Guests were first welcomed to The Most Magical Place on Earth with the opening of Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971. And Walt Disney World Resort celebrated its 50th Anniversary in a HUGE WAY. The event officially kicked off on October 1, 2021, and continued for a full 18 MONTHS!

UPDATE: The 50th Anniversary Celebration concluded on March 31st, 2023. The next milestone for The Walt Disney Company is the 100th Anniversary, which is being recognized with Disney100 Years of Wonder — you can find more information HERE!

We are so excited to share what Disney is calling “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” with you right here on the DFB!

It’s a truly unforgettable time to visit The Most Magical Place on Earth!

Disney World was re-dedicated ahead of the October 1st celebration.

And we’re glad you’re joining us along the way — from Day One throughout the entire 18 month celebration!

All-New Shows, Attractions, and Restaurants

Disney Enchantment — A New Nighttime Spectacular

Let’s start things off with a bang... The World’s Most Magical Celebration features a BRAND-NEW nighttime spectacular in Magic Kingdom called Disney Enchantment!

This new fireworks show showcases memorable music, enhanced lighting, and immersive projection effects that extend down Main Street, U.S.A. You can CLICK HERE to see pictures AND videos of this beautiful and stunning production!

Learn everything there is to know about Disney Enchantment here!

Harmonious at EPCOT — A New Nighttime Spectacular

Harmonious is EPCOT’s own brand new nighttime spectacular!

Harmonious is just one element joining several others that make up the historical transformation of the park. Disney has shared that Harmonious delivers one of the largest spectaculars ever created for a Disney park! Take a look at photos AND videos of Harmonious HERE!

Click HERE to see Harmonious in action!

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT — A New Attraction

In EPCOT, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure officially opened in the France pavilion on October 1, 2021!

We were fortunate to attend a preview of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure on September 1, 2021, and then an additional ride through at a special event on September 3rd. We are so excited to share this fun adventure with you!

YOU can RIDE WITH US on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure HERE!

La Crêperie de Paris at EPCOT — A New Restaurant

Also new to the pavilion is a brand new Table Service restaurant, La Crêperie de Paris!

It is joined by a new Quick Service window, Crêpes À Emporter. 

Both of these new eateries also officially opened on October 1, 2021. We have been able to dine at each during recent previews, and you can find our review of La Crêperie de Paris here. 

Click HERE for our review of La Crêperie de Paris!

Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort — A New Restaurant

Steakhouse 71 — and the accompanying Steakhouse 71 Lounge — both opened on the BIG DAY of October 1st, too! You’ll find them in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. 

Find out what we’re LOVING about Steakhouse 71 HERE. 

The “71” is, of course, a nod to the opening year of Walt Disney World. What better way to celebrate? 

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — A New Attraction

On May 27, 2022, the all-new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind coaster opened in EPCOT’s World Discovery!

Get ready to visit the Wonders of Xandar pavilion and ROCK THE GALAXY on this family-friendly omnicoaster!

You can RIDE WITH US here!

Click HERE to check out PICS and VIDEOS of Guardians of the Galaxy HERE! And we have a SPOILER-FREE Review HERE!

MagicBand+ — New Interactive Wearable Tech

MagicBand+ officially made its debut on July 27, 2022!

A MagicBand+ comes alive with color-changing lights, haptic vibrations and gesture recognition. 

One of the many unique features of these new interactive MagicBands is the ability to interact with the 50th Anniversary Golden Character Statues in the parks! But that’s not all…

They also light up in sync with the evening transformations of all four park icons into “Beacons of Magic,” as well as with Magic Kingdom’s Disney Enchantment fireworks spectacular and EPCOT’s Harmonious spectacular… and more!

Find out everything PLUS about MagicBand+ HERE!

“EARidescence” — Transforming the Park’s Icons

Disney previously shared that the Disney teams created “all sorts of new decorations that will shimmer and sparkle all day and into the night.” And they’ve even come up with a new word — “EARidescence” to describe the way the parks will glow for the celebration!

Magic Kingdom’s iconic Cinderella Castle has been further enhanced with gold bunting, banners, and a gorgeous 50th Anniversary crest.

You’ll see even MORE decorations on the pillars that extend from the Castle!

They feature concept art from the animated feature Cinderella.

The icons at all four parks transform into “Beacons of Magic” at night! The evening transformation of Cinderella Castle is truly breathtaking.

Click HERE to see more pictures of Cinderella Castle’s NEW nighttime look for the Anniversary!

Guests admiring Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life will see it come alive with bright hues rotating between red, blue, green, purple, and more!

Click HERE to watch the Tree of Life’s evening transformation!

And the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is brightening up the night, as well!

Click HERE to see photos and VIDEO of the Hollywood Tower Hotel as a Beacon of Magic!

EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth, in particular, will remain transformed even beyond the official Anniversary Celebration, with permanent new lighting that SHINES across the icon’s signature reflective panels, “connecting to one another and resembling stars in a nighttime sky.” 

