The Disney Parks are most well known for family friendly entertainment. But, a family can have a lot of ranges in age, thrill level and patience. With the debut of #CoolKidSummer at Walt Disney World, we can see an immediate push from Walt Disney World to give out a lot of fun options for those younger kids.
If you have heard about Walt Disney World in the past three years, you may know about TRON Lightcycle / Run, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. All of these rides were big additions and investments into the experience of visiting the Florida-based Disney Parks. While a lot of fun (seriously, Cosmic Rewind is one of the coolest roller coasters ever built), not all of these experiences are for everyone. For the youngest, the toddlers and babies, or those not looking for thrill, these might not be in their plans.
Walt Disney World has recognized this and added a ton of options for this summer (and beyond). It is not a mystery, Florida gets very hot. I can happily say that almost every single new addition from Disney involves a seat, AC or at least cover from the sun. Parents, you know how much this can make or break a park day.
New shows, roaming entertainment and Stitch themed food. This is Cool Kid Summer at @WaltDisneyWorld and we spoke with @GarrettFOX35 | @JohnnyKJackson7 about the newest park offerings and why they work so well this summer. pic.twitter.com/BT3X5F26hS
— Everything You Need To Know (@EYNTKinfo) May 28, 2025
#CoolKidSummer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
New shows, limited time food items, more characters and plenty of room for kid’s dance parties. Of the four Walt Disney World Parks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is leading the strongest (so far). With a brand new show, a renovated musical, indoor and outdoor character experiences, plus “Lilo & Stitch” themed food, this park has added a lot of potential memorable moments to the park.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
Disney Villains have taken over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Located next to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, this new show offers a fun step into Disney’s evil side. While many villains are represented in this show, four characters stand out (three of them literally as they walk onto the stage).
This show is hosted by The Magic Mirror from the 1937 “Snow White” film. Our three main “on stage” characters, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent each have their own musical moment. This aligns with a stage transformation done via numerous LED screens each representing a mirror into a villainous world. While a screen-heavy show can be done poorly, this specific Disney show utilized them well, making the very walls around you transform.
This show is not scary other than a few loud noises like Captain Hook’s cannon fire. Instead this is a colorful and energetic experience with multiple endings. The crowd themselves get to pick “the winner” of the show by choosing which Disney Villain has been treated the most unfairly. This 15 minute production happens more than 10 times per day.
The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure
The original version of this show, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, closed down in 2020 with the rest of Walt Disney World due to the pandemic. While the parks re-opened, this show did not. Now, here in the middle of 2025, it has made a truly triumphant return with new storytelling techniques that I believe vastly improve the show. The 2025 and 2020 versions share some things:
- Story basis, the storyline is based on “The Little Mermaid” from 1989
- Puppeteering, this classic form of live performing still holds strong
- Live singing, Disney Princess, Ariel, continues to use her real voice
But, where this new show excels is its usage of screen and lighting tech to re-tell “The Little Mermaid” in what I think is a better way. There are some animated sequences that definitely aren’t as fine-tuned as other Disney Parks projects, but for the kids this will never be noticed. Instead they will see vibrant fish fill the air, Ariel’s signature appear like magic and witness characters jump from screen to stage.
Get Animated!
If you ever had a hot day at a theme park with numerous kids and you just wished for some down time in the AC, the Get Animated! offering is a perfect for you. Characters, a DJ, activities indoors and out, personal experiences, bench seating and spots with AC. It is a play area built for midsummer.
Kids and kids-at-heart can meet up with Disney Characters at Get Animated! in the Animation Courtyard area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here you can see Mickey, Donald, Fancy Nancy, Timon, Goofy and perhaps more as the summer continues. And, it is right next door to Star Wars: Launch Bay which offers even more indoor and character experiences.
Get Animated! is not really advertised, but that didn’t stop many families from utilizing the offering to its full extent. On day one I saw kids getting energy out and dancing while sweaty parents absorbed the AC and got revitalized. As a former Disney Cast Member who worked these summer months in 100% sun, I cannot explain how important areas like this are.
Lilo & Stitch (2025) themed food items at Walt Disney World
There are a lot “Lilo & Stitch” activities, merchandise and foodie items at Disney Parks & Experiences worldwide. Specifically at Walt Disney World, there are food and drink items to get at the parks, at the hotels and at Disney Springs. This is a limited-time offering, so get your tropical (and usually dyed blue) food items ASAP.
Indoor kids activities at EPCOT
Over at EPCOT, inside of Communicore Hall, is a summer only experience with Goofy and Childrens Activities Cast Members as they play games in this colorful space. Communicore Hall is located near the heart of EPCOT in World Celebration. This multi-use space transforms for the EPCOT Festivals and now it’s been turned into an indoor board game. A DJ and helpful Cast Members work alongside Goofy to play along with kids.
This area offers a nice indoor spot to have fun and is located right next to the ¡Celebración Encanto! show, which is outdoors. While Communicore Hall sometimes sells food items indoors, it is not for this current offering. But, right outside, the Florida Fresh food booth is selling some items.
Early Entry Guests at EPCOT can also spot characters out exploring in the area. This is something Disneyland Park in California is famous for. Us Floridians always ask to see this more and here it is at both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Zero wait options for younger kids at Magic Kingdom Park
Magic Kingdom Park, the most visited theme park on Earth, also has options made specifically for #CoolKidSummer. An outdoor dance party in Tomorrowland brings out Stitch, limbo and dancing. But, be prepared, this is out in the sun during the hottest part of day.
For those looking for shade and fun head back to Storybook Circus where circus style acts, seating areas and craft tables await you. While not made specifically for this event, the Storybook Circus does have the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station. This is a spot where kids and adult can get spritzed or soaked, depending on how much water they want.
New animal experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
While not just for this summer event, guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom can enjoy the new baby animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From giraffes to tigers, the animal kingdom has grown at this park. Disney’s Animal Kingdom also has numerous animal trails throughout the park offering zero wait experiences with shade.
You can head to the Walt Disney World website for more details, water ride recommendations and more. If you are looking for a Hawaiian vacation without leaving Florida you can also checkout Disney’s new Island Tower at the Polynesian Village Resort. This multi-story tower has rooms from duo sleepers to big penthouses. Take a virtual tour in the video below.
