Growing up in Florida, how could I ever forget the feeling of driving through the iconic Walt Disney World arch? This summer I got to relive that magic by bringing my cousins, Asher, 9, and Noah, 5, for their very first visit to Walt Disney World during Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.
A Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Welcome at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Upon arrival, we checked into our rooms at Disney’s Pop Century Resort – that is, right after the kids spotted six-seven as we walked in. Obviously, we had to get a picture.
A Value Resort was the perfect fit for our family, with convenient transportation options and vibrant, kid-friendly places to eat and play just steps away from our room. The classic Disney theming, blast-from-the-past décor, and helpful cast members added to the experience.
In addition to the great year-round fun at Pop Century, my cousins were thrilled to participate in the activities designed for kids of all ages this summer, right at the resort. When we arrived, the kids were even welcomed with complimentary Cool KIDS’ SUMMER themed drawstring bags. Who doesn’t love a present upon arrival?
Enjoying the Summer Perks – from Free Water Slides to PJ Parties
After settling in, we made the most of the free water park admission on check-in day for Disney Resort hotel guests with a trip to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. The boys had a blast, and the free Disney bus transportation made getting there easy.
With endless kid energy, the day didn’t stop there. After a quick change at the hotel, it was time for the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER pajama party, my personal Pop Century highlight.
While Noah colored and Asher tuned into a classic Disney movie right in the lobby, my aunt and uncle had the chance to sit back and relax after a full travel day. To top it all off, the kids got to meet Mickey Mouse for the very first time, and he was in his pajamas. How cute is that!
After getting the wiggles out at the pajama party and filling up with some delicious food at Everything Pop! for dinner (tie-dye cheesecake was a 10 out of 10), the kids were ready to get tucked into bed, because when they woke up, we were going to Disney World!
Park Day 1: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
In a Galaxy Far, Far Away…
The next morning, we walked right onto the Disney Skyliner which carried us from our resort right to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. My five-year-old cousin Noah was so excited because he is all about Star Wars, so naturally we spent most of the day at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Asher and Noah braved all the Star Wars rides, including Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, now featuring a new adventure with The Mandalorian and Grogu! This was the kids’ favorite, largely due to its interactive nature (they both took on the mission as gunners). As for me, I’m primarily a fan of the adorable Grogu, so I loved seeing these new additions, too.
After Star Tours, the boys had one more Star Wars dream for their visit: to build their own lightsabers. A friendly cast member at Tattooine Traders guided both boys as they built custom lightsabers that will forever remind them of this day.
It’s the Little Things!
Kids really do love the small moments. Asher and Noah didn’t need one big ride after another to be entertained. Some of the most special moments came from walk-up shows and simply spotting details around the park (special shoutout to the ducks).
We wrapped up our visit with a show, and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! was an exciting end to the day for two adventurous little boys. The Skyliner ride back to the hotel was spent recounting the rides the boys braved and the wonderful first park day for the family.
Park Day 2: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Our second park day took us to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I had a feeling the kids would enjoy this park, as we’re all nature lovers. From the second we entered, the kids were wide-eyed and ready to become Wilderness Explorers (no, really, you can become an honorary Wilderness Explorer… Caw! Caw! Roar!).
The Wilderness Must Be Explored!
This free activity is a unique way to see the park, and you even learn about nature as you go. After more helpful cast member tips on exploring, the kids led the way in search of badge stickers to place in their books. Though they didn’t finish their books in one day, they were thrilled to collect more than 20 badges each!
Noah even begged to keep going as we wrapped up our visit later that day, before he promptly fell asleep on the bus ride back to the hotel. Looks like we’ll have to come back for more adventures.
Animal Encounters from the African Savanna to the Australian Outback
Between collecting badges and learning about conservation, we experienced several kid-friendly attractions including Kilimanjaro Safaris and the Feathered Friends in Flight! show. Both experiences were a great way to slow down and enjoy the park together.
Before wrapping up our day, we hopped on the train to Conservation Station to collect more conservation badges.
Asher was determined to find his favorite animal, the gecko, and he did! We also got a first look at the wallabies and kangaroos at Jumping Junction, including a joey hanging out in its mother’s pouch!
The adorable Bluey touches sprinkled throughout were the cherry on top of this area. Going in the later afternoon, Conservation Station was a great place to unwind where the kids could learn and play in an air-conditioned space.
The Magic of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER
From our arrival at Pop Century to our days at the theme parks, Cool KIDS’ SUMMER brought an extra layer of fun to every part of our weekend. These special summer touches add moments of discovery, excitement, and connection that families remember long after the trip is over.
For Asher, Noah, and the rest of the family, this is just the beginning of their Disney story. And for me, it was a nostalgic reminder of how it felt experiencing those first moments of Disney magic all over again.
Moments like these, getting to share the magic of Disney with the children in my life, are why I’m so thankful to be a Disney cast member.
