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Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary Guide
50 years of magic – here's how Walt Disney World Resort celebrated.
Walt Disney World Resort, in Florida, opened its gates 50 years ago. Now, the magic’s calling everyone to The World’s Most Magical Celebration – the 50th Anniversary. This 18-month-long event, which first started on 1 October 2021, is spread across all four Theme Parks, and is showing no signs of slowing down. So, if you’ve got your heart set on a Disney holiday, here’s why right now is the best time to visit…
Once you’re ready, check out our Walt Disney World Resort holiday deals
Once you’re ready, check out our Walt Disney World Resort holiday deals
NEW FIREWORKS AND LIGHT SHOWS
No one does after-dark entertainment quite like Walt Disney World, and for the Resort’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, they’ve upped the ante. Come night time, at selected Theme Parks – the park icons are transformed into shining Beacons of Magic, complete with a makeover of ‘EARidenscent’ lights. In Magic Kingdom Park, for example, you can watch the Cinderella Castle shine like never before as it’s lit up with a dazzling glow that sparkles with pixie dust.
Stay after dark at Magic Kingdom Park and you can also take in the new Disney Enchantment show, which features Disney music, stunning firework displays and immersive projection effects that extend from the Cinderella Castle along Main Street, U.S.A – the Park’s central boulevard. In EPCOT, meanwhile, the new Harmonious show is a must-see. It’s hosted over the Park’s sprawling lagoon, and features everything from fireworks and pyrotechnics to fountains and dazzling lights – plus much more.
DISNEY KITETAILS
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the headliner of The World’s Most Magical Celebration is Disney KiteTails. This brand-new, high-flying performance involves some of your favourite Disney Characters taking to the sky as larger-than-life kites. Once they’re airborne, watch as they dance through the air above the Discovery River Amphitheatre to the beat of iconic Disney songs. You’ve got two 10-minute shows to sit and watch here. The first’s themed around The Lion King, and features huge kite versions of legendary characters like Simba and Zazu. The second’s all about The Jungle Book, so keep your eyes peeled for familiar faces like King Louie and Baloo.
DISNEY FAB 50 CHARACTER COLLECTION
As part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, 50 Disney Characters have been cast in gold and spread around all four Theme Parks. During your visit, you can take a look at the likes of Mickey, Minnie and Pluto.
REMY’S RATATOUILLE ADVENTURE
Ever wanted to shrink down to the size of your favourite Pixar rat and scurry through the kitchen of Gusteau’s bustling Parisian restaurant? Now you can with Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This new 4D ride, at EPCOT, takes you into the world of the Pixar film Ratatouille for an interactive escapade that lets you take in the sights, sounds and smells of Remy’s world.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: COSMIC REWIND – OPENING SUMMER 2022
It’s time to save the galaxy! The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind rollercoaster opens in summer 2022 as part of the EPCOT transformation. Strap in, get your game face on and crank up your mixtape as you twist, turn and blast through an awesome intergalactic chase on this family-friendly, Marvel-themed ride. It’s one of the largest fully enclosed rollercoasters in the world, and features the first reverse launch on any Disney rollercoaster.
Ready to feel the magic?
Take a look at our Walt Disney World Resort holidays.
Or, for more inspiration, check out our four top tips for visiting Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Ben Staff
Last updated: 28.02.2022
Images ©Disney. ©Disney/Pixar. ©2022 MARVEL.