Beginning October 1st, the magic is calling everyone to what’s been dubbed as “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”! The 18-month event will bring new attractions, restaurants, specialty food items, entertainment, merchandise, and more to all four Disney theme parks!
Whether it’s your first time visiting or your 50th, you’ll be in for a treat with classic Disney favorites and new adventures unlike any you have ever seen before! Walt Disney World invites you to: “Share the magic you helped create over the last 50 years. And kick off the next era where the best is yet to come.”
Keep reading to find out about:
- When is Disney World’s 50th Anniversary?
- What to expect at Disney World’s theme parks:
- New restaurants to experience
- Where to find 50th Anniversary merchandise
- Where to stay
When is Disney World’s 50th Anniversary?
Walt Disney World Resort officially the gates to Magic Kindom, the Polynesian Village Resort, and the Contemporary Resort for the first time on October 1st, 1971!
The 50th celebration kicks off on October 1st, 2021 and will run for 18 months — until April 1st, 2023! This means that even if you aren’t able to join in the fun on October 1st, that you’ll still have the opportunity to experience everything that’s in store at all of the theme parks until the spring of 2023.
What to Expect at Disney’s Theme Parks
During The World’s Most Magical Celebration, you’ll discover a transformed experience across all four theme parks and beyond with exciting additions! Not to mention, the theme park icons will even be transformed into magnificent Beacons of Magic and shine like they never have before — each with their own unique EARidescent glow.
Here’s a quick look into what you can expect at each of the four theme parks:
Magic Kingdom
If you haven’t seen it already, the transformation of Cinderella’s Castle is absolutely breathtaking! The castle is draped with unique 50th Anniversary embellishments and décor, elegant colors, and highlighted with a magnificent 50th Medallion. And, if you’re lucky enough to be here after the sun sets, you’ll find that the royal landmark becomes a shining Beacon of Magic, shimmering with EARidescence.
Plus, the “Happily Ever After” fireworks show has been replaced with a new show called “Disney Enchantment.” The cherished Cinderella Castle projections will run all the way down Main Street U.S.A. for an immersive experience, and music from popular Disney movies will be featured — like Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast, Tangled, and some new original music. And, of course, Tinker Bell will be flying across the sky, spreading pixie dust during the show!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will be home to a new daytime show called “Disney KiteTails” that we’re extremely excited about! The sensational performance will have your favorite characters soaring above with extraordinary kites and colorful windcatchers. Join in the fun with Simba, Zazu, Baloo, and others starting on October 1st at the Discover River Amphitheater.
In the twilight hours you’ll also be able to witness the magical Tree of Life become dazzled in EARidescence! Yes, please!
Epcot
Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival in 2021 will run through November 20th and get even more additions starting on October 1st, 2021 — including extra booths and more foods to try! We didn’t think the festival could get any better, but boy, we were wrong. Check out everything you need to know about the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year.
We also can’t wait for one of the newest rides that features Chef Remy from Ratatouille! The exhilarating experience will take visitors through Gusteau’s bustling Paris restaurant. And, you guessed it, this will be located in the France Pavilion starting on October 1st.
Lastly, if you love the fireworks show “EPCOT Forever”, you’ll be in for a treat with an updated show called “Harmonious”! This new display is said to be one of the biggest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney Park. Watch as The World Showcase Lagoon lights up with new vibrant lasers, dancing fountains, and floating barges with custom-built LED panels!
Hollywood Studios
At the time of writing this, the word on the street is that we can expect to see unique offerings at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Minnie’s Runaway Railway! Plus, there are at least six new golden statues located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to celebrate the 50th anniversary.
We think the highlight will be seeing the Tower of Terror lit up with EARidescence, don’t you think?
Disney World Restaurant Celebrations
You can find two new dining experiences at EPCOT that we can’t wait to check out — Space 220 and La Crêperie de Paris.
If you’ve ever wanted to view the earth from space, then Space 220 should be on your Disney World itinerary! Here, you can peer out and enjoy phenomenal daytime and nighttime views of the earth from 220 miles up as you dine. This table-service restaurant is located in Future World, between Mission: Space and Test Track.
The second new Disney World restaurant is La Crêperie de Paris, located just outside the entrance to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavillion. The menu features sweet crepes and savory galettes, which you can enjoy by table service or quick service.
50th Anniversary Celebration Merchandise
There are 5 different collections that have been created to honor the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort: the Celebration Collection, the Disney Castle Collection, the vintage-inspired Vault Collection, the EARidescent Collection, and the Luxe Logo Collection.
If you’re a huge Disney fan like us, we’re sure you have already seen some of the one-of-a-kind 50th Anniversary commemorative merchandise available at the parks — from Mickey ears, t-shirts, backpacks, hats, cups, pins, and more!
When you’re visiting, you can find the anniversary-themed merchandise at stores like The Emporium at Magic Kingdom, the upcoming Creations Shop at EPCOT, World of Disney at Disney Springs, and many others throughout the parks. Select merch can also be found on Shop Disney.
Places to Stay Near Disney World
If you’re looking to stay near Disney World to experience the magic, we have a large selection of vacation rental properties with everything you need while you’re away from home! For the kiddos (or young at heart), we’re sure you’ll love the homes with Disney themed rooms featuring your favorite characters.
You’ll find they give you plenty of space to spread out and all of them have fully equipped kitchens, flat-screen TVs, free high-speed internet and more. Plus, you’re only a short car ride from all the theme parks. Speaking of that, if you need tickets – there’s no need to wait in line. You can find more info about purchasing tickets.
We can’t wait to celebrate Disney World’s 50th anniversary with you! Should you have any questions or need assistance choosing the perfect place for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is available 24/7 by phone and email.
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