Disney World’s 50th Anniversary is right around the corner!
. The 50th anniversary is something Disney has been preparing for years! And luckily, things seem to be getting back to normal just in time for a magical celebration
Disney takes their celebrations seriously, so there is sure to be plenty of extra pixie dust scattered all through the parks during this time.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at what Disney World has planned for the 50th anniversary. But keep in mind, we’re still in the relatively early stages, so there will likely be even MORE as the party goes on.
When will the be happening?
Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration kicks off on October 1, 2021. Disney World first opened on October 1, 1971, which means this date also happens to be the official 50th anniversary of the opening of the parks.
But don’t sweat it if you want to be a part of the party, but can’t get to Orlando in October–or even this year. This celebration is scheduled to run for 18 months. So even if you can’t get there this year, you can shoot for sometime in 2022 or even at the beginning of 2023.
What’s new?
Harmonious
Harmonious is the new nighttime/fireworks show in Epcot! It was slated to debut in 2020, but was delayed due to the pandemic.
According to Disney, this show will be “a new nighttime spectacular over World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot, with pyrotechnics, fountains, dazzling lights, and more!”
Disney has also previously said that it would be a global celebration and feature music and recording artists from all over the world.
This show is replacing Epcot’s previous show, Illuminations, and its current stand-in, Epcot Forever.
Harmonious debuts on October 1, 2021.
Disney Enchantment
Magic Kingdom is also getting a new nighttime show! However, from the looks of things, this show will be a temporary one, specifically designed for the 50th Anniversary.
The new show will be called Disney Enchantment. Disney says it will be “a nighttime spectacular with Disney music, stunning fireworks and immersive projection effects extending from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.”
This is exciting! Especially when you consider the idea of “immersive projections extending for Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.”
Disney World has really upped its nighttime show game with the Happily Ever After fireworks, which is Magic Kindom’s current Nighttime show.
This show uses projections to make Cinderella Castle a part of the show in a vivid and magical way. I’m a huge fan of this firework show, so while I’m a little bumped it’s closing, I’m really curious and excited to see how Disney builds on this for the Anniversary show.
The fact that we’ll have the projections extending beyond Cinderalla Castle and down Main Street is sure to be as immersive and impressive as Disney promises.
If you’d like to check out the Happily Every Fireworks to get a taste of the projections, you can do that here.
Disney Enchantment starts October 1, 2021.
Disney KiteTails
Animal Kingdom is also getting a new show! KiteTails is coming to Animal Kingdom on October 1, 2021.
According to Disney, this show is “an all-new, high-flying performance featuring Disney character-themed kites and beloved Disney songs.”
You can expect 3-D kites of your favorite Disney animal characters, accompanied by classic Disney songs. This will take place in the Discovery River Amphitheater.
Keep an eye on the My Disney Experience app for more details about timing.
Beacons of Magic
With Beacons of Magic, Disney promises that “The World’s Most Magical Celebration will light up with wonder as the theme park icons are transformed into Beacons of Magic—nightly at select parks.”
I can’t say for sure what they mean by “light up” but it seems to me that Disney is really digging into its projection technology for this celebration, and if that’s the case, I’m here for it!
But even if this isn’t the projection technology, Disney’s promise to illuminate park icons is sure to be dazzling.
In Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle will be illuminated. Epcot will be Spaceship Earth. In Hollywood Studios, it’ll be the Hollywood Tower Hotel. And in Animal Kingdom it’ll be the Tree of Life.
The one thing to watch on this is the “nightly, at select parks.” There likely be more specifics on what’s getting lit up when as we get closer to the celebration. Disney hasn’t said if or how they’ll be sharing this info, but keeping an eye on the My Disney Experience App is a safe bet.
Beacons of Magic begins on October 1, 2021.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
This is Epcot’s newest ride and another big opening that was delayed by the pandemic.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure was scheduled to open in 2020. It will now join the other events on this list by opening on October 1, 2021.
You’ll be able to find it in the France Pavillion as part of the expansion. It’s designed to take you into the movie, Ratatouille, and put you in Remy’s shoes.
For a behind-the-scenes look at this ride, check out this video.
Disney Fab 50 Golden Sculptures
Lastly, Disney is paying homage to their most iconic characters by placing 50 golden character statues around all 4 theme parks.
These statues are said to officially debut on October 1, 2021. However, there’s a good chance they’ll start going into place ahead of time, so if you happen to be in Disney World prior to October 1, 2021, you might want to keep an eye out.
What else do you need to know?
You still need park pass reservations in 2021
At the time of writing this post, you still need to have a park pass to get into a park for the rest of 2021. This means for the first three months of the celebration (October, November, and December of 2021), you need to make sure you book your park passes if you’re going to Disney World.
You can do this in the My Disney Experience app. In my experience, this can be done as soon as you book your trip.
However, it’s worth noting that park passes for the official 50th Anniversary date of October 1, 2021 are sold out. This is not the first time that date has sold out. Disney has added more park passes in the past, likely because of capacity increases. So, it’s worth keeping an eye out for, but it’s not something you should count on.
Be on the look out for more magic
Keep in mind, this is an evolving situation. As we get closer to the start of the party, Disney will likely come out with more and more.
I’ll do my best to update this post, but you should consider this list a starting point. There will likely be plenty more additions. If you come across something not on this list, feel free to tell us about it in the comments!
For more Disney World tips and tricks, check out the other Disney World Posts!
Sound off: What are you most excited about in Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration? Tell us about it in the comments!