Disney World’s 50th Anniversary is officially less than a week away!

We’ve already seen TONS of 50th Anniversary merchandise, new golden statues scattered throughout the parks, and much more. We also have a full breakdown of everything that will be happening on October 1st, which marks the start of the celebration. But, some things won’t arrive in time for the big October 1st date.

Note: Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebrations will last 18 months! So, all of these things will arrive during the celebrations, but they won’t arrive on the very first day (October 1st).

1 — Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties

Three NEW fireworks dessert parties have been announced for Magic Kingdom, and reservations for these parties are now open. But, if you’re hoping to enjoy one of these dessert parties on Disney Enchantment‘s debut night, you’ll be out of luck!

Though Disney Enchantment itself, Magic Kingdom’s new fireworks show, will debut on October 1st, the three Magic Kingdom fireworks dessert parties won’t start until October 3rd.

But, if you are okay with eating dessert at home, you can watch Disney Enchantment before it even debuts via a special live stream!

Click here to see more about the reservations for Magic Kingdom’s fireworks dessert parties.

2 — New Dining Experience at California Grill

Starting October 1st, California Grill, the restaurant located at the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, will transform into a special 50th anniversary dining experience.

As part of this special offering, California Grill will offer a prix fixe menu that features past favorites and new creations. The 3-course meal will include 1 appetizer selection, 1 entree selection, and 1 dessert. Some of the options on the menu include The California Grill Sushi Classics Trio, House-Made Artisanal-Style Duck á la Orange Pizza, and other offerings.

Reservations for this special dining experience are open now, but you won’t be able to enjoy it on October 1st. The special prix fixe menu will come to California Grill on October 3rd.

Having trouble booking the 50th Anniversary dining experience at California Grill? You’re not alone!

3 — Fireworks Dining Party at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The special prix fixe menu isn’t the only special dining experience coming to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. In the private rooms at California Grill, guests will be able to enjoy Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors & Fireworks.

During this experience, guests will get to munch on sushi and small plates, drink some specialty creations, and (of course) get a spectacular view of the fireworks from a private viewing area.

Reservations for this experience are already open, but you won’t be able to check it out until October 2nd.

Click here to see more about this fireworks dining party!

4 — Extended Evening Hours

Early Theme Park Entry (which allows all Disney World hotel guests and guests at select other hotels to enter any park 30 minutes early) has already started a bit early for Disney World’s hotel guests.

But if you’re staying at a Disney World Deluxe Resort or Disney World Deluxe Villa, you can also get extra time in select parks on select nights.

That extra time won’t start on October 1st though. Guests staying at Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas won’t be able to spend extra time in the parks at night until October 4th. 

Click here to see the full schedule for Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.

5 — New Coco Scene at Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Earlier this year, Disney announced that a new Coco-inspired scene would make its way to Mickey’s PhilharMagic in Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Paris, and Disney World.

We already got a look at the scene when it was added in Disney California Adventure Park’s version of the ride.

But, the scene won’t arrive in Disney World in time for the kickoff of the big 50th celebrations. Instead, the new scene won’t debut in Disney World until November 12th. And the show will close for refurbishment on October 11th. So, you’ll have to wait a little bit longer to go “Un Poco Loco!”

Other attractions that previously were set to open in time for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, like the PLAY! Pavilion, TRON Lightcycle Run, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind have been delayed and won’t open by October 1st. Disney has not yet announced new opening timelines for these attractions.

Click here to see a video of the new Coco scene!

6 — Select 50th Anniversary Novelty Items

Recently, Disney shared that 150+ new food and drink items would be coming to Disney World as part of the 50th Anniversary. In that release, Disney shared that specialty popcorn buckets, mugs, and sippers will also be available on October 1st, but not ALL of the novelty items will be available on the first day.

Disney’s press release specifically notes, “Novelty items developed for the celebration, including popcorn buckets, mugs, and sippers, are available beginning Oct. 1, 2021, and continue to roll out across Walt Disney World throughout ‘The World’s Most Magical Celebration.'”

So, it seems more items will continue to roll out across Disney World throughout the 18-month celebration. We can’t wait to see what items will get released in the future.

Click here to see details about what new food and drink items will arrive in Disney World for the 50th anniversary!

7 — Select 50th Anniversary Merchandise

We’ve already seen quite a bit of 50th Anniversary merchandise released in the parks — over 100(!!) new items actually. But, more is on the way! In late October, Disney’s EARidescent Collection is set to be released.

And if you’re excited about the new Luxe Logo Collection, you’ll have to wait until November to get your hands on that!

It’s just enough time to give your wallet a bit of a break between shopping sprees.

Click here to get a look at the EARidescent and Luxe Logo collections!

Though October 1st is the big day, it looks like there will be plenty to enjoy on the days and months that follow it.

We’ll keep an eye out for more updates about Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, and we’ll let you know what we find. Stay tuned for all the latest Disney news!

Click here to check out all of our photos and reviews of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary eats and treats!

When will you be visiting Disney World next? Tell us in the comments!