Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary week in review

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Posted: Sunday October 10, 2021 10:12am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Here is our roundup of events from October 2 to October 8 during Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary.

Magic Kingdom recent record attendance

Sources suggest Magic Kingdom had a record attendance of low 40,000's since COVID-19 shutdown as guests awaited the public debut of 'Disney Enchantment' .

Magic Kingdom experiencing high attendance as the park celebrates its 50th anniversary

More about the public debut of 'Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom

Disney Enchantment

'Disney Enchantment' makes its official guest debut on Magic Kingdom's 50th anniversary.

Disney Enchantment preview

See Disney Enchantment public debut on Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary Celebration

Epcot's new guide map

New guidemap shows the new neighborhood layout of EPCOT.

EPCOT guide map featuring new neighborhoods

More on the new Epcot guidemap released on October 1 at the start of Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary

Multiple World Showcase entertainment acts return to EPCOT

Matsuriza, Alberta Bound and Sergio are all back performing at EPCOT.

Matsuriza performance - October 2021

More on World Showcase entertainment acts returning to EPCOT

Disney World Annual Passholders

New features coming to theme park touch points and My Disney Experience for Disney World Annual Passholders.

Disney Incredi-Pass overview

More about new features coming to theme park touch points and My Disney Experience for Disney World Annual Passholders

Disney KiteTails now playing at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney KiteTails made its debut at Disney's Animal Kingdom this past week as part of "The World's Most Magical Celebration". Taking place in the Discovery River, with seating in the DinoLand side of the theater originally built for Rivers of Light, the show last for 20 minutes, including a pre-show with a kids' parade."

Disney KiteTails Lion King show

Watch the video for a look at an entire performance of Disney KiteTails at Animal Kingdom as part of "The World's Most Magical Celebration"

Frontierland Shootin' Arcade at Magic Kingdom

The classic Magic Kingdom game is now available for everyone to play free of charge. The change began on October 1 as part of "The World's Most Magical Celebration," but it isn't clear how long it will remain free to play.

Frontierland Shootin' Arcade free play

More about Frontierland Shootin' Arcade at Magic Kingdom

'A Pirate's Adventure Treasures of the Seven Seas' has reopened

The interactive hunt for secret treasures hidden throughout Adventureland reopens for guests at Magic Kingdom.

A Pirate's Adventure - Treasures of the Seven Seas overview

More on 'A Pirate's Adventure Treasures of the Seven Seas'

Discuss on the Forums

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CreathirDec 10, 2023

I thought they were a fun addition to the parks. Personally I’d have made the replacement medallions the same bronze/gold color, but that’s just me.

nickysDec 10, 2023

Why? When I go back, whether that’s in a year, 2 years or further out, I’d love to be able to use my MB+ to activate them again. They were fun last year, why not let guests who didn’t get to see them at the time have a chance? You’re free to ignore them if you’re not interested.

Vegas Disney FanDec 10, 2023

The Tinkerbell one looks fantastic, the rest don’t match and look horrible. I wonder why they chose to use silver on bronze statues?

MagicHappens1971Dec 10, 2023

Gotta sell those MagicBand+ somehow

BrianDec 09, 2023

I just wish they'd take them out at this point. The hidden ones, like Tinkerbell and Abu are fun, but the ones out in the open seem out of place. I gave it a pass (to avoid my personal scorn) during the anniversary celebration, but that's far in the rear view mirror at this point.

DisoneDec 09, 2023

Agree! Took the post right off my fingertips.

drizgirlDec 09, 2023

Some of those are fine. Some of them are just perplexing.

DCBakerDec 09, 2023

The 50th medallions on a number of golden statues at Magic Kingdom that didn't have them removed yet have been recently covered or replaced. 758241

BrianNov 18, 2023

This special was produced by Fox 35, the Orlando Fox affiliate, for the 50th anniversary, and was recently posted to YouTube. I wanted to share since it has an inside look at the costuming 'vault' where costumes from past and present (and even in some cases, future) are stored, how the land for WDW was acquired and an interview with the daughter of one of the landowners, and an interview with three opening day cast members.

LittleBufordOct 01, 2023

I loved it! Watched it three times during my trip this summer.

ToTBellHopOct 01, 2023

Way to end your celebration with class and optimism toward the future.

Sir_CliffSep 30, 2023

Definitely had the same impression. I'm kind of curious to understand what made Dream and Shine Brighter hit just the right spot. I'm normally not a big fan of the castle shows featuring the characters, but this one just felt like pure joy. I suppose a lot of credit needs to go to the performers, who were fantastic.