Cool Kid Summer Memories in the Making

This summer has been full of dancing, playing, and unleashing our inner child, and it’s all thanks to the incredible Resorts Cast Members who put the “cool” in Cool Kid Summer. 

Cast Members at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge came together to reflect on the fun, energy and magic they’ve created all season long by writing down their favorite Cool Kid Summer moments to share with Cast across the Resorts. 

These reflections captured just how much joy our Cast Members bring to Guests throughout the summer through magical firsts and laugh-out-loud moments – and how much joy our Guests can bring our Cast Members. Together, Resort Cast are pouring their passion into every experience, making happy happen every day here at Walt Disney World Resort. 

Let’s take a look at a few of their favorite moments they brought to life for Guests this summer: 

“Giving kids ‘honorary Cast Member’ nametag stickers!” 

At the Front Desk, little ones were invited to step into the magic as “honorary Cast Members” during check-in. With intentionality and care, Cast Members made sure kids felt included when welcoming their families, sparking joy and excitement from the very first moment of their vacation. 

“The PJ party!! Reading a story to our cool kids all summer and winding down with a great movie.” 

Recreation Cast Members like Trinity at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort helped families wind down at the end of each day with an evening pajama party recreation offering. Before the nightly Movie Under the Stars, kids got to put on their coziest pajamas, bring along a favorite stuffed friend and enjoy fun games before bedtime. 

“I always felt called to Recreation and Children’s Activities,” said Trinity. “I can’t imagine doing anything else. Reading the evening story during the pajama party is my favorite way to pause and remind myself how magical it is to be here.” 

“Doing water art for the Guests.”  

Custodial Cast Members love turning their brooms and buckets into paint and brushes. On top of creating amazing water art, they’re also known to arrange fallen leaves and flowers into Mickey heads and other whimsical designs. These surprise-and-delight touches are always photo-worthy surprises for Guests, proving that even the smallest moments can create the biggest smiles. 

“Watching the kids participate in the trivia activity in the lobby.” 

The “Disney Fan Family Fun” streetmosphere experience brought laughter into the lobbies, as a zany family “checked in” with oversized luggage and plenty of antics. 

“One of my favorite things is seeing families play the trivia games in the lobby while they wait to check in,” said Rita, a Concierge Cast Member at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. “Instead of just standing in line, they’re laughing, competing and already starting their vacation with a magical memory.” 

“Meeting the characters in the lobby!” 

Of course, special appearances from beloved Disney Characters are on many Cast Members’ lists of favorite memories. The Character Caravan visits remind us that a summer vacation is just as much about connection and play as it is about sunshine and relaxation. 

Together, these moments tell the story of a summer filled with energy, fun and the kind of magic only Disney Cast can create. Our Cast Members know how to make every day truly unforgettable!