If you’re planning a summer vacation to Walt Disney World, where you stay can be just as important as what you do in the parks. This year, Disney is making that decision even easier thanks to the introduction of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, a limited-time seasonal celebration bringing extra magic (especially characters and kid-focused activities) to select Disney Resort hotels.

For families traveling in 2026, this means your hotel isn’t just a place to sleep anymore. It becomes part of the experience. With scheduled character appearances, interactive storytelling, pool parties, campfires, and more, these resorts are transforming into full-on extensions of the parks themselves.

Here’s why these are the BEST Disney hotels to stay at this summer, and what makes each one stand out.

What Is Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at Disney World Resorts?

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is a seasonal offering available at select Disney Resort hotels featuring extra activities designed specifically for families and kids. The biggest draw? Scheduled Disney Character appearances right at your hotel, along with themed entertainment throughout the day and evening.

Photo by Laurie Sapp

Participating resorts include:

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Each of these hotels brings its own personality to the experience, but they all share one thing in common: they are designed to make your “off days” feel just as magical as your park days.

Why These Disney Hotels Stand Out This Summer

Photo by Danny Shuster

1. You Can Meet Characters Without Entering the Parks

One of the biggest perks of staying at a Cool KIDS’ SUMMER resort is the chance to see Disney Characters without park tickets.

Throughout your stay, you can expect scheduled appearances from favorites like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, giving kids (and adults) a chance to interact in a more relaxed, less crowded setting.

Instead of rushing to rope drop or waiting in long park lines, you can simply walk down from your room and meet characters at your resort—often multiple times during your stay.

2. Immersive Kid-Friendly Activities All Day Long

These resorts aren’t just adding a character meet-and-greet and calling it a day. Cool KIDS’ SUMMER includes a full lineup of interactive experiences designed to keep kids engaged from morning to night.

Across participating hotels, you’ll find:

• Special Disney story libraries featuring books from Disney Publishing, where kids can dive into tales of princesses, heroes, and magical adventures
• Pajama party storytelling sessions, including “create your own bedtime story” activities with surprise Disney Character visits
• Poolside parties with games, music, and high-energy fun for the entire family
• Evening campfires complete with marshmallows and Disney-themed entertainment

This transforms downtime at your hotel into some of the most memorable moments of your trip.

3. Each Resort Offers Its Own Summer Personality

While all four participating resorts share the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER programming, each one brings a different vibe depending on your travel style.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is perfect for families who want to stay fully immersed in Disney storytelling, with larger-than-life theming inspired by classics like Finding Nemo and The Lion King. It feels like staying inside a Disney movie.

Photo by Danny Shuster

Pop Century Resort leans into nostalgic fun with oversized icons from decades past, making it a great choice for families who love playful, high-energy environments. Caribbean Beach Resort offers a more relaxed, tropical atmosphere, complete with island-style theming and peaceful waterfront views that balance out busy park days.

Port Orleans Resort – Riverside brings Southern charm and quiet riverfront scenery, making it one of the most peaceful options for families who still want magical extras without constant stimulation.

Even If You’re Not Staying at These Hotels, You’re Not Missing Out

While these four resorts are the centerpiece of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, Disney is expanding summer fun across the entire destination.

Guests visiting Walt Disney World will still find additional seasonal entertainment inside the parks, including:

• Jessie’s Roundup-style experiences are inspired by Toy Story characters
• Bluey-themed fun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• GoofyCore activities at EPCOT, bringing playful, interactive entertainment to one of the most future-focused parks
• And even more surprise character moments and pop-up entertainment throughout the parks and resorts

So while staying at a participating hotel gives you the most concentrated experience, the summer magic extends well beyond your resort.

Thank you to Disney for hosting us for a preview of Cool Kids’ Summer during the Coolest Summer Ever Media Showcase.