There’s never a bad time of year to visit Walt Disney World, but The Most Magical Places on Earth makes a strong case for why summer should be your season of choice for travel. Disney has just announced its opening date lineup for reimagined attractions as well return of Cool KIDS SUMMER, making summer vacations hard to say no to! Some of these opening dates have been long-awaited, so I’m sure many of you will want to get to the parks ASAP to check them out.
I know, I know, summer at Walt Disney World is not for the faint of heart. However, as long as you have a strategy to beat the heat, I think summer is one of the best times to go. Summer is usually filled with great discounts and promotions, limited time offers, and longer park hours. Let’s take a look at what Disney announced and when these new offerings can be expected to arrive online.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopened in April
After months of renovations, Disney made the announcement Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will reopen at Magic Kingdom on April 8.
The ride has gone through extensive updates, including new ride vehicle and blaster.
The ride will also feature new show scenes starring a new character named Buddy.
Guests will enjoy almost unlimited competition for high scores thanks to this ride new scoring systemwhich will also debut when the ride reopens on April 8.
READ MORE: WALT DISNEY WORLD SUMMER 2026 LIST
The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened in May
Another Magic Kingdom attraction that has undergone extensive renovations recently is Big Thunder Mountain Railway. The ride is closing at the end of 2025 to widespread TLC, and we are getting closer to the reopening of the wildest ride in the wild.
Disney shared that The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen in early May. An exact date was not given at the time of the announcement.
When the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens, it will be featured “new miracle” in the form of new show effects visible throughout the attraction.
READ MORE: NEW WAYS YOU CAN SAVE HUNDREDS ON WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATION SUMMER 2026
May 26 Kicks off COOL KIDS SUMMER at Disney World
You’ll want to circle May 26 in your calendar — it’s going to be a BIG day at Walt Disney World!
May 26th sees the return of Cool KIDS SUMMERairing every day until September 8. SUMMER Cool KIDS kicks the fun up to 11 all season long with limited time offer suitable for kids. This includes arrivals Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station, opening at Animal Kingdom on May 26.
GoofyCore also returns to EPCOT on May 26, giving kids the chance to dance all day long at CommuniCore Hall.
At the Magic Kingdom, a new entertainment offer is called Jessie’s meeting debuts on May 26 at Diamond Horseshoes.
Kids want to check it out too Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, inspired by the hit Mickey Mouse series Clubhouse+, in Hollywood Studios. The show debuted on May 26.
Also returning on May 26th as part of this year’s Cool KIDS SUMMER offering water park admission is free for Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests. Guests can take advantage of free admission to any of Disney World’s water parks on the day of arrival and check-in. Both of them Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open daily from May 26 to September 8.
Be aware improved meet-and-greet character at select Disney World resort hotels during Cool KIDS SUMMER. From May 26 to September 8, guests staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will be able to find out the visiting schedule of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and more.
Character appearances will take place at all four theme parks during Early Theme Park Admission, available to all Disney World Resort guests daily 30 minutes prior to each park opening.
Just in time for the 250th anniversary of the United States, Soarin’ Across America will debut at EPCOT on May 26.
Finally, “The Walt Disney Studios” outdoor courtyard will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 26.
The page will lead to The Magic of Disney Animation, a new indoor animation experience featuring a playroom, animation classes and more. Disney’s Animated Wonders opened in late summer.
READ MORE: NEW ANIMATED EXPERIENCES COMING TO WALT DISNEY WORLD THIS SUMMER
Still to come this summer at Walt Disney World
There are several additional ride reimaginings announced previously that I can’t wait to experience this summer. Just before Memorial Day Weekend, guests can embark on a new journey Millennium Falcon: Smugglers on the Run with The Mandalorian and Grogu. This new mission, which includes new objectives and new interactive elements for riders, arriving on May 22.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will debut someday this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The original version of the attraction starring Aerosmith closed on March 1.
Finally, as I mentioned above, The Magic of Disney Animation will be found outside the Walt Disney Studios grounds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Magic of Disney Animation will be home to a new animated experience called Last Cross!, where guests will be taught how to draw their favorite Disney characters by the new Audio-Animatronic figure Olaf. The Wonders of Disney Animation opens end of summer.
Wow! It looks like a very mild summer is coming to Walt Disney World. If you want to experience some of these new offerings, you’ll be happy to know most will be available on Memorial Day Weekend. Be sure to stay tuned for the latest news and announcements from Walt Disney World!
READ MORE: WHEN TO VISIT WALT DISNEY WORLD IN 2026
Disney World Reveals Opening Date For Reimagined Attraction, Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Returns was originally published in The World of Spark.
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