Disney announces first details of Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration beginning October 1

Feb 19, 2021 in "Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary Celebration - The World’s Most Magical Celebration"

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The World's Most Magical Celebration overview

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Posted: Friday February 19, 2021 7:30am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration will kick off October 1 2021 and Disney today took to ABC's Good Morning America to unveil the first details.

The World's Most Magical Celebration overview

The World’s Most Magical Celebration begins October 1 2021, and continues for 18 months.

Cinderella Castle will get a new overlay for the celebration, building further on the new look that debuted last year.

The World's Most Magical Celebration overview

As part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” icons at each Walt Disney World theme park will transform into magnificent Beacons of Magic at night, coming to life with their own EARidescent glow.

Cinderella Castle will illuminate Magic Kingdom with a dazzling radiance that sparkles with pixie dust.

Cinderella Castle becomes a Beacon of Magic

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a warm light will emanate from the Tree of Life as magical fireflies gather to usher in the magic of nature.

Tree of Life becomes a Beacon of Magic in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be awash in a brilliance evoking the golden age of imagination and adventure.

Hollywood Tower Hotel becomes a Beacon of Magic in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

And at EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another in a symbol of optimism resembling stars in a nighttime sky. The iconic structure’s permanent new lighting will continue beyond “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the park.

Spaceship Earth will come to life at night with their own EARidescent glow

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will have sparkling new looks for the celebration. As hosts of the event, they’ll be dressed for the occasion in custom-made fashions of EARidescent fabric with gold highlights.

The World's Most Magical Celebration overview

Disney has also launched a 50th page on the official website - available here. More details are set to be released over the coming months as Disney finalizes plans that will likely be heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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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.