Disney just dropped some MAJOR news that’s going to change your entire summer Magic Kingdom strategy, and honestly, we’re still processing it all. The Diamond Horseshoe in Liberty Square is getting completely transformed into Jessie’s Roundup, a full-blown Toy Story character experience running from May 26 through September 8, 2026. Yes, you read that right. WOODY AND JESSIE are coming to Magic Kingdom for the entire summer, which is absolutely wild because these characters have basically been MIA from this park forever. Like, if you wanted to meet Toy Story characters, you had to trek over to Hollywood Studios and hope the lines weren’t insane. But now? They’re setting up shop in one of the most underused venues in all of Magic Kingdom, and we have SO many thoughts about this.
The best part? Disney is literally ripping out all the tables from the Diamond Horseshoe and turning it into a massive play space where kids can just RUN AROUND. In AIR CONDITIONING. During Florida summer. Parents, are you hearing this? This is HUGE. We’re talking crafts, dancing, and apparently YODELING (because of course Jessie’s signature yodel had to make an appearance), all happening in this western-themed space that actually makes perfect sense for Toy Story characters. The Diamond Horseshoe has been struggling to find its identity for YEARS, cycling through random limited-time things that never really stuck. But a Toy Story takeover during the hottest months of the year when families desperately need indoor activities? That’s actually genius.
This is all part of Disney’s Cool Kids’ Summer push, and let me tell you, they’re going ALL OUT this year. We’re not just talking about Jessie’s Roundup. We’re talking Bluey coming to Animal Kingdom, The Muppets taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, new missions on Millennium Falcon with Baby Yoda (yes, we’re still calling him that), and honestly so much stuff happening simultaneously that you’re going to need a spreadsheet to keep track of it all. Plus there are package deals that could save you actual hundreds of dollars if you book during the right window. So buckle up because we’re about to break down EVERYTHING you need to know about this summer takeover.
What’s Actually Happening at Jessie’s Roundup
So here’s the deal with Jessie’s Roundup: this is NOT a character dining experience, which honestly might disappoint some people but hear us out. Disney is clearing ALL the tables from the Diamond Horseshoe, which means kids aren’t sitting down for a meal with characters stopping by. Instead, they’re getting an open play space where they can actually move around, do activities, and interact with Jessie, Woody, and other Toy Story friends in a way more energetic environment.
The whole concept is being called a “western revue,” which we’re interpreting as part show, part craft time, part dance party, all with a Toy Story twist. You’ve got crafts happening (probably sheriff badges and cowboy hats, let’s be real). You’ve got dancing, which knowing Disney probably means line dancing or some kind of choreographed situation where cast members teach kids moves. And then there’s the YODELING, which is the most Jessie thing ever and we’re absolutely dying to see how Disney actually incorporates this into activities.
Like, are they teaching kids to yodel? Is Jessie just yodeling at random intervals? Is there a yodeling contest? We need answers! But honestly, the yodeling detail shows that Disney is actually trying to make this feel authentic to the character rather than just throwing Toy Story characters into a generic western setting and calling it a day.
The fact that these characters don’t normally meet at Magic Kingdom is kind of a big deal. Toy Story is MASSIVE. Like, one of Disney’s biggest franchises ever. And Magic Kingdom, the flagship park, has basically had zero regular Toy Story character presence. That’s always been weird! So having Jessie and Woody set up shop here for the entire summer finally gives Magic Kingdom families a Toy Story fix without having to park hop over to Hollywood Studios.
Cool Kids’ Summer Is STACKED With New Experiences
Okay, so Jessie’s Roundup is cool and all, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg for what Disney’s doing this summer. The Cool Kids’ Summer lineup is absolutely LOADED, and we’re talking about experiences across all four parks that are going to completely change how you plan your days.
First up: BLUEY AND BINGO ARE COMING TO ANIMAL KINGDOM. If you have kids who are obsessed with Bluey (so basically every family in America right now), this is huge news. They’re setting up at Conservation Station, which means you ride the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, meet the characters, play games from the show, and see Australian animals. It’s perfect thematically and fills a major gap in Animal Kingdom’s character lineup.
Over at EPCOT, Goofy is taking over CommuniCore Hall with something called GoofyCore (yes, really), featuring games like Goofy Says, Balloon Bonanza, and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks. DJ Dance Pants is showing up, which is a deep cut Goof Troop reference that’s going to make ’90s kids lose their minds. This gives EPCOT way more kid-friendly character stuff during a season when families with young children are everywhere.
Hollywood Studios is getting Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live, a brand new stage show with Mickey and Minnie doing an interactive musical thing. This is clearly aimed at the Disney Jr. crowd, and honestly, it’s about time Hollywood Studios got a dedicated show for that age range.
