Walt Disney World turns the big 5-0! 🎈🎉

The most magical place on earth officially turns 50 years old!

On October 1st 1971, Walt Disney World opened its doors for the first time. Fast forward to 2021 and the most magical place on earth is now turning 50 years old! Can you believe it?! The big 5-0! 

On this day in 1971, Disney fans all over the world got to experience walking down Main Street USA for the first time (unless they had previously visited Disneyland in Anaheim, California). If you’ve been to any Disney park across the world, you will know that walking down Main Street and setting eyes on the castle is one of the magical moments and one you will never forget. 

To celebrate, the start of the world’s most magical celebrations kicks off today and will last for 18 months! Yes, eighteen whole months!

The 50th anniversary event will be celebrated at all four Walt Disney World theme parks throughout the rest of 2021 and 2022. Celebrations will see the launch of new rides, fireworks & entertainment across all four parks and resort hotels.

Special events are subject to extension by popular guest demand but for now, the World’s Most Magical Celebration for the 50th Anniversary is scheduled to end on April 1st 2023.

The decorations are up and the new merchandise is out! We’ve been loving seeing all the previews and pictures of what is yet to come and they are only going to get better with celebrations kicking off today!

During the festivities there will be new rides, night-time spectaculars, projection mapping, new character costumes, and more. A lot of the major planned additions for the 50th Anniversary celebrations have been postponed until 2022, but a lot is ready to roll and we are so excited to see them all unfold.

Whether it’s your first time or your 30th, get ready for classic favourites and new adventures unlike any other place on Earth. 

Are you planning a trip to Disney World in 2021? If so, you’re in for a really big treat! 

What can you expect from Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebrations?

If you’re a huge Disney fan (like us!) then you know that Disney World is no stranger to going above and beyond for their anniversary celebrations. 

From new decor and delicious themed treats, to Mickey and Minnie’s new looks and final touches to Cinderella Castle’s royal makeover, there is so much to look forward to and look out for! The only thing that is missing is…. you!

Beacons of Magic

All Icons in the four Walt Disney World theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios will transform into “Beacons of Magic” by coming to life with their own magical glow. Cinderella’s Castle has had it’s royal makeover and will illuminate Magic Kingdom with a dazzling radiance that sparkles with pixie dust, Epcot’s sphere has had a new lighting scheme installed, Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life has magical fireflies and night-time projections and Tower of Terror has a new night-time projection display.

“The Magic Is Calling” is the title of the new 50th Anniversary anthem that you will also hear throughout the celebrations. 

Disney Fab 50 statues

There are 50 special golden character sculptures at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. From the Fab 5 to Winnie the Pooh and Edna Mode, there will be characters from more than 90 years of Disney movies. 

And the decor doesn’t stop there… Disney World have announced that the celebrations begin as soon as the airplane lands at Orlando International Airport. With special art, “EARidescent” light projections and photo opportunities will dazzle passengers as soon as they arrive at the airport. How magical!

Earidescence character costumes

Only Disney could create their own word! With this milestone being such a big deal, Walt Disney World has created a new word “EARidescence” to describe what you will see if you are planning a visit during the WDW celebrations. Our favourites, Mickey and Minnie Mouse will also be showcasing their sparkling new looks for the World’s Most Magical Celebration. 

50th Anniversary merchandise

From clothing, hats, ears, pins, soft toys, photo frames, mugs, popcorn buckets and more, no celebration is complete without merch to go with it!

To carry on with the EARidescent colour trend, a variety of merchandise will be sold in the EARidescent colour trend style. Beyond merchandise, there will be EARidescent cupcakes, balloons, and all sort of other offerings. 

And that’s not all… there will be six merchandise collections debuting throughout October and November 2021 for the anniversary. From fun and creative celebration-themed items to an entire line of products inspired by the Cinderella Castle, there really is something for everyone. 

New entertainment

What better way to celebrate a birthday than with fireworks? The long-awaited Harmonious Night-time Spectacular will debut on October 1st at Epcot. Harmonious is set to be the largest ever Walt Disney World night-time spectacular. 

And that’s not all! Another night-time spectacular that will be premiering on October 1st is the “Disney Enchantment” Fireworks Show at Magic Kingdom. Disney Enchantment will feature music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and immersive projections effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street USA.

New daytime entertainment includes ‘Disney KiteTails’ at Animal Kingdom and ‘Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade’ in Magic Kingdom - which will be performed several times throughout the day beginning on October 1st. 

New attractions

It only seems fair that we get some new attractions to delve into whilst celebrating right? Here’s a look at what new rides and attractions that are set to open. As of right now, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is the only ride that is confirmed for an open date.

If you’ve visited Disneyland Paris before then you will be aware of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Now, Walt Disney World will be getting their own version of the ride! You’ll shrink to Chef Remy’s size and race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure. 

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be opening in Epcot on October 1st. 

TRON Lightcycle Power Run coaster was originally supposed to open at Magic Kingdom in time for Disney World’s anniversary, but the ride does not have an opening date on calendar just yet.  

Another ride we are yet to know the opening date for is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in Epcot.

Which attraction are you most looking forward to going on? 

Do you have a trip to Walt Disney World planned during the 50th Anniversary celebrations?

If so, what are you most looking forward to?

Let us know in the comments! 

Join in the celebrations even further and explore our Disney collection!