Wow! What a morning! Today, Disney shared some HUGW news about the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort! And trust me, when I say this writer cannot wait for this celebration!
For those who don’t know, the 50th anniversary which is called “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” kicks off on October 1. (October 1 is actually the resort’s official anniversary date which actually opened on October 1, 1971.) The World’s Most Magical Celebration will last for a whole 18 months, so don’t worry if you can’t make it on October 1! You won’t miss out on the fun!
Nighttime Spectaculars
What kind of fun am I talking about? Well, let’s start with the fact that there will be not one, but two new nighttime spectaculars!
The first new fireworks spectacular will take place at the Magic Kingdom. The show will be called “Disney Enchantment” and it will debut on October 1. Disney Enchantment will take Guests on a journey filled with adventure, wonder and empowerment with a goal of inspiring everyone to believe in magic. Disney Enchantment will feature music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and, for the first time, projection effects that will actually extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.! How awesome is that?!
For those who have been waiting for Harmonious news, it’s official The EPCOT nighttime spectacular will debut for the 50th anniversary on October 1. Harmonious will be one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. Harmonious will take place in the World Showcase Lagoon. It is a celebration of Disney music that inspires people worldwide and the stories and songs that unite us. The show will utilize new technical advancements that incorporates pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting and media in new ways. Harmonious will also include new interpretations of classic Disney songs. These will be performed in ways you’ve never heard before, reimagined in more than a dozen languages by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world.
Daytime Show
But those are the only parks getting in on the fun. That’s because a new daytime show is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “Disney KiteTails,” will take place several times daily at the Discovery River Amphitheater beginning October 1. Performers will fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes. These elaborate three-dimensional kites, some stretching to 30 feet long, will depict Disney animal friends, including Simba, Zazu, Baloo and King Louie and will perform to favorite Disney songs.
More Festivities
Already announced was the fact that Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse would be featuring sparkling new EARidescent fashions for the 50th anniversary. Also getting in on the EARidescent fun will be Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale. Guests will see these new looks several times a day in the new “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade” at the Magic Kingdom.
Finally, in the new category will be special golden character sculptures that will debut on October 1. There will be 50 characters total in this series of sculptures that will be displayed across all four theme parks. More details about these character statues will be shared soon.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Now, previously announced as part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration will be the debut of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This attraction will have Guests shrinking down to the size of Chef Remy. Guests will then scurry through Gusteau’s famous restaurant on this family friendly adventure in a newly expanded area of the park’s France Pavilion, which you can see part of it here.
Also debuting on October 1 will be a new restaurant called La Crêperie de Paris. This restaurant will offer both table and quick service options. The menu will feature sweet crepes, savory buckwheat galettes (naturally gluten friendly) and authentic French hard cider. It will also be found in the new section of the France Pavilion.
Beacons of Magic
In addition, Disney has also already announced that they will be debuting the Beacons of Magic at night beginning on October 1. During the evening, the four park icons will glow – Cinderella Castle will illuminate Magic Kingdom with pixie dust; Disney’s Animal Kingdom will feature a magical fireflies on the Tree of Life; The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will evoke the golden age; 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.
I know I’ll be at the Walt Disney World Resort on October 1, to kick off the celebration and will be sharing it on our social media, so you’ll certainly want to be following us! Who else will be celebrating The World’s Most Magical Celebration?
