Walt Disney World is making a limited-time change to Early Theme Park Entry, also known as Early Entry, for the summer. This newest change is a positive one and something that adds more to the already positive benefit for Disney Resort hotel guests.
This change is adding value for hotel guests and improving a free perk to those staying on-site at Disney World. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including the new Monsters, Inc. restaurant and the top ten hotels booked for Disneyland.
Character Interactions During Early Theme Park Entry
Walt Disney World is celebrating Cool KIDS’ SUMMER from May 26 through September 8, 2026, with special experiences in the theme parks and exclusive perks at hotels aimed at families with young children. It just kicked off.
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Cool KIDS’ Summer experiences are taking place at all four theme parks. Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue! is taking place at Magic Kingdom, turning The Diamond Horseshoe into a Toy Story activity zone with Jessie, Woody, and Bullseye.
As for EPCOT, GoofyCore has returned to CommuniCore Hall, featuring group games led by Goofy. Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, presenting a real-life episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ on stage.
And easily the most popular, Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station is now open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, marking the Disney World debut of Bluey and Bingo with dance parties and real Australian animals. The Cool KIDS’ Summer experience at each theme park offers such a fun variety of character interactions.
But one notable perk in addition to these offerings is the availability of Disney characters for interactions during Early Theme Park Entry. Early Theme Park Entry is reserved for guests of Disney Resort hotels and allows access to all four theme parks 30 minutes before official opening time every day. Typically, characters don’t have a large presence during early entry, so this is a great change to the perk for the summer.
There isn’t a set list of characters in the morning, and it’s worth checking the My Experience App to see who might be around. But sometimes these surprise characters aren’t listed on the app! Your best bet is just to arrive for Early Theme Park Entry and wander around.
So far, we’ve spotted characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Alice, and Mad Hatter at Magic Kingdom. Over at EPCOT, the app has even listed rare characters like Mirabel and Bruno during early entry, along with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
At Animal Kingdom, guests have reported seeing Dug and Russel out in the mornings to greet guests. Hollywood Studios has been a great mix of characters, including fan favorites from Toy Story.
Character Interactions at Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Resorts
But that’s not the only time to take advantage of additional character interactions! Four Disney World hotels are designated as “Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Resorts” with new perks introduced in addition to their usual amenities, such as free transportation to the parks and Early Theme Park Entry.
The four Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Resorts are:
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
At all four of these hotels, guests have access to new perks, including complimentary use of baby items, including bottle warmers, infant bathtubs, diaper disposal units, and nightlights. Plus new experiences like pool parties, campfire sing-alongs, and special libraries.
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In addition to these free perks, Mickey, Minnie, and other Disney characters are hosting meet and greets at the four Cool KIDS’ SUMMER resorts. In the past, character greetings at hotels were surprise appearances. Instead, the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER characters now have designated schedules. Guests can consult cast members in their hotel lobby for appearance times.
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