It’s hard to believe, but Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary is almost here. While the big new rides promised for the celebration will be delayed until next year, we do have news for you on new shows for all of the parks, gilded decor, and festive new merchandise on the way!
We’ll keep this article up to date as new information is revealed. Today brings the addition of 50th merchandise being produced for the parks.
But first, let’s start with those exciting sounding shows…
New Fireworks at Magic Kingdom: Disney Enchantment
Especially created for the 50th anniversary is a new fireworks show called Disney Enchantment, which will launch on October 1st at Magic Kingdom. Inspiring everyone to believe in magic, this spectacular will take guests on a journey filled with adventure, wonder, and empowerment. Disney Enchantment will feature music, enhanced lighting, fireworks, and projections on Cinderella Castle which extend down Main Street U.S.A.!
EPCOT’s New Spectacular: Harmonious
While we’ve known about EPCOT’s new fireworks show for some time now, we finally have a premiere date! Harmonious will also debut October 1st; this new show will bring everyone together at World Showcase Lagoon, celebrating Disney music that inspires and unites people worldwide. Over 240 artists from around the world have helped create new interpretations of classic Disney songs which will be heard throughout the show. Featuring plenty of pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting and new technical media effects, this will be one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park.
New Animal Kingdom Show: KiteTails
A new daytime show is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Disney KiteTails will also come alive October 1st at the Discovery River Amphitheater, with several times daily. Performers will fly vibrant windcatchers and kites, while elaborate three-dimensional kites will be flown from jet skis on the water, depicting favorite animal friends Simba, Zazu, Baloo, and King Louie, dancing to favorite Disney songs.
Magic Kingdom: Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade
With Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as our hosts for the 50th anniversary, they’ll be decked out in the celebration’s theme of EARidescence. The rest of the gang will be glimmering and shimmering too, as they will also sport their new fashions beginning October 1st. You’ll get a chance to see them all in Magic Kingdom’s new Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade!
50 Golden Characters
Mickey and pals will also be featured in special golden character statues debuting October 1st at Magic Kingdom. There will be 50 characters in total added to all four theme parks, and Disney hints these will be interactive in some way… they promise to reveal more details and exciting 50th anniversary news as we get closer to the big day!
Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World, also shared a sneak peek at some of the statues:
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Nighttime Sparkle
New nighttime projections will transform all 4 of the Walt Disney World park icons into “Beacons of Magic”.
At night, the castle will appear to be covered in pixie dust.
EPCOT is receiving a permanent lighting package resembling a starry night sky, which will continue to shine long after the anniversary celebration as a new feature of the park.
Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life will glow with shimmering fireflies, and the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will come to life with brilliant new touches.
New Outfits for Mickey and Friends
As hosts of the magical celebration, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will don sparkling new ensembles, gleaming with purples and blues… and golden shoes, of course!
UPDATED: Sparkling New Merchandise Collections
Pinch your pennies… Several new 50th merchandise collections will release over the next few months at Walt Disney World, and there is some really good stuff here! Firstly, coming this fall, one-of-a-kind retail displays will incorporate projections and storytelling into your celebratory shopping experience. Not much else has been shared about these displays beside the concept art below, but you can expect to see them pop up around Walt Disney World property soon, including World of Disney in Disney Springs.
Six 50th anniversary merchandise collections have been announced so far, let’s take a peek!
Pre-Celebration Limited-Time Merchandise – Releasing August 12th
Available in just a few days, this collection features limited-time products for those visiting WDW before the 50th celebration kicks off on October 1st, including Passholder exclusives…
Celebration – Releasing Early October
This collection will be a wide range of commemorative goods, there’s something here for everyone in the family! We’re especially excited about that soap dispenser that pumps mickey shaped soap foam into your hands!
Disney Castle – Releasing Early October
This collection stars the one and only icon of Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle.
Vault (WDW Vintage) – Releasing Early October
Okay, hold onto your wallets. This one is sure to be an instant favorite! Lending to retro-themed designs of the Walt Disney Archives, this collection pays the ultimate tribute to 50 years of Walt Disney World magic. Recreated opening day favorites, including the original Mickey Mouse ear hat, 1970s castle motif, ringer tees, and vintage-inspired plush. Plus, there will be more retro releases joining the collection as the celebration continues!
EARidescent – Releasing Late October
While you may have seen some of the new EARidescent decorations on Cinderella Castle, there’s more to come all around the Walt Disney World resort! Including this new collection, which was designed to match the EARidescent celebration.
Luxe Logo – Releasing November
Lastly, a collection of upscale pieces will debut later in the year. More details to come!
Walt Disney World Travel Deals
If you’re like us, you are already checking your calendar for when you can visit Walt Disney World. Our pals at Get Away Today are here to help with discount tickets, hotels, travel assistance, and more.
There are all sorts of new theme park tickets and travel deals, including a 2 free days offer at Walt Disney World, hotel discounts, ticket deals to various theme parks, and tickets to Disneyland as well: More details and to get a quote (HERE)
NEW VACATION SAVINGS PLAN WITH PERKS!!! Want to start saving for a big family vacation but aren’t sure where or when you’ll be ready to go? Get Away Today has created a plan which rewards you for saving up for your trip now. Place as little as $200 down and get free travel protection, travel credits, and more! Learn more and start saving now HERE!
Let’s Hear From You
Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary officially begins October 1st this year, and will last 18 months – there’s plenty of time to partake in “the world’s most magical celebration”! Hopefully the TRON and Guardians of the Galaxy coasters are completed prior to the end of the celebration since that’s what they were originally built to celebrate. Are you planning a visit for the 50th? What new details are you most looking forward to? And do you think there are more surprises yet to be announced (a new parade perhaps)?
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