Guide to Disney World in the Summer

Summer used to be Walt Disney World’s Peak Season. Not anymore! With Disney Summer Deals and Discounts galore,  summer can be one of the better times to visit, if you can stand the heat! But can you expect at Disney World in the summer? Without a seasonal festival at Epcot to lure you with new foods, what can you do for the summer months at Disney World? From new shows to After Hours events, and even the free dining plan, let’s chat about what you can find at Walt Disney World this summer. 

Florida summers can get unbearable.  Ask any local and they’ll say you can find them at home in the air conditioning like any other clear-headed Floridian. Then, of course, you can add in international tour groups, sports teams and summer conventions, and we stick by our personal truth that we’d rather visit Walt Disney World in any other season. However, if you’re one of the bold and brave among us ready to head to the heated swamps of Florida for summer, we’ll share everything to know before you go. From a glimpse at the Disney World Summer Discounts, to a full lineup of events for Summer at Disney.  Let’s dive in. 

Disney World Summer Discounts

If you’re traveling in the summer, be sure to check out all the Disney World Summer Deals and Discounts available. This year, Disney World has quite a few ways for to save money on your Disney Vacation Package, Hotel Stay and Dining. 

Get a Free Disney Dining Plan for Kids

One of the best Disney World Summer Deals is the Disney Free Dining Plan for kids. You can get free food throughout your stay when you purchase a dining plan with your package and add the kids on for free.

Disney World Summer Events

What is there to do at Walt Disney World in the Summer?  What else can you look forward to besides the basic Disney experience? Here’s your roundup of festivals, events, and more happening throughout Disney’s “Cool Kid” Summer.

Mandalorian and Grogu at Millennium Falcon | Hollywood Studios – May 22, 2026

A brand new story featuring Mando and Grogu is coming to Millennium Falcon Smugglers Ride at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland. Just in time for the The  Mandalorian and Grogu film to hit the big screens. Join this inseparable pair for the latest adventure in a galaxy far far away, featuring explosive scenes familiar as part of the Epic Games experiences.

Bluey and Bingo at Disney Animal Kingdom – Summer 2026

Over at the Conservation Station, via a train ride from the Africa area of the park, you can head to the wild outback of Australia with Bluey and friends.

Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT | May 25, 2026

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of America, Disney is sharing a whole new Soarin’ experience across the U.S.A. For a limited time only, starting Memorial Day. At EPCOT Park, this immersive flight ride brings you across the landscape, cityscape and monuments of the USA.

July 4th at Disney World | July 3-5, 2026

If you’re in the parks through July 4th weekend at Disney World, then you can count on a special fireworks show, new July 4th snacks, covered in stars and stripes and the special Disney military families offerings. Check out all the events at Disney World for 4th of July this year.

Disney Jr. Clubhouse Live! | Hollywood Studios – Summer 2026

Head to Hollywood Studios for a 20 minute show filled with song, dance, and Mickey and Minnie too! Debuting summer 2026, this show promises to bring all you know and love from Disney Jr. onstage. Perfect for little ones, and a chance to shake the sillies out.

H20 Glow Nights | Typhoon Lagoon Park 

H20 Glow Nights return to Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park this summer. Offered select Saturday nights May-August from 8-11 pm, you get 3 hours of fun after the park closes. Complete with low waits, exclusive glow-themed snacks, and free popcorn, select ice-cream treats and beverages to enjoy! This is a ticketed event with limited availability. Grab your H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon tickets here. 

Muppets Rock N Roller Coaster | Hollywood Studios – Summer 2026

Replacing the Aerosmith Rock n Roller Coaster, the Muppets band, The Electric Mayhem, is all set up for a  Rock n Roller Coaster of their own. With the elimination of Muppets 3-D, and PizzaRizzo over in the Muppets Courtyard, to make way for Monsters Inc. Land, the Muppets are setting up shop, or studio, in the far corner of the park.

Disney Salutes Veterans at EPCOT Exhibit | Through Summer 2026

An exhibit honoring Americans veterans is showcased at the American Adventure Pavilion in EPCOT Park this summer. Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors,  a special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute, will be featured as part of Disney’s enduring admiration for those who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans.  Offered at Disney World Through 2026. 

