GoofyCore Cool Kid Summer at EPCOT - image by Dani Meyering (6)

Cool Kid Summer at Disney: NEW In-Park Entertainment for Families

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This summer, Walt Disney World is turning up the fun with limited-time in-park parties and entertainment just for kids. It's awesome for kids that love dancing with characters, getting crafty, or jumping into imaginative play. There’s something special happening across all four theme parks. Here's a quick roundup of the Cool Kid Summer experiences at Walt Disney World worth planning around.

Disney Cool Kid Summer Parties and Entertainment

1. Goofy’s Cool Kid Dance Party at EPCOT

Location: CommuniCore Hall

Goofy is your host for this indoor party packed with interactive games like Loopy Limbo and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks. It’s a high-energy party with plenty of room to move and groove.

We loved the dancing and interactive games inside GoofyCore at EPCOT! It is perhaps our favorite offering from Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World. Our son had a blast, and honestly, so did I.

kids playing parachut with goofy character during GoofyCore Cool Kid Summer at EPCOT - image by Dani Meyering (8)
GoofyCore Cool Kid Summer at EPCOT – image by Dani Meyering

The whole space is adorable, with a game board–style design. See what details you can notice on the carpet, as well as the playing cards hanging overhead. Playful Goofy cartoons are playing on the screens when the dance party isn’t in session. It’s a bright, lively spot with air conditioning and seating along the sides for tired parents.

performers and kids having fun at GoofyCore Cool Kid Summer at EPCOT - image by Dani Meyering (3)
GoofyCore Cool Kid Summer at EPCOT – image by Dani Meyering

2. Big Top Bash at Magic Kingdom

Location: Storybook Circus

Kids can step right up to this playful party where the DJ Ringmaster keeps the music going while Pluto pops in for surprise silliness. My family loved the cute games and the two circus performers. They even got the kids involved. There is a lot of seating available, even footrests for us tired parents.

two female jugglers Big Top Bash Cool Kid Summer at Magic Kingdom Image by Dani Meyering (7)
Big Top Bash performers – Image by Dani Meyering

Inside Big Top Souvenirs, families will find some simple hands-on activities in the cool air conditioning. I noticed that this location had many tired parents using the tables and seating to recover from the heat, leaving little room for kids to participate. But it is so hot during the summer, and Magic Kingdom is the most popular park at Walt Disney World. So I can't blame anyone for using this area to catch a break.

Big Top Bash Cool Kid Summer at Magic Kingdom Image by Dani Meyering (1)
Big Top Bash coloring sheets – Image by Dani Meyering

3. Galactic Blast at Magic Kingdom

Location: Tomorrowland

Join Stitch for an out-of-this-world DJ dance party at Rocket Tower Plaza Stage. During our visit the hours for this dance party were 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This is the hottest time of the day, and this Cool Kid Summer party at Magic Kingdom is completely in the sun. So be sure to hydrate before and after!

young boy jumps to give Stitch a high five during Galactic Bash Cool Kid Summer Magic Kingdom - image by Dani Meyering
Galactic Blast Cool Kid Summer Magic Kingdom – image by Dani Meyering

We headed to Carousel of Progress for a 20 minute A/C break – and thankfully my son loves this historical show!

BONUS – Step inside Merchant of Venus for space-themed crafts inspired by the upcoming Disney and Pixar film Elio. Look for the small counter in the back of Merchant of Venus to get a postcard with Elio character stickers. Kids can decorate their own postcard and transmit a message to space. Once the message is sent via the transmitter, it is embossed with a “spacemark” (like a postmark).

Elio indoor craft area Merchant of Venus Cool Kid Summer Magic Kingdom - image by Dani Meyering
Elio indoor craft area – image by Dani Meyering

4. Get Animated at Hollywood Studios

Location: Animation Courtyard

Expect live entertainment with jump rope performers, interactive play, and an indoor DJ party with Mickey and Disney Junior friends.

One of the biggest surprises during our visit was the lively double-dutch jump rope performers, my son jumped in with confidence. The entire Animation Courtyard felt refreshed with brightly colored photo backdrops and bold visuals, creating an exciting atmosphere. Characters like Daisy Duck and Chip ‘n’ Dale were available at traditional meet-and-greet spots, while others roamed the area, offering spontaneous moments of fun.

mother and son with Daisy Duck greet area for Cool Kid Summer at Disney's Hollywood Studios - image by Dani Meyering
Daisy Duck greet area for Cool Kid Summer at Disney's Hollywood Studios – image by Dani Meyering

Disney also provided themed paper fan paddles and set up coloring stations at kid-sized picnic tables, giving kids a creative way to cool down and take a break.

5. Adventure All Around at Animal Kingdom

Location: Throughout the park + Discovery Island

Kids can earn a special Wilderness Explorers badge as they take part in nature-based activities with Disney Characters. The experience wraps up with a lively sing-along at Discovery Island led by a Dino Institute Intern.

Want more summer fun at Disney?