HAPPY 50TH, DISNEY

HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY, WALT DISNEY WORLD!

The entertainment icon celebrates a major milestone beginning October 2021.

BY BROOKE FEHR

If you immediately think of world-class attractions when you hear “Orlando,” you’re not alone. And while Florida tourism certainly predates Walt Disney World, it’s hard to overestimate the impact that the mammoth resort has had on Central Florida.

In 2021, we celebrate 50 years of Walt Disney World, an anniversary that the company is marking in a myriad of ways, spanning 18 months. Here, we share some of the fete’s details, from new daytime and nighttime shows, to new openings and perks for resort guests. Look for plenty of delightful surprises (and yes, more than a sprinkling of pixie dust) to continue rolling out for the foreseeable future.

NIGHTTIME: LOOK TO THE SKIES AND BEACONS OF MAGIC

Nighttime spectaculars have long been a hallmark of a Disney theme park visit. In October, Disney launched two long-awaited new shows. At Magic Kingdom, guests can gather for “Disney Enchantment,” which replaced “Wishes.” The new show aims to inspire audiences to believe in the power of magic, and will combine music, lighting, fireworks, and projection. For the first time, Disney will extend the projection effects down Main Street for an unparalleled, immersive experience.

At EPCOT, guests are finally getting to experience Harmonious, a new show that was originally expected to debut in 2020. The performance, one of the largest Disney has ever produced, pays homage to the power of song to tell stories and unite humankind, and incorporates pyrotechnics and fountains, in addition to lighting and media. The music from the show brings together 240 artists from around the world performing familiar Disney tunes in more than a dozen languages.

In addition to the new nighttime shows, all four parks have debuted visual enhancements to their central icons. Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle receives a healthy dose of pixie

dust, while magical fireflies will dance among the branches of the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is bathed in light. At EPCOT, the changes to Spaceship Earth are permanent; the beloved geodesic sphere sports new lighting that mimics the night sky.

DAYTIME: DISNEY KITETAILS, FAB 50 STATUES AND MORE

Cool things are happening during the day as well. What would a party be without new duds? Mickey, Minnie and their closest friends have all received new outfits in time for this year’s celebration, so be sure to grab a photo as you see them throughout the parks.

At Animal Kingdom, Disney KiteTails debuted Oct. 1, and takes place several times daily inside the Discovery River Amphitheatre. Look for wind catchers and kites—some 30 feet long—to fly above land and water in a celebration of our animal friends—including some beloved Disney characters.

In addition, new golden “Disney Fab 50” statues are sprinkled throughout all of the theme parks. The series of 50 characters, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale, are interactive, so be sure to hunt for them all.

There are also some great reasons to book your getaway during the 50th anniversary celebration. All guests staying at Disney resorts will have early morning access to parks, while guests at Deluxe resorts can enjoy extended evening hours on select nights at select resorts.

BIENVENUE, REMY!

Also at EPCOT, a highly-anticipated attraction of giant proportions has opened in the France Pavilion. Shrink down to the size of a rat and embark on a caper on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a madcap chase through the kitchens of world-famous Gasteau’s Restaurant.

But the attraction is only part of the fun. Walk along the streets of Paris and stumble into a whole new part of the pavilion, inspired by the film Ratatouille. As you explore, be sure to stop by Le Creperie de Paris, a new eatery offering both quick-service and table-service options. With a menu of savory buckwheat galettes, sweet crepes and authentic French hard cider, temptation abounds.