Flavors of Florida at Disney Springs

Honoring the flavors of Florida every summer, Disney Springs restaurants and snack kiosks pull together the best homegrown dishes, snacks, and desserts Florida has to offer. This year Flavors of Florida presented by CORKCICLE runs in July and August at Disney Springs. With over 30 locations participating you’re sure to find something that fits your summer mood. From orange-filled treats to mahi tacos, there is something for everyone. Here are all the snacks and dishes you can find at the Disney Springs Flavors of Florida Event this year. 

Disney Fireworks and Spectaculars

Fireworks and shows are part of every Walt Disney World vacation this summer! Each Park has something special to share. Hollywood Studios shares the Wonderful World of Animation on the Chinese Theater and Fantasmic. Magic Kingdom has welcomed back Happily Ever After. Animal Kingdom has the Tree of Life Awakenings on days with longer park hours. And EPCOT finishes the night with a nighttime spectacular. 

Club Cool Hosted by Coca-Cola | EPCOT Park

If you have been missing the Beverly, take care in knowing that Club Cool is Back! And summer is the best time to head Club Cool for a refreshing break. This new space celebrates Coca-Cola in “a fresh new way,” while bringing the global Coca-Cola tasting experience to life! 

Vacation Fun-Mickey Shorts Theater | Hollywood Studios

Get out of the Summer heat with a show. The Mickey Shorts Theater features a 20-minute cartoon all about mickey! We love that this is a mash-up of our favorite Mickey Short episodes and gives us a reason to get out of the sun at Disney World. Check out our full review of the Mickey Shorts Theater at Hollywood Studios. 

Festival of the Lion King Show | Animal Kingdom

The Festival of the Lion King at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom offers another wonderful break from the crowds, and heat during the summer months. By far one of the BEST shows on Disney property, we are excited to see this show anytime it’s offered. 

Bluey and Bingo at Disney | Animal Kingdom

NEW in 2026, over at the Conservation Station, via a train ride from the Africa area of the park, you can head to the wild outback of Australia with Bluey and friends. This conservation-focused attraction is only accessible via a train ride and offered character meet and greets and a children’s farm. Check out everything happening at the Conservation Station.

Disney World Summer Snacks

If we’re sure to see anything new at Walt Disney World this summer it’s Disney Snacks! Because while we love the Best Disney Snacks in each park you can always count on, there are also seasonal and specialty snacks across the parks throughout the summer. Food at Disney World is always changing and this summer, you can find snacks featuring fun summery flavors. And if you want slushy drinks take a look at our favorite Kid-Friendly Drinks to beat the Heat at Walt Disney World. 

Disney World Summer Tips

While there are Disney World Tips for all times of year, summer comes with it’s own set of really important tips, mostly because of the weather and the crowds. Here are the most important Disney Summer Tips to know before you go. 

Take advantage of Discounts

Disney World always offers a lot of deals and discounts in the summers. From the Free Dining Plan, to discounted kid’s tickets, and room discounts you can save a lot of money on a summer Disney trip if you know where to look. Be sure to check the Disney World special offers.

Stay hydrated

Be sure to bring a water bottle and grab complimentary water at counter service restaurants. 

Plan for the Weather!

This means several things. Preparing for heat indexes over 100 degrees, sporadic rains, having a variety of clothes and shoe options, and also sunscreen! 

Summer Crowds

Travel groups, international travelers, summer vacationers, families, and lots of first time visitors fill the summer months. As a result, Disney World gets extra crowded in the summers. Plan more time for everything. 

Take Breaks from the Parks

Since the sun is hottest between 12-4PM, it’s important to get out of the sun and into somewhere cool. This could be at a nearby resort, or restaurant, or you can even plan a return to your hotel for pool time. Either way, taking a break during the hottest time of day is important, because the parks will be crowded anyway!   If you’re heading to Walt Disney World this summer, hopefully, this post has helped you see all that you can do!