Walt Disney World Is Turning 50 in October, and It's Planning an 18-Month-Long Celebration
:upscale()/2021/02/24/701/n/44647013/b9cd25c8603675aae41451.25681411_.jpg)
Walt Disney World is hitting a huge milestone later this year as the sprawling theme park resort turns 50 years old! A lot has changed at Walt Disney World since Magic Kingdom Park first opened on Oct. 1, 1971, including building three more theme parks, two water parks, dozens of hotels, and an entertainment district. To celebrate its special birthday, Disney has shared a first look at the planned celebrations, and let's just say it looks incredible.
If you're not keen on traveling yet, don't worry. The official kickoff date for the "The World's Most Magical Celebration" is Oct. 1, and the event will last 18 months, meaning there will be plenty of time for things to get much safer in order to travel in 2022 and even into the beginning of 2023. As part of the anniversary party, Disney will be decorating each park with touches of "EARidescent" colors, as seen on Mickey and Minnie's new party outfits. This new color will likely make its way onto new merchandise and food and drink options too.
Keep reading to see some more of what guests can expect to see at all four Walt Disney World theme parks starting Oct. 1.
:upscale()/2021/02/24/662/n/44647013/7d61f6921a1ba49b_MK-Castle-50th-Decor-Rendering-scaled.jpg)
The World’s Most Magical Celebration
Cinderella's Castle is getting a slight upgrade to go with her recent blush pink paint job. The castle will feature gold bunting, gold embellishments, and a 50th anniversary crest over the clock face.
:upscale()/2021/02/24/662/n/44647013/d3b20b117df262c9_MK-Castle-Beacon-Rendering-scaled.jpg){kind=tracking}
The World’s Most Magical Celebration
At night, Cinderella's Castle will light up with sparkles that resemble pixie dust. There is no word on if firework shows will resume in time for the anniversary event.
:upscale()/2021/02/24/662/n/44647013/8dcc08e51ac326ca_EPCOT-Beacon-Rendering-scaled.jpg){kind=tracking}
The World’s Most Magical Celebration
All four of Walt Disney World's park icons are turning into what Disney is calling "Beacons of Magic." At Epcot, Spaceship Earth will have new lights shine on the reflective panels that make up the geodesic dome. This will be a permanent fixture at the park even after Walt Disney World's anniversary celebrations end.
:upscale()/2021/02/24/662/n/44647013/8cc4894fb683af6a_DAK-Beacon-Rendering-scaled.jpg){kind=tracking}
The World’s Most Magical Celebration
Nighttime at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park will be extra magical as the massive Tree of Life comes alive with fireflies.
:upscale()/2021/02/24/662/n/44647013/9003498b16ddb41d_DHS-Tower-Beacon-Rendering-scaled.jpg){kind=tracking}
The World’s Most Magical Celebration
Disney's Hollywood Studios is also getting in on the celebration with projections that will illuminate The Hollywood Tower Hotel at the end of Sunset Boulevard. According to Disney, the attraction building "will be awash in the brilliance evoking the golden age of imagination and adventure."
:upscale()/2021/02/24/662/n/44647013/5ff68a6b24e9a965_0901ZQ_0504MS-scaled.jpg)
The World’s Most Magical Celebration
As part of Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration Mickey and Minnie Mouse are getting all new outfits. Both outfits are exclusive to the event and can only be seen at Walt Disney World. The fabric reflects Disney's themed colors for the party: EARidescent. Both fan favorite characters also have new accessories like gold shoes, and Minnie's iconic bow will also be gold.