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For over 5 decades, hotels have been an essential part of the Walt Disney World experience, with the opening-day Polynesian Village and Contemporary resorts joined by more than 25 hotels since 1971.
Art of Animation Resort
Over that time, Disney’s hotels have served up a litany of special perks to guests, and in the summer of 2026, Disney has added some distinct… character to four of their resorts.
As part of the Cool Kids Summer promotion — which began in May and runs through September 8th — a litany of special perks is available to guests at 4 hotels: the Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Art of Animation Resort, and Pop Century Resort. By far the biggest is the addition of scheduled character appearances at each of the hotels!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Magical Guides-_-Cool-Kids-Summer-_-Port-Orleans-Riverside-_-Resorts-_-Disney-World-Photo-May-26-2026-3-46-23-PM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Mickey at Port Orleans — Riverside for Cool Kids’ Summer
First introduced in 2025, this game-changing perk allows guests to experience character encounters that were previously park-exclusive on days when they choose not to leave their hotels. This can be especially helpful for parents who want a bit of a cool-down day at their resort while still appeasing kiddos yearning for some Disney magic.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Magical Guides-_-Cool-Kids-Summer-_-Pop-Century-_-Resorts-_-Disney-World-Photo-May-26-2026-1-17-17-PM-2066-x-3672-338x600.jpg
Minnie Mouse at Pop Century… with Donald in the background.
In addition to the character appearances, there are several other perks unique to these 4 hotels, including:
Pool Party!
Perks aren’t entirely limited to these 4 hotels, however, as guests at all of the on-property hotels have access to Disney’s free water perk. First introduced in 2025, this perk gives each member of a guest’s party free admission to one of Walt Disney World’s water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, on their check-in day.
Typhoon Lagoon
Cool Kids Summer has brought a slew of perks to the Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans Riverside, Art of Animation, and Pop Century resorts! Stay tuned to Magical Guides for more on Disney World’s latest offers.
Are you staying at one of these hotels this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
Art of Animation Resort
Over that time, Disney’s hotels have served up a litany of special perks to guests, and in the summer of 2026, Disney has added some distinct… character to four of their resorts.
As part of the Cool Kids Summer promotion — which began in May and runs through September 8th — a litany of special perks is available to guests at 4 hotels: the Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Art of Animation Resort, and Pop Century Resort. By far the biggest is the addition of scheduled character appearances at each of the hotels!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Magical Guides-_-Cool-Kids-Summer-_-Port-Orleans-Riverside-_-Resorts-_-Disney-World-Photo-May-26-2026-3-46-23-PM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Mickey at Port Orleans — Riverside for Cool Kids’ Summer
First introduced in 2025, this game-changing perk allows guests to experience character encounters that were previously park-exclusive on days when they choose not to leave their hotels. This can be especially helpful for parents who want a bit of a cool-down day at their resort while still appeasing kiddos yearning for some Disney magic.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Magical Guides-_-Cool-Kids-Summer-_-Pop-Century-_-Resorts-_-Disney-World-Photo-May-26-2026-1-17-17-PM-2066-x-3672-338x600.jpg
Minnie Mouse at Pop Century… with Donald in the background.
In addition to the character appearances, there are several other perks unique to these 4 hotels, including:
- Special Libraries: Little ones can celebrate Disney stories in libraries provided by Disney Publishing, where the magic of their imaginations can come alive with tales of princesses, heroes, and more.
- Pajama Party: Wind down with your family during story time! Participate in a “create your own bedtime story” activity, where the magic of a good book comes to life with the arrival of a favorite Disney Character.
- Pool Party: Make a splash at a high-energy poolside experience with games and music for the whole family.
- Campfire: Gather ‘round for a celebration filled with marshmallows and Disney-infused entertainment.
Pool Party!
Perks aren’t entirely limited to these 4 hotels, however, as guests at all of the on-property hotels have access to Disney’s free water perk. First introduced in 2025, this perk gives each member of a guest’s party free admission to one of Walt Disney World’s water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, on their check-in day.
Typhoon Lagoon
Cool Kids Summer has brought a slew of perks to the Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans Riverside, Art of Animation, and Pop Century resorts! Stay tuned to Magical Guides for more on Disney World’s latest offers.
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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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Are you staying at one of these hotels this summer? Let us know in the comments below.