5 Summer Must-Dos at Walt Disney World 

Buckle up, because I'm about to share my top 5 summer must-dos at Walt Disney World for 2025 that will keep the whole family happy and entertained! 

1. Cool Kid Summer Celebration: A Total Game-Changer for Active Kids!

If you've got energetic kids, the new Cool Kid Summer celebration running from May 27 through September 1, 2025, is an absolute LIFESAVER. Trust me, this isn't just another Disney seasonal offering – it's specifically designed for families who need their kids to MOVE!

• At Magic Kingdom, head straight to Storybook Circus where they've set up an amazing shaded play area with interactive games, hula hoop contests, and performers like jugglers and stilt walkers. 

• In EPCOT, Goofy has taken over CommuniCore Hall with games like Loopy Limbo and Freeze Dance. The genius part? Only half the room is used for organized activities, so kids who just need to run can have free space while parents relax in the comfortable seating. 

• At Animal Kingdom, your family will became obsessed with earning the Wilderness Explorer badges. You can completed the new bee crown pollinator craft at Rafiki's Planet Watch, which was not only educational but also provides air conditioning during the hottest part of the day.

Pro tip: Hit these special activity areas during peak heat (12-3pm) when everyone else is melting down. Your kids will still be going strong while other families retreat to their hotels!

2. Water Rides and Splash Zones: Our Summer Survival Strategy

Listen, I'm going to be brutally honest – Florida summer heat is NO JOKE. When the temperature soars into the 90s with humidity that makes you feel like you're swimming through soup, you need a serious cooling strategy.

Our family rule: Hit at least one water attraction before noon and another after 2pm. This is non-negotiable during summer visits!

• Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom is our first stop. Fair warning: when they say you might get wet, they mean SOAKED to your underwear. Pack extra clothes or quick-dry options.

• The new Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT has been a game-changer for us. It's not just a splash pad – it's an interactive trail where kids can direct water flows, get sprayed, and learn about water conservation. 

• Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station in Magic Kingdom's Storybook Circus area has saved countless meltdowns for our family. The kids can cool off while grown ups enjoy a Mickey ice cream bar in the shade.

Travel agent insider tip: Pack a small microfiber towel for each family member. They take up almost no space, dry quickly, and prevent the dreaded chafing that happens when you're walking miles in damp clothes!

3. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After Show at Hollywood Studios

If you have boys who find princess stuff "boring," the new Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After show at Hollywood Studios is an absolute MUST. 

The premise is brilliant – Captain Hook, Cruella de Vil, and Maleficent present their cases to find out who has been treated the most unfairly. The show is funny, slightly edgy, and perfect for kids who love the "bad guys." Plus, the theater is gloriously air-conditioned, which makes this mom very happy!

Pro tip: If your kids fight over EVERYTHING, assign each child a villain to cheer for before the show starts. Your kiddos will get invested in "their" villains and it prevented the possible theater drama!

4. Early Morning & Late Night Strategy: Beat the Heat and Crowds

After years of trial and error, I've perfected our summer park schedule. Here's the real deal: GET THERE EARLY, take a break during peak heat, then return for evening fun.

If you're staying at a Disney resort, early theme park entry is your best friend. We rope-drop a park (that's Disney-speak for being there when it opens), hit the major attractions until about 11:30 am, then head back to our hotel for pool time and air conditioning during the hottest part of the day.

Around 5 pm, we head back out for dinner and evening activities when temperatures start to drop. 

If you're staying at a Deluxe resort, check for Extended Evening Hours during your stay. These extra hours with lower crowds are WORTH EVERY PENNY of the higher room rate, especially with impatient humans who hate waiting in lines.

5. Take Advantage of Disney After Hours Events

I know Disney After Hours events cost extra money (around $149-179 per person), but if you can swing it for one night of your trip, DO IT. These limited-capacity events mean drastically reduced wait times, included ice cream and beverages, and cooler temperatures.

The EPCOT After Hours events are scheduled for select dates in 2025:

• May 8th and 29th

• June 19th and 26th

• July 10th, 24th, and 31st

• August 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th

• September 11th and 25th

Travel agent money-saving tip: If you book an After Hours event, consider skipping a full park day during your trip to offset the cost. You can enjoy your resort amenities during the day, then hit the After Hours event that night. You'll still experience the best attractions but save on a full-day ticket!

Final Thoughts:

Summer at Disney World with kids requires strategy, patience, and a sense of humor. There will be moments when you question why you didn't just rent a beach house instead. But then you'll see their faces light up during fireworks, or catch them being kind to each other when they think you're not looking, and it all becomes worth it.

Remember that you don't have to do it all. Pick your family's priorities and focus on making memories, not checking off every attraction. And bring twice as many snacks as you think you'll need – nothing derails a magical day faster than hungry kids!

If you have any questions about planning your own summer Disney adventure, email me @ JustJennyTravels@gmail.com. 

From one Disney-loving girl to another – you've got this!