Walt Disney World brought Cool Kids’ Summer directly to five Central Florida school districts, playing GoofyCore games with students, surprising teachers with theme park tickets, and announcing a $1.3 million investment in education programs.
Cool Kids’ Summer & Education Investment
The investment supports education programs across Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, and Seminole counties, benefiting all five public school districts while also strengthening nonprofit and arts education partners that serve students throughout the region.
Disney visited Engelwood Elementary School (Orange County), St. Cloud Elementary School (Osceola County), Eustis Heights Elementary School (Lake County), Jesse Keen Elementary School (Polk County), and Sterling Park Elementary School (Seminole County). They brought Goofy and his Goof Troop, bringing the GoofyCore experience to life for kindergarten and pre-kindergarten students with various activities. GoofyCore will return to EPCOT later this month.
At the end of the school day, teachers, administrators, and staff were invited to stay for a special message of appreciation. As part of the celebration, each participating educator received Walt Disney World theme park tickets to enjoy with their families in recognition of their dedication and commitment to students.
“We are grateful to Disney for their ongoing support of education in our community, for investing in our teachers at Engelwood Elementary, and for creating moments that spark imagination and celebrate the work in our classrooms,” said Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez. “Opportunities like this encourage our students to dream big and remind our teachers that their impact reaches far beyond the classroom.”
“Schools are where the very first sparks of imagination are lit. They’re where young storytellers, dreamers and creators begin to see what’s possible. Supporting Florida students and educators isn’t just important to Disney, it’s essential to who we are,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World. “Disney is proud to recognize and support the schools and educators who inspire the next generation every single day.”
In addition to the impact it will have on local school districts, the $1.3 million donation will support non-profits and education initiatives throughout Central Florida, including Elevate Orlando, A Gift for Teaching, the Orlando Philharmonic Young People’s Concert, and Disney Musicals in Schools through the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The contribution helps expand access to STEM, literacy, and arts education programs.
Cool Kids’ Summer officially runs from May 26 through September 8 at Walt Disney World. Experiences opening on May 26 include “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Jessie’s Roundup at Magic Kingdom, and Bluey’s Wild World at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
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