes to life with appearances from cherished characters such as Peter Pan, Wendy, Asha, La Familia Madrigal (Mirabel, Isabela, and Bruno), Elsa, Aurora, Tiana, Belle, Cinderella, Moana, Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, Snow White, Rapunzel, Aladdin, and, of course, Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
This parade is expected to become a highlight of Cool Kid Summer and a favorite among Disney fans who appreciate the grandeur and storytelling of classic parades.
4. Cool Kid Summer Across Disney World’s Four Parks and Resorts
Cool Kid Summer at Disney World's Four Parks and Resorts
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Cool Kid Summer extends across all four major theme parks and select Disney Resort hotels, offering a wide variety of indoor activities that provide relief from Florida’s summer heat while keeping kids entertained.
Magic Kingdom
Guests can enjoy Galactic Blast at Tomorrowland, a space-themed DJ dance party featuring Stitch at Rocket Tower Plaza Stage. Nearby, the Merchant of Venus shop hosts Elio-inspired indoor crafts. Additionally, the Big Top Bash at Storybook Circus invites children to dance, play games, and participate in hands-on activities led by DJ Ringmaster and Pluto inside Big Top Souvenirs.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
At the Get Animated at Animation Courtyard event, guests can join Mickey Mouse, Disney Junior characters, magicians, jump rope performers, and more for a lively indoor dance party with games, crafts, and interactive fun.
EPCOT
Goofy transforms CommuniCore Hall into GoofyCore, a playful indoor party space where kids can dance, play games like Loopy Limbo, Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks, and Goofy Says, and enjoy DJ-led entertainment. Phineas and Ferb will also join the festivities near EPCOT’s entrance on June 1, celebrating the premiere of their new season on Disney Channel.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Kids can explore nature-based adventures with Disney characters and earn a limited-time Wilderness Explorers badge. At Discovery Island, a Dino Institute Intern Celebration Sing-Along brings together songs about real and mythical creatures found throughout the park.
Disney Resort Collection Hotels
Families staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge can enjoy special character visits, family-friendly games, music, and themed activities during Cool Kid Summer.
Stitch at Magic Kingdom's Galactic Blast at Tomorrowland for Cool Kid Summer. Image Credit: Disney
5. Save 50% on Select Kids (Ages 3 to 9) Tickets
For families traveling with children aged 3 to 9, Disney is offering a special deal: 50% off select kids' tickets for visits between now and September 20. This offer makes Cool Kid Summer even more appealing for parents looking to create lasting memories without breaking the bank.
6. Special 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket Offer and 4-Day Florida Resident Summer Magic Tickets
Disney is also offering a 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket starting at $89 per day ($267 total + tax) for adults visiting through September 22. This ticket grants access to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom but does not include Magic Kingdom or Park Hopper benefits.
Florida residents can take advantage of an even better deal: a four-day ticket for just $60 per day ($240 total + tax) valid through September 27.
