Walt Disney World has officially unveiled its Cool Kid Summer celebration, featuring exciting new attractions including Little Mermaid and Villains-themed shows, the dazzling Disney Starlight nighttime parade, substantial ticket discounts, resort savings, indoor dance parties packed with crafts and character meet-and-greets, and much more.
1. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
Making its debut at Hollywood Studios' Sunset Showcase Theater, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After replaces Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. This interactive production stars Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent as they share their untold stories.
The unique show invites audiences to determine which villain is most misunderstood through real-time voting, creating different endings based on crowd participation. While featuring just three live performers, the stage comes alive with appearances from numerous Disney villains through animated portraits and creative set design.
2. The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure
Hollywood Studios presents a fresh take on the beloved classic with The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure. This 18-minute production combines live performances, puppetry, and animation to retell Ariel's story through her teenage perspective, complete with the newly added "Daughters of Triton" song.
3. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Nighttime Parade at Walt Disney World
Mark your calendars for July 20, 2025, when Magic Kingdom debuts this spectacular nighttime parade featuring beloved Disney characters against a backdrop of magical storytelling inspired by the Blue Fairy's powers.
4. Park-Wide Cool Kid Summer Activities
Across all four Disney World parks and select resorts, families can enjoy cool indoor activities:
- Magic Kingdom: Space-themed dance parties with Stitch and circus-themed Big Top Bash fun
- Hollywood Studios: Indoor animation celebration with Disney Junior characters
- EPCOT: Goofy-themed games in CommuniCore Hall
- Animal Kingdom: Wilderness explorers program with unique badges
- Resort Hotels: Special character experiences at select properties
5. Exclusive Summer Discounts
Disney is offering several money-saving opportunities:
- 50% off for kids ages 3-9 on multi-day tickets
- Special 3-day adult tickets starting at $89/day
- Florida resident 4-day tickets at $60/day
- Free dining plans with qualifying resort stays
- Room discounts up to 30% for summer/fall visits
- Disney+ subscriber-exclusive hotel rates
- Complimentary water park admission on arrival day
6. Seasonal Special Events
The summer calendar includes:
- EPCOT Food & Wine Festival (Aug 28-Nov 22)
- Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Aug 15-Oct 31)
- After Hours events at multiple parks with reduced crowds
7. New Attractions and Experiences
Exciting additions coming this summer include:
- Test Track's transformation with new sponsor General Motors
- GEO-82, EPCOT's new upscale lounge inside Spaceship Earth featuring premium cocktails with fireworks views
