Disney World’s 50th anniversary is HERE!
Cinderella Castle
That’s right folks, it’s October 1st, which means it has been 50 years since Disney World opened its first park — Magic Kingdom. There is SO much going on in Magic Kingdom today, like a new fireworks show, a new cavalcade, new character costumes, and more. So, of course, Disney fans want to be in the original park today for the celebration! Even though this party isn’t going to stop for a whole 18-months, let’s check out the CROWDS in Magic Kingdom today!
We got to the Magic Kingdom EARLY today, and we weren’t alone! Even with our very early start, there were lots of guests heading into the park alongside us. One of our friends who’s staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort said that buses arrived to transport guests to the park starting at 6AM.
We got there EARLY
Going inside, the lights were on all down Main Street, U.S.A., since the sun wasn’t quite up yet!
A LOT of people up before the sun and READY for the 50th today! pic.twitter.com/XJ6NQGq2lN
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) October 1, 2021
The crowds were already starting to fill up the street when we arrived.
Morning crowds
There was a LONG line forming all the way down Main Street, U.S.A., to get into the virtual line for the Emporium and check out the 50th Anniversary merchandise there.
Line to get into the Emporium
The virtual line for the Anniversary Collection, located at Big Top Souvenirs, was already full when we arrived. This is the only store that’s getting new 50th Anniversary merchandise today, although you can still find other 50th collections at the Emporium and Main Street Cinema.
Virtual Waitlist
A Cast Member told us that the queue for Big Top Souvenirs could open again at any time, so we’ve been refreshing the page and trying to join.
Virtual Queue Page
Along with other guests, we’ve just been getting an error message so far when we try to join.
Error Message
We’ll keep trying and keep you updated though! Back in the Hub, there were lots of eager guests hoping to see the Welcome Show or waiting to snag a piece of merchandise.
Crowds
As we walked down Main Street toward the Hub, the crowds only got bigger.
LOTS of people here!
But those early morning castle views…worth it, right?
Waiting to head into the park
Behind us, Main Street, U.S.A., filled up fast with guests waiting to enter the park.
Wow.
Cast Members opened up more of the park, and crowds weren’t nearly as big outside of the Hub (at least for now!).
Crowds outside of the Hub
But the line to get to the Castle Popcorn Stand was no joke. Apparently, we’re not the only ones who like Disney popcorn for breakfast! The line stretched all the way through the Hub and out into the side walkways.
Line to get Castle Popcorn
Here’s a look at the crowds waiting to see the 50th Anniversary Welcome Show at the Cinderella Castle.
Waiting for the show!
It’s safe to say that there’s a ton of people at Magic Kingdom for the 50th Celebrations, so make sure to get here EARLY if you’re coming soon!
50th Anniversary Crowds
We will continue to update this throughout the day! So check back for more details on the crowds.
We’re LIVE from the 50th Anniversary! Follow along with us HERE!
Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Details and Info
See Photos & Reviews of All of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Eats and Treats
Check Out the 50th Anniversary Merchandise Released Online
Get a Look at Some of the 50th Anniversary Merchandise Released in the Parks
Click HERE for Your Guide to Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
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Are you visiting Disney World during the 50th anniversary celebration? Let us know in the comments!
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Ok, can I just say something that will likely not be well received? Okay great, what’s up with all the adults with no kids? I didn’t see any actual kids in those pictures. It was frustrating when I did take my kids to disney last and had to wait an hour for the dumbo ride because of all the adults riding without kids. I like disney as much as the next adult, but I’m not going without my kids. I feel badly for the parents and kids for having to wait in such long lines and having a potentially miserable day because of all the youtubers, influencers, etc. taking up space at disney. I really think influencers could ruining disney.
Huh! Looks like a full capacity crowd to me! Disney must be back to normal as far as attendance is concerned. I don’t see any benefit to this COVID inspired, apparently permanent, reservation system if you are faced with crowds like this. How can you enjoy yourself when you are packed in like sardines…
I guess reduced capacity wasn’t an issue? What COVID?
Good heavens! Makes me worried for my trip in November, lol.
Jenny, I think a 50th Anniversary day is more likely to attract the hardcores and such. I saw plenty of kids when I was there… usually crying and screaming and being miserable because they’ve been walking all day or want to buy everything, haha. I don’t think Disney Influencers are as bit of a deal- it’s just “Disney Adults” (ie. adult superfans) that are very common now.
n response to the person that was mad b cause there were adults riding with out kids there is news for u Disney world is for US ADULTS also without kids so deal with it we always respect families and u need to also respect and understand that we also have a right to b there and enjoy the rides it’s for all people with r without kids
Another thing b sides that fact that bob chapek didn’t plan like he should have and making it very hard on the cast members that were treated very horribly by park goes and that is a huge problem that people think they entitled to act rudely and vicious with cast members and other park goers they r a huge problem our society is n trouble and they have ruined it