Disney World is closing out its 50th Anniversary next year, but there’s an even bigger celebration on the way — the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company!
Disney 100 Logo At D23 Expo
The company was founded in 1923, and starting in 2023, we’ll be celebrating 100 years of excitement. We can’t wait to check out all the celebrations for ourselves…but will we be able to party it up in Disney World? Here’s what we know so far.
Most of What Has Been Announced is for Disneyland Resort
So far, the announcements for the celebration have been heavily based at Disneyland Resort. At the D23 Expo, Disney shared that Disneyland Resort would be the epicenter for the 100th Anniversary, and as such, they’ll be getting a lot of special offerings. We already know that there will be merchandise, but on top of that, they’ll be getting two new fireworks shows, “World of Color — One” and Wondrous Journeys.
Concept Art for Wondrous Journeys
Also part of the 100th celebration, the Magic Happens Parade will return to Disneyland Park and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will open in on the west coast on January 27th, 2023. On top of it all, Sleeping Beauty Castle will get a special anniversary makeover. So what’s happening at Disney World?
Disney World Will Likely Get Merchandise
If there’s anything Disney loves to do for a special occasion, it’s release a new merchandise collection! We already got a sneak peek at some of the 100th Anniversary items, including two new pairs of platinum drip ears. (Yes, they’re exactly what they sound like!)
Platinum Drip Minnie Ears
Disney also shared a photo of the 100th Anniversary Spirit Jersey from Disneyland. Most of the time, Disney releases spirit jerseys with designs for each coast, so it’s possible we’ll get a Disney World version of the shirt as well.
©Disney
If you’re doubtful about the 100th Anniversary merch coming to Disney World, just remember the Main Street Electrical Parade 50th Anniversary collection. The parade was only showing at Disneyland, but we still got the full collection of merchandise in the Disney World parks shortly after its return. Hopefully, we’ll see the same with the 100th Anniversary! And if not, our guess is that some of it will at least be available on shopDisney.
A New Fireworks Show!
At EPCOT, Disney has revealed that Harmonious will be ending its run in 2023 to make way for a 100th Anniversary-inspired fireworks show. The show is set to premiere in the latter part of the year, and not many details have been revealed so far, but we’ll keep you updated as Disney announces more.
Harmonious
And although it’s not officially part of the 100th Anniversary, an updated nighttime spectacular is coming to Magic Kingdom in 2023 as well. The show will feature the hit song “Happily Ever After” although Disney hasn’t confirmed whether it will be the same as the old fireworks show of the same name.
We 💙 fireworks!
Basically, we’ve got some fun new entertainment options to check out if you’re visiting next year!
We’ll Be Learning More About the Celebrations Soon
Officially, Disney’s 100th Anniversary celebrations kick off during Rockin’ New Year’s Eve, but most of the offerings won’t start at Disneyland Resort until January 27th. That’s just a few months away, so it’s likely that we’ll be learning more about the celebrations in the coming weeks!
©Disney
As soon as we get more details, we’ll make sure to share them with you here. We don’t want any of our readers to miss out on the fun! And of course, we’ll let you know as soon as any of the celebration merchandise drops in the parks and online as well.
If you’re not going to make it to Disney World or Disneyland Resort next year, don’t worry! There will also be. special traveling exhibit for the 100th Anniversary with plenty of Disney artifacts, props, costumes, and other historical elements. Make sure to check it out if you get the chance!
When Will Disney’s 100th Anniversary Actually Start? Click Here!
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But you didn’t answer the question whether WDW will actively participate in the 100th celebration.
I hope it stays away. WDW 50 has been nothing more than a “limited time collectible merchandise” sales opportunity. Walt and Roy, the reasons for the 50th, were snubbed. No Disney history was commemorated that I saw. Crowds, afraid they might miss something, have been terrible.
But wait – I just rattled off the very reasons that Disney would be ready to bring it, didn’t I?