Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary is October 1, 2021. That’s the start of the World’s Most Magical Celebration, an 18 month special event featuring new rides, fireworks, entertainment, character costumes, merchandise, and more at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and the resort hotels. This preview covers everything we know about the festivities, plus predicted crowd levels, rumored additions, and more.
Walt Disney World’s Most Magical Celebration will include new entertainment activities and attractions, and to mark the festivities, Magic Kingdom’s iconic Cinderella Castle will be transformed with new sparkling embellishments. In addition, 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.
Beacons of Magic - Park Icons Projections
At EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another and resembling stars in a nighttime sky. This permanent new lighting on Spaceship Earth will continue beyond “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the reimagined EPCOT.
Here you can see special new touches coming to life on the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This will be awash in a brilliance evoking the golden age of cinema.
During the Christmas season, there has been a projection mapping show called on the Tower of Terror that plays continually throughout the night. It wouldn’t be surprising to see something similar for the World’s Most Magical Celebration.
A warm light will emanates from the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as magical fireflies gather to usher in the magic of nature.
As with the Tower of Terror, the Tree of Life has a projection mapping show during other times of the year. Expect something similar to the normal “Awakenings” that are performed throughout the night, but with a 50th Anniversary twist.
While the other park icons are receiving animated enhancements via projection mapping and nighttime lighting, Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park will also add to its Royal Makeover from last year with physical adornments.
In addition to this, it’s rumored that the buildings of Main Street USA will receive a projection mapping show for Magic Kingdom’s 50th Anniversary.
Cinderella's Castle 50th Anniversary Decor
Speaking of Cinderella Castle, the Magic Kingdom park icon will feature blue bunting, golden swirls, and a 50th anniversary crest as part of its festive new look for the World’s Most Magical Celebration.
Minus the crest, this overlay is now installed on Cinderella Castle. So if you’re visiting ahead of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary this summer, you’ll see the new look!
This is an artist rendering of how Cinderella Castle will look once the overlay is finished. Again, the only remaining detail to be added at this point is the 50th Anniversary crest!
Additionally, the will be special golden character sculptures debuting on October 1, 2021 at Magic Kingdom.
There will be 50 characters total in this series of sculptures that will be displayed across all four theme parks as part of the “Disney Fab 50.”
More of these designs will be revealed as excitement builds for the big day, as well as the surprising ways you’ll be able to interact with these beautiful sculptures as part of the World’s Most Magical Celebration.
EARidescent Character Costumes and Merchandise
This milestone is such a big deal, Walt Disney World has coined a new word – “EARidescence” – to describe what you’ll see when you visit. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will have sparkling new looks for the World’s Most Magical Celebration.
As hosts of the event, they’ll be dressed for the occasion in custom-made fashions of EARidescent fabric. Highlights of these celebratory designs include beautifully embroidered impressions of Cinderella Castle backed by fireworks, as well as a brocade in multi-toned, EARidescent fabric – all punctuated with pops of gold.
Naturally, a variety of merchandise will be sold in this EARidescent color trend style, so guests can match Minnie and Mickey Mouse. Beyond merchandise, expect there to be EARidescent cupcakes, balloons, and all sorts of other offerings during Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
New Entertainment
First up is “Disney KiteTails” at Animal Kingdom. This will come alive several times daily at the Discovery River Amphitheater beginning October 1, 2021.
Performers will fly wind catchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, while out on the water with elaborate three-dimensional kites– some stretching to 30 feet long–will depict Disney animal friends, including Simba, Zazu, Baloo and King Louie.
Next is the new “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade” in Magic Kingdom, which will be performed several times throughout the day beginning October 1, 2021.
This will feature Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale sporting their sparkling new EARidescent fashions for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
Turning to evening entertainment, the Harmonious Nighttime Spectacular at Epcot will debut on October 1, 2021.
Harmonious will be the largest ever Walt Disney World nighttime spectacular, and will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over. Massive floating set pieces will house a variety of show effects, including custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, colorful lights, lasers, & pyrotechnics.
Over at Magic Kingdom, “Disney Enchantment” is a new nighttime spectacular that’s also debuting on October 1, 2021.
Disney Enchantment was created to launch with the World’s Most Magical Celebration. This evening extravaganza will take you on a journey filled with adventure, wonder and empowerment. Inspiring everyone to believe in magic, Disney Enchantment will feature music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street.
New Attractions
Currently, the only attraction that is officially announced as debuting in 2021 is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot. In fact, most of the planned 2021 additions are at Epcot. While debut dates are not yet official, the new Space 220 Restaurant is expected to debut this fall. Additionally, the 2021 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will kick into high gear on October 1, 2021 as a number of booths open on that date.
Ultimately, we hope this offered a fun preview of everything that’s coming for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. Or at least, everything we know about so far. Are you considering a trip for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary? We can help!
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