A Slower Way to Do Disney: Why Summer 2026 Might Be the Right Time
There’s a moment most parents know about, but usually don’t see coming…
One day, your child is small enough to hold your hand through the parks: wide-eyed, excited, completely in the moment. And then, somehow, without any warning at all, they’re taller, more independent, and standing beside you instead of reaching for you!
The photos look similar.
The moments feel very different.
That’s why so many families come to us saying the same thing
“We don’t want Disney to feel rushed.”
“We want to actually enjoy it.”
“We don’t want to spend all day in the sun.”
For families thinking about Walt Disney World in summer 2026, there’s some good news.
Disney has released a few new summer offers that help bring a better value to a different kind of trip. One that leaves room to slow down, rest, and truly enjoy the experience together.
Not busier.
Better paced trips for summer, with freedom for real downtime. A relaxing Walt Disney World trip. (It IS possible!)
Disney Doesn’t Have to Be Exhausting
There’s a common misconception that a Disney vacation has to be nonstop.
Early mornings. Late nights.
Trying to do everything because you feel like you should, you are paying for it, right?!
But some of the most meaningful Disney trips don’t look like that at all.
They include:
- Slower mornings, or sleeping in after a late night
- Pool time during the middle of the day
- Taking a day off from the parks without guilt
- Enjoying the resort as part of the vacation — especially when
staying on Disney property
The new Summer 2026 offers we are booking for our MAT families encourage exactly this kind of balance.
It’s designed for families who want enough time to enjoy the parks and enjoy being together — without feeling like every moment has to be planned or maximized with GUILT FREE extra days.
These extra days give you permission to have real downtime!
Why Summer Can Actually Be a Beautiful Time to Go
Summer at Disney often gets dismissed too quickly. Did you know summer is usually less crowded than other school breaks? It is!
For families who plan thoughtfully, summer has some unique advantages:
- Longer days that naturally slow the pace
- Built-in opportunities for rest and resort time
- A rhythm that works well for families traveling together, no
- Flexibility to mix park days with true downtime
When families allow themselves extra time, Disney starts to feel less like a checklist and more like a shared experience. And those are the trips people remember.
The Truth About “Someday”
We hear this all the time:
“We’ll go when things calm down.”
“When the kids are a little older.”
But the truth is… the timing is never perfect.
What is real is the season you’re in right now. The age your kids are today.
The way they laugh, walk, talk, and experience the world this year.
A slower Disney trip isn’t about doing less.
It’s about quality, being present (and less grumpy) for more of the magical moments.
And for families even considering summer 2026, this new offer creates a opportunity to plan a trip that feels doable, not overwhelming.
Is Summer 2026 Right for Your Family?
You only get 18 Summers with your kiddos, and this kind of longer, slower trip tends to be a great fit for families who:
- Want time to enjoy both the theme parks and relax at the resort
- Prefer a less rushed pace over rushing attraction to attraction
- Value shared moments and rest days
- Want to feel good during the trip — not just after it’s over!
It’s not about doing Disney “the right way.”
It’s about doing Disney your way.
Let’s Talk About What You Want This Trip to Feel Like
If Walt Disney World has been on your family’s “someday” list, summer 2026 might be a really meaningful time to go, especially if you’ve always wished the trip felt less packed, less crazy and more enjoyable.
There are ways to plan Disney vacations that leave room to breathe, rest, and savor the moments you’ll want back one day!
If you’d like help exploring whether this kind of trip makes sense for your family, we’re always happy to talk what this can look for your family.
Because the memories matter.
And these seasons don’t last forever.
Why Plan Disney Trips with Mom Approved Travel
As an EarMarked™ Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, Mom Approved Travel helps families turn complicated Walt Disney World planning into easy, joyful vacations. We’d love to help you explore options that fit your family, your pace, and the season you’re in, right now.
When you work with us, you’ll get:
• Personalized resort and itinerary recommendations based on yourfamily’s ages, pace, and unique priorities
• Current, accurate guidance from Disney specialists who monitor policy and program changes for you
• Proactive support before, during, and after your trip, so you can focus on making those magical memories
Ready to plan a smoother Walt Disney World vacation?
>> Request your Disney Trip Quote with Mom Approved Travel <<
Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase an item through it, at no additional cost to you. As always, we only share products we truly use and recommend for our client families.