But the REALLY big news at Hollywood Studios? Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is reopening with THE MUPPETS. Aerosmith is OUT, the Electric Mayhem is IN, and we are absolutely HERE for this chaos. The Muppets taking over a high-speed roller coaster is the kind of bonkers decision that either works brilliantly or crashes spectacularly, and we’re betting on brilliant because the Muppets can do no wrong.
Also at Hollywood Studios, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting a new mission with Din Djarin and Grogu starting May 22. And get this: for the first time EVER, you get to choose which planets your ship visits during the ride. That’s actual branching storytelling in a theme park attraction, which is pretty wild.
Magic Kingdom’s Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is getting new handheld blasters and updated ride vehicles, which is desperately needed because those old blasters were literally falling apart. And EPCOT’s Soarin’ is debuting Soarin’ Across America by Memorial Day, celebrating America’s 250th birthday with all new footage.
Oh, and during the 30-minute early park entry that resort guests get? Characters are going to be appearing across ALL FOUR PARKS during that time throughout Cool Kids’ Summer. Plus select resorts like Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Port Orleans Riverside are getting extra character visits and family activities.
The Package Deals Are Actually INSANE
Okay, let’s talk money because Disney is offering some legitimately good deals for Cool Kids’ Summer, and you need to book fast because the window is tight.
Here’s the big one: Buy a 4-night, 4-day room and ticket package through Walt Disney Travel Company, and Disney gives you TWO FREE NIGHTS and TWO FREE PARK DAYS. That’s six days at Disney World for the price of four. This applies to most nights from May 26 through September 15, 2026, but you can only book this from January 6 through February 15, 2026. So you’ve got like six weeks to pull the trigger on this.
Hotel discounts go up to 30% at select Disney resorts for stays from May 1 through October 4, 2026. Florida Residents get 35% off, and Annual Passholders can score 40% off. Those are real savings, especially if you’re looking at deluxe resorts where nightly rates can hit $500-700.
Free water park admission on your check-in day for anyone staying at Disney resorts between May 26 and September 8. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open, so you can literally check in, dump your bags, and head straight to a water park without paying extra. That’s an easy $80+ per person in value right there.
And here’s the kicker: if you buy a package with a dining plan for guests 10 and up, kids ages 3-9 get FREE dining plans. For families with multiple kids, this could save you $200-300+ depending on how many days you’re staying and which dining plan you choose.
All these deals go live on January 6, 2026 at DisneyWorld.com/offers. Set a reminder because these are the kinds of promotions that actually make summer Disney trips financially viable for families who are usually priced out.
Should You Actually Go During Florida Summer?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Florida in summer is BRUTAL. We’re talking 95+ degree heat with humidity that makes it feel like 110. Afternoon thunderstorms that can shut down outdoor attractions. The constant need for sunscreen reapplication. The fact that you’ll be sweating through your clothes by 10 AM.
But here’s the thing: Disney is clearly trying to address these concerns with Cool Kids’ Summer programming. Jessie’s Roundup gives you an air-conditioned activity in Liberty Square where there aren’t many indoor options. The water park access on check-in day gets you wet and cool immediately. The enhanced character experiences during early park entry let you do stuff before the heat becomes unbearable. And the package deals make the financial math work way better than it does during other times of year.
Plus, summer crowds aren’t what they used to be. Yes, there are lots of families because school’s out, but it’s not the insane wall-to-wall people you see during Christmas week or spring break. You can actually move around the parks, get dining reservations with reasonable notice, and experience attractions without three-hour waits.
If you’re strategic about it and take advantage of the air-conditioned experiences, water parks, and resort pool time, summer Disney is totally doable. Just don’t try to be a hero and rope drop to park close every single day because you WILL melt.
The Verdict
Jessie’s Roundup taking over the Diamond Horseshoe is exactly the kind of creative venue usage Disney should be doing more of. Taking an underutilized space and transforming it into a character experience that’s not available anywhere else in the park? That’s smart. Doing it during the season when families desperately need air-conditioned activities? Even smarter.
Combined with everything else happening during Cool Kids’ Summer, this might actually be the best time to visit Disney World with young kids if you can handle the heat and take advantage of those package deals. You’re getting character experiences you can’t see any other time of year, attraction updates that improve existing rides, and financial incentives that make the trip more affordable.
So what’s the move? Are you booking Cool Kids’ Summer as soon as that January 6 window opens, or are you waiting to see how other people’s experiences go? Which experience are you most hyped for: Jessie’s Roundup, Bluey at Animal Kingdom, or the Muppets on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster? Drop a comment and let us know because we’re genuinely curious which of these summer additions is getting people most excited. And if you’ve got heat survival tips for summer Disney trips, SHARE THEM because we’re all in this sweaty mess together!
