Credit: DisneySomething new is quietly taking shape at Walt Disney World this summer—and if you’re staying at the right hotel, you’re going to notice it in a big way.
Disney has spent the last few years slowly rebuilding the value of staying on property. Some perks disappeared, others came back in different forms, and a few new ideas started popping up along the way. But this summer feels different. Instead of focusing only on the parks, Disney is putting more energy into the resorts themselves—especially for families.
And that shift really comes into focus with the arrival of “Cool KIDS’ Summer,” a seasonal push that officially kicks off May 26 and runs through early September. It’s not just another themed event—it’s Disney trying to make the entire vacation feel more immersive, even after you leave the parks for the day.
But here’s the catch: not every resort is getting these upgrades.
If you want to experience everything new this summer, you’ll need to be staying at one of four specific hotels: Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, or Disney’s Port Orleans — Riverside.
And once you see what’s being added, it becomes pretty clear why these resorts are about to get a lot more attention.
Disney Is Adding Family-Focused Perks Right at Your Hotel
Let’s start with something that might not sound flashy at first—but could make a huge difference for families traveling with younger kids.
This summer, Disney is rolling out complimentary childcare items at those four resorts. These aren’t things you have to request weeks in advance or bring from home. Instead, they’ll be ready and waiting for you when you arrive.
We’re talking about practical items like bottle warmers, infant bathtubs, diaper disposal units, and even nightlights.
It might seem simple, but if you’ve ever traveled with a baby or toddler, you know how big of a deal this is. Packing already feels like a full operation, and anything you don’t have to bring is a win. Disney clearly understands that, and this perk feels designed to take just a little bit of pressure off families.
It’s also a subtle way of making these resorts feel more tailored to guests with young kids—which lines up perfectly with the overall theme of Cool KIDS’ Summer.
Bedtime Turns Into an Experience, Not Just a Routine
Now here’s where things start to feel a little more “Disney.”
Instead of just sending everyone back to their rooms at the end of the night, these resorts are introducing special “libraries” curated by Disney Publishing.
And no, this isn’t just a quiet room with books sitting on shelves.
On select evenings, these spaces will transform into cozy pajama party-style events. Think storytime, group activities, and a relaxed atmosphere where kids can wind down while still feeling like they’re part of something fun.
It’s the kind of offering that fills a gap Disney hasn’t always focused on—what happens after the parks close. For a lot of families, that time can feel a little anticlimactic. You’ve spent all day chasing rides, shows, and Lightning Lane return times, and suddenly the night just… ends.
This changes that.
Instead of the day stopping, it transitions into something calmer but still memorable. And for parents, it’s an easy win. You get an activity that helps kids settle down without needing to come up with something on your own.
Campfire Nights Are Getting a Fresh Spotlight
If you’ve stayed at certain Disney resorts before, you might already be familiar with campfire activities. But this summer, Disney is leaning into that experience in a bigger way at these four hotels.
On select nights, guests can gather for campfires featuring marshmallow roasting and Disney-inspired sing-alongs.
It’s simple. It’s low-key. And honestly, that’s exactly why it works.
After a full day in the parks—especially during a busy summer—something like this hits differently. You’re not rushing to your next reservation or checking wait times. You’re just sitting outside, relaxing, and letting the day wind down.
What makes this version stand out is that it may appear at resorts that don’t typically offer campfire programming. That means even repeat visitors could experience something new this year.
And again, it ties back to Disney’s bigger strategy: making the hotel feel like part of the entertainment, not just a place to sleep.
Character Meet and Greets—Without the Park Crowds
Another perk that’s easy to overlook—but could end up being one of the most valuable—is the addition of scheduled character meet and greets at these resorts.
If you’ve spent any time in the parks, you already know how popular character interactions can be. Lines can get long fast, especially for the most recognizable Disney faces.
Having those experiences available at your hotel changes the dynamic completely.
Instead of planning your entire morning around meeting a character, you might be able to do it right at your resort, with a much more relaxed vibe. No racing across the park. No stacking Lightning Lane reservations around it. Just a simple, convenient experience.
For families, that flexibility is huge. It frees up time in the parks while still giving kids those moments they’re excited about.
Don’t Forget the Classic Resort Perks Still in Play
While all of these new additions are getting the spotlight, it’s important to remember that they’re stacking on top of existing perks—not replacing them.
Guests staying at Disney resorts still get Early Entry into all four parks, allowing them to enter 30 minutes before official opening.
That early window can make a big difference, especially in the summer when crowds build quickly. It gives you a head start on major attractions and can completely change how your morning plays out.
When you combine that with the new hotel offerings, you start to see the full picture. Disney isn’t just giving you more to do—it’s trying to stretch the experience across your entire day.
Morning advantage in the parks. Relaxed afternoons by the pool. And now, more structured, memorable evenings back at the resort.
A Different Kind of Disney Vacation Is Taking Shape
What’s interesting about all of this is how it reflects a broader shift in how Disney is thinking about vacations.
For a long time, the parks were the main event, and everything else felt secondary. You stayed on property for convenience, transportation, and a few extra perks—but most of your time was spent inside the parks.
This summer, that balance is starting to change.
With Cool KIDS’ Summer and these new resort offerings, Disney is clearly putting more weight on the “resort day” experience. It’s no longer just a backup plan when you need a break—it’s something you might actually look forward to.
And that could end up reshaping how people plan their trips.
Instead of cramming every day with park reservations, some guests might slow things down. Spend more time at the hotel. Take advantage of these new experiences. Let the trip breathe a little.
For families, especially, that shift could make a Disney vacation feel less exhausting and more enjoyable.
Why These Resorts Could Fill Up Fast
All of this leads to one pretty obvious conclusion: these four resorts are about to get a lot more attention.
When Disney limits new perks to specific locations, it tends to create a ripple effect. Guests who might have booked elsewhere start reconsidering. Availability tightens. And suddenly, those resorts feel a lot more competitive.
If you’re planning a summer trip and want to take advantage of everything being offered, waiting too long could make things tricky.
Because this isn’t just about having a place to stay anymore.
It’s about choosing the version of the Disney experience you want—and this summer, that experience is expanding well beyond the parks.