Disney World Fans, These New Perks Make It the Perfect Last-Minute Summer Vacation

If you had asked me a few months ago about the best time to visit Walt Disney World with kids, I probably wouldn't have suggested the summer months as my top recommendation. However, my opinion has totally changed for summer 2025. Yes, it'll be hot, and yes, it'll be busy, but between exceptional discounts, perks and new (and weather-friendly!) experiences, it turns out that summer 2025 is looking to be the most cost-effect and fun-filled time of year for families.

I travel to Disney World several times a year with my two elementary-aged kids and just got back from checking out what Disney is calling its Cool Kid Summer — i.e., a summertime event for families to enjoy unique experiences throughout the parks. I also chatted with GH's nutrition & fitness director, Stefani Sassos, who recently brought her two young children on their first-ever visit to Walt Disney World and spent time learning about the summer offerings.

Based on our experiences, here are 10 reasons that make this summer the best time to visit Disney World with kids.

You read that right: You can save 50% off 3-day or more Walt Disney World theme park tickets for ages 3-9. (And FYI: Kids under the age of 3 get free admission!) This offer is valid May 27th through September 20th, so you have nearly four months to redeem this rare deal. You can also find other summer 2025 offers at Disney World, including discounted hotel rooms.

Two new live shows just debuted at Disney's Hollywood Studios and are already proving to be fan favorites. The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure is a take on the original movie, but with special effects that make it a whole new experience. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After includes villains that compete over who has been treated the most unfairly, then the audience gets to vote on who they think claims the title. The shows were top-notch — my kids were captivated for both — and they're included with your theme park admission. As an added bonus, the shows are indoors and air-conditioned to give you a break from the heat.

The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure

Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After

Located in Disney Springs, Cirque du Soleil's Drawn to Life is an acrobatic theater show based on Disney's animated movies. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can get a free kids' ticket for Thursday performances with the purchase of an adult ticket.

Throughout 2025, visitors staying at Disney hotels get free water park admission on the day they check in to their hotel — which is especially useful during the summer heat. Hotel guests also get early entry into the theme parks throughout their stay. As part of the Cool Kids Summer, you can find extra character appearances during this exclusive half hour in the morning (typically 8:30-9am at most parks). These characters roam around and interact with kids (i.e., you don't wait in a line to meet them); my kids' got a surprise mingle with Mirabel from Encanto at EPCOT.

Inside EPCOT's CommuniCore Hall (more AC, thank you!), kids can partake in GoofyCore, a summertime party with a DJ, dancing and games, all with a unique Goofy twist. Case in point: We played limbo, but the rope to go under was a line of Goofy's laundry. And for kids who want to watch from the sidelines, there are soft blocks to build with during their visit to this play space.

Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade has been gone for years, but it's finally bringing back a night parade with Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, which debuts on July 20th. The concept is that it's a "star-kissed constellation of Disney dreams," with floats and characters from Disney and Pixar movies. During my recent visit, I got to preview concepts, music and costumes — and I can't wait to see this show in person later this summer.

Halloween is always a big deal at Disney, which is why the decorations are up by the end of the summer. Plus, the annual Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party kicks off on August 15th. This nighttime ticketed event takes place at Magic Kingdom and gives you access to the park at limited capacity (i.e., fewer lines for rides), trick-or-treating experiences (that leave you with more candy than you can imagine) and exclusive character appearances, food offerings, shows and parades just for the event. It costs extra to attend, but it's worth skipping a day at the parks in exchange for the party. Make sure to dress up in a fun family costume if you attend!

You can find limited-time experiences for Cool Kid Summer in each of the theme parks. For instance, at Hollywood Studios, you'll see magicians and other performers as well characters (we found Clarabelle during our visit!) in the Animation Courtyard. At Magic Kingdom, we watched circus acts at Storybook Circus area and snapped a photo with a stilt walker.

One of my family's favorite spots in Animal Kingdom is The Boneyard, a massive dinosaur-themed playground with climbing structures, slides, a dig site and more. Disney will be converting the entire dinosaur area of Animal Kingdom into a new land with Encanto-inspired attractions. Although they've already started construction in some areas of DinoLand, The Boneyard will (fortunately!) remain open through 2025.

The best Disney World souvenirs are the photos you save for years to come, especially when you visit with kids. Disney offers a Capture Your Moment photo session in each of the four parks, where you get a 20-minute session with a private photographer. This service normally costs $99, but is on sale for $79 from May 26th through September 1st.

Lexie Sachs is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees travel content ranging from the best luggage to Good Housekeeping's Family Travel Awards. Lexie is an Annual Passholder and visits Walt Disney World several times a year, regularly writing articles about Walt Disney World — including previews for new attractions and tips for taking the best photos at the parks.

Lexie Sachs

Executive Director, Strategy & Operations

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.