Ways to Enjoy Hotel Check-In Day During Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

This summer comes with extra fun when you decide to stay in the magic in the Disney Resorts Collection at Walt Disney World. As part of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, four resorts are welcoming guests with special experiences and amenities designed to delight families with young children from the moment they check in.

From epic pool parties to cozy nighttime sing-alongs, here’s how to make the most of your summer vacation at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, or Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.*

During Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, guests staying at any Disney Resort hotel can enjoy complimentary admission to a Disney water park on check-in day, with the ability to choose from Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.

From thrilling water slides to relaxing lazy rivers, Disney water parks combine immersive theming with family-friendly fun. Whether you’re looking to unwind after traveling or jump into high-energy attractions, this perk is a great way to kick off your summer getaway.

Offer valid for arrivals May 26 through September 8, 2026. Learn more.

Disney Resort hotels offer plenty of ways to jump right into the fun from day one of your Walt Disney World vacation.

From lawn games like cornhole and Giant Connect 4 to evening favorites like campfires and Movies Under the Stars, there’s something for every member of the family. You can also enjoy trivia, interactive games, and other family-friendly activities led by Disney cast members throughout their stay.

Let’s say you’re checking in at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside for a magical summer getaway. In addition to year-round recreation offerings like catch-and-release fishing and surrey bike rentals, you’ll find even more family fun as part of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.

The magic begins at check-in, so be sure to stop by the Front Desk and pick up a Cool KIDS’ SUMMER surprise for each of your little ones. They might even run into some of their favorite Disney characters in the lobby!

Once you’ve settled into your room, head outside for one of the resort’s enhanced Cool KIDS’ SUMMER pool parties. Hosted by Disney recreation cast members, these daily celebrations feature interactive games and upbeat music.

For a quiet way to spend the afternoon, stop by the resort’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER lobby library provided by Disney Publishing, where young readers can discover stories featuring Disney Princesses, Super Heroes, and more. It’s the perfect place to relax, recharge, and enjoy some family time between adventures.

As the day winds down, gather the family for a cozy Cool KIDS’ SUMMER pajama party. Join Disney recreation cast members for story time followed by an opportunity to create your own bedtime story.

You may even spot a favorite Disney character stopping by to help bring the story to life. It’s a memorable way to end your first day and get ready for all the experiences that await tomorrow.

One of the best ways to start your vacation is exploring beyond your Disney Resort hotel, and Disney makes it easy with complimentary transportation modes across Walt Disney World. Disney Resort guests** can travel between Disney Resort hotels by bus, boat, or other transportation options like the Disney Skyliner and monorail at select resorts.

From Riverside, set sail on the scenic Sassagoula River Cruise to Disney Springs for shopping, dining, and entertainment. From Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort, soar through the sky on the Disney Skyliner and head to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to enjoy a family meal at Sebastian’s Bistro.

Head to another Disney Resort hotel for dining, sightseeing, or simply exploring. Disney’s transportation network offers a convenient way to enhance your check-in day.

Explore transportation options at Walt Disney World.

Part of the magic of checking into your Disney Resort hotel is taking in the details. From the moment you arrive, every resort’s setting and atmosphere feel distinctly Disney. Every detail is thoughtfully designed to make you feel like you’ve stepped into another destination.

At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside, stroll beneath towering oak trees along the banks of the Sassagoula River, where a one-mile jogging trail offers a scenic way to explore more of the resort at your own pace. It’s an easy way to slow down, stretch your legs after traveling, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the Bayou. 

If your Cool KIDS’ SUMMER vacation is taking you to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, you can look forward to larger-than-life icons celebrating the fads, toys, and trends that defined iconic decades in American pop culture. Towering yo-yos and colorful Rubik’s Cubes make it feel like you’re walking through time as you explore the resort.

Over at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, swaying palm trees, white-sand beaches, and colorful island-inspired regions create a relaxing tropical escape. Wander along the waterfront, take in the picturesque views of Barefoot Bay or simply relax in a hammock underneath some palms.

At Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, beloved Disney and Pixar stories leap off the screen and into the real world. As you explore the resort, you’ll find yourself immersed in scenes inspired by films like Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid.

From towering character sculptures to colorful courtyards filled with storytelling details, every corner invites families to slow down and relive some of their favorite Disney movie moments.

Take in your resort’s views, relax in one of the outdoor spaces, or simply admire the resort’s architecture and hidden storytelling elements. Each Resort hotel offers plenty of ways to ease into vacation mode on check-in day.

While there’s plenty to see and do around your Disney Resort hotel, some of the most memorable moments come from the Walt Disney World cast members who bring the experience to life. Throughout Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, cast members are helping create magical moments for families, both big and small.

You might meet a recreation cast member leading a high-energy Cool KIDS’ SUMMER pool party, hosting a campfire or helping little ones create their own bedtime story during a cozy pajama party. Merchandise cast members are creating memories by surprising little ones with special pins from the kids-only trading boards available throughout Cool KIDS’ Summer.

Over at select quick-service restaurants***, dining assistants are on hand to make mealtime a little easier for young families. That means grabbing an extra highchair, tracking down utensils or condiments, or simply stopping by the table to share a warm hello with your little ones.

From sharing a smile to helping create unforgettable family memories, these special interactions are what make every moment at a Disney Resort hotel feel uniquely magical.

With so much to discover just steps from your room, check-in day at Walt Disney World is a chance to explore, unwind, and start making unforgettable memories from the moment you arrive.

_{*Additional Cool Kids’ SUMMER experiences and amenities are only available during Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside from now until Sept. 8, 2026.}

_{**Guests boarding Disney Resort hotel buses and the Sassagoula River Cruise from Disney Springs will be asked to show a valid Disney Resort hotel room key or a dining or experience reservation for the Resort they are visiting. Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel may also use their MagicBand or the My Disney Experience app to verify their Resort hotel stay.}

_{***Quick-Service dining assistants may be available during breakfast and dinner at quick-service restaurants at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside during Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, now through Sept. 8, 2026.}