Disney World Expands Kid-Focused Character Interactions and Performances Across Parks For Limited Time

Walt Disney World’s “Cool Kid Summer” features a variety of different kid-focused activities at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios.

“Cool Kid Summer” runs from May 27 through September 1 and includes a “GoofyCore” takeover of CommuniCore Hall, dance parties, and expanded character appearances. We were at Walt Disney World today to see it all and here are our initial thoughts on this new entertainment.

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GoofyCore” Takeover in EPCOT

First up is “GoofyCore” at CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT. Goofy will lead guests in a new summer party and play experience inside the hall. This was easily our favorite of all the options at the theme parks. I wouldn’t go as far to call it a show but it was far more planned out.

The entertainment includes fun kids’ games like “Loopy Limbo” with Goofy and his crew. There was a lot of higher level of energy for this dance party and it had a bit more structure than the other dance parties.

Other games also include “Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks” which is a game kids will absolutely love!

CommuniCore Hall has been transformed into a bright, colorful play space. If you can only visit one area for the Cool Kid Summer character interactions, this is the best one.

The brochure for EPCOT highlights these interactions along with other experiences in the park.

Big Top Bash at Storybook Circus

“Cool Kid Summer” also introduces entertainment to Magic Kingdom at Big Top Bash at Storybook Circus.

This entertainment features “DJ Ringmaster” throwing this kid-focused dance party.

There are midway-style games and hands-on activities along with this circus-focused entertainment.

This was easily the best Cool Kid Summer offering at Magic Kingdom and it’s in the shade which is perfect for the summer. We can also confirm that a lot of similar entertainment from Disney’s Boardwalk has been incorporated into the Big Top Bash which is a fun element.

Tomorrowland Dance Party

There is also a DJ dance party with characters in Tomorrowland but it’s not as good as the Big Top Bash in Storybook Circus. There is no shade here and overall, it’s just not as fun as Big Top Bash!

The brochure for Magic Kingdom highlights these interactions along with other experiences in the park.

Get Animated at Animation Courtyard

“Get Animated” includes interactions with Mickey Mouse, Disney Junior characters, and other Disney favorites. This is the perfect character interaction if you have younger kids who want the chance to interact with Disney Junior characters.

This is a good way to breathe life into Animation Courtyard which is often mainly just utilized for after-hours events.

The brochure for Hollywood Studios highlights these interactions along with other experiences in the park.

Animal Kingdom Celebrates Cool Kid Summer Too!

Animal Kingdom also has some Cool Kid Summer offerings although they are a bit less extensive.

There are crafts at Rafiki’s Planet Watch centered around learning about pollinators, you can color your own headband or bracelet.

Not far from the former entrance to It’s Tough To Be A Bug, there is a small dance party with characters like Rafiki and Timone. Then alternating with the dance party, the “Dino Institute” intern comes out and plays some fun music and interacts with kids.

There is also a specific Wilderness Explorer badge for Cool Kid Summer called the “Nature Badge” which is a fun addition.

Cool Kid Summer Characters at Disney Resorts

There are performers and characters interacting with guests at multiple Disney Resort hotels. We observed cast members running a game in the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge called “What’s In The Bag?” that was a highly energetic, fun moment. The interactions are available at these Disney resort hotels:

• Wilderness Lodge
• Art of Animation
• Pop Century
• Caribbean Beach

Also now showing is the updated “The Little Mermaid Musical Adventure” and the “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” show at Hollywood Studios. We’re still waiting on word for the new Disney Starlight parade opening date but we do know it’s coming later this summer.

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