Starting on October 1, 2021 and extending for 19-months is the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Originally opened in 1971 with the Magic Kingdom theme park, the Contemporary Hotel and the Polynesian Hotel (now the Polynesian Village Resort), this world-renowned resort is now home to four theme parks, two water parks, over 30,000 hotel rooms, a major sports venue and one of Florida’s most popular shopping, dining and entertainment venues.
To commemorate the “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”, Disney will bring a number of new attractions, events, entertainment, food and merchandise; some of which was offered as the commencement in October 2021 with a number of new offerings to follow throughout the 18-month event.
In this Complete Guide to the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Walt Disney World you will find what’s new and what’s coming to the resort during this momentous celebration.
Click here to learn about on-site hotels at Walt Disney World
The Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom is the crown jewel of The Walt Disney World Resort and one can expect that Disney will highlight this park for the 50th Celebration
Disney Enchantment
Disney Enchantment is a new nighttime projection show and fireworks spectacular set to some of the most popular Disney characters. The back drop for the show itself is not only on Cinderella’s Castle but also on the shops along Main Street USA.
Disney Enchantment is held nightly so be sure to find a good place at least 30 minutes before showtime as it gets very crowded in from of the castle.
Beacons of Magic on Cinderella Castle
Cinderella Castle has been “re-imagined” with new décor featuring a prominent “50” marquee for all guests to see. During the evenings, features sparkling illumination where the entire castle lights up for the celebration.
Disney Fab 50 Character Collection
Not only in the Magic Kingdom but across all four parks guests will find 50 Disney characters cast in gold. Characters at the Magic Kingdom include (of course) Mickey and Minnie.
These characters make for perfect photo opportunities.
Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade
Join Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and others for their Celebration Cavalcade in front of the castle and along Main Street USA. The characters will be dressed for the celebration in that “EARidescent best”. Cavalcades take place several times a day.
Click here to see our video to Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade.
EPCOT
The transformation of EPCOT at The Walt Disney World Resort has been going on for for quite some time with construction in the Future World area starting to take shape. A number of projects have been completed with many others on the way.
Harmonious
Harmonious is a spectacular nighttime fountains, lights, pyrotechnics and fireworks spectacular is truly something to be seen. Located in the center of the World Showcase Lagoon, the show comes from a mammoth six-story floating structure which is accompanied by four 25-foot LED screens that are 88-feet in length. The soundtrack for Harmonious consists of more than 100 separate recordings by more than 200 musicians, artists, vocalists and others
This sensory masterpiece produces a 20-minute show that can be viewed throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Guests will ride along with Remy on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure as he evades Chef Skinner in a classic French restaurant. This all new ride opened October 2021 and is a a 3D based, trackless ride system where riders will feel like they are part of the action.
Disney Fab 50 Character Collection
Not only in the EPCOT but across all four parks guests will find 50 Disney characters cast in gold. Characters at EPCOT include Olaf from Frozen and Rocket from Guardians of the Galaxy.
Spaceship Earth Beacons of Magic
Throughout the evening hours Disney hosts an light show on Spaceship Earth’s reflective panels. This amazing show “emerges to symbolize beacons of possibility and optimism”.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The 50th Celebration continues at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with special entertainment and experiences.
Beacons of Magic on the Hollywood Tower of Terror
The Hollywood Tower of Terror serves as a backdrop for a spectacular evening light show that features sparkling illumination where the entire tower lights up for the celebration.
Disney Fab 50 Character Collection
Not only in the Disney’s Hollywood Studios but across all four parks guests will find 50 Disney characters cast in gold. Guests will find a number of characters including BB-8 and R2D2 from Star Wars.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom also plays host to entertainment and experiences during The 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Beacons of Magic on the Tree of Life
The Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom serves as a backdrop for another Disney evening light show about the “magic of nature” that features sparkling illumination and enchanted creatures, all set to Disney Music.
Disney KiteTails
Guests will enjoy the all-new daytime show Disney KiteTails where character themed kits will fly above the Animal Kingdom lagoon and perform to popular Disney songs.
Additional Things for The 50th Anniversary Celebration
In addition to the special entertainment and experiences that are taking place during the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Walt Disney World, there are number of additional things to note:
- Merchandise: Disney has a host of apparel, souvenirs and other merchandise specially branded to the 50th Anniversary Celebration.
- Food & Beverages: From the 50th Anniversary Petite Cake at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs to the Chocolate Pyramid at the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot, there are a huge number of food and beverage offerings to celebrate this occasson.
Learn More about the Walt Disney World Resort with our Theme Park Guides
- The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
- EPCOT at Walt Disney World
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney Springs
Click here to learn about on-site hotels at Walt Disney World