The stunning transformation is known as “Points of Light.” The colors around Spaceship Earth transition from shades of purple to pink and red.

Keep in mind that these colors can shift on any given night at any given time — you’ll never know what colors Spaceship Earth will be showing off when you’re there!

See EPCOT’S Spaceship Earth transformed by “Points of Light” HERE!

Disney Characters

Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade and Meet-and-Greet

Your Hosts with the Most — Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse — are all dressed up for the big occasion with NEW costumes unique to the celebration!

After all, in the words of Walt Disney, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing — that it was all started by a mouse…” 

They are, in fact, joined by the WHOLE GANG…

…as Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale have all received NEW custom-made EARidescent makeovers, which you can see in Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade!

There’s nothing better than celebrating with these fantastic friends!

See more photos and a VIDEO of Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade here!

And you can meet — and HUG! and get your photo taken with! — Mickey AND Minnie in their 50th Anniversary outfits at Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom.

Happy Anniversary, pals!

Disney Fab 50 Golden Sculptures

50 classic Disney pals are being honored with special golden character sculptures around all 4 parks!

The spectacular group being referred to as the Disney Fab 50 includes — of course! — Mickey and Minnie Mouse on display near Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom!

They’re joined by faithful friends like Goofy and Pluto!

Keep your eyes peeled for characters all around the Castle in Magic Kingdom (and even beyond — into Fantasyland and Adventureland!), including a somewhat-hidden Tinker Bell!

Click HERE to see even more Magic Kingdom character statues!

In Animal Kingdom, we’ve spotted a few fabulous friends, too, including this lovely tribute to Bambi and Thumper!

Of course, we’ve also seen pals from The Lion King and more, and you can see them here.

Click HERE to see the Animal Kingdom Character Statues!

EPCOT is in on the golden fun, as well…

…with FIGMENT leading the way, among other statues!

Click HERE to see the statues that have arrived in EPCOT!

And Hollywood Studios is where you’ll find characters from a galaxy far, far away.

You’ll also notice golden friends from Toy Story, The Incredibles, and more.

See a Photo Tour of the character statues in Disney’s Hollywood Studios HERE!

From Pinocchio to Baby Groot to Flounder and Sebastian, and SO many more…

…you won’t want to miss ANY of these gorgeous golden displays! There are a total of 30 statues representing 50 characters.

Want to see ALL the Fab 50 Character Statues? We’re showing you everywhere to find them all HERE!

We’ve even got a FREE DFB Printable to help you locate the statues when you’re in the parks!

If you love the Golden FAB 50, you can even COLLECT them for your own home in ornament sets, standalone replicas and mini blind box versions!

Disney World Resort Hotels

Character Caravans

Disney pals are making SURPRISE celebration stops at Disney Resort hotels, too! Keep an eye out for the Character Caravan…

…because if you see it, that means a few special friends are dropping by to say “Happy Anniversary!”

P.S. Take a gander at Goofy’s golden shoes! Looking great, Goofy!

Click HERE for photos and a video of Disney Pals arriving at a Disney World Resort!

Resort Hotel Anniversary Touches

Additional Anniversary touches at the resort include an update to the Must-Do Disney television show which plays in Resort guest rooms. It’s great to tune in to see everything going on around Disney World and set the tone for a magical day!

Room keys (known as Key to the World cards) have received an Anniversary makeover, too!

Extra Resort Anniversary Fun

We’ve even spotted a fun 50th Anniversary-themed Scavenger Hunt at a few Resorts!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort are where we’ve done a little exploring AND learning about classic Magic Kingdom attractions!

Disney World Cast Member Tributes and Events

Even Cast Member name tags are shining a little brighter!

Disney Live Entertainment graphic designer Brett Owens helped with the design, saying their team “really wanted to create a special way to say, ‘Thank you!’ to the cast, as well as give them something to have as a reminder they were here for this special time in our history.”

See more Cast Member name tags here!

Past, present, and future cast members are also honored with a plaque in the hub in front of Cinderella Castle tucked between the golden character statues of Mickey and Minnie.

It thanks cast members for “making Walt Disney’s dream a reality.” 

Jeff Vahle, the President of Walt Disney World Resort, announced a new event now taking place in the parks over the summer of 2022. EARidescent Evenings is a special event only for Cast Members!

Cast Members, or Disney employees, are able to attend special events in the Disney World parks all summer long! (The HUB has more information about EARidescent Evenings, so Cast Members should check there for updates.)

“The Magic Is Calling” — The 50th Anniversary Anthem

An original anthem has been created for Disney World’s 50th anniversary! Disney shared that “The Magic Is Calling” was created by platinum-selling songwriter and music producer Alana Da Fonseca, award-winning composer Emily Bear, and singing phenom Journi. The three came together together to make a song that is, “all at once nostalgic, inspirational, and contemporary.”

“The Magic Is Calling” connects all four parks by playing when each theme park icon transforms into a Beacon of Magic at night, using different arrangements of the song. It is also included in special live entertainment moments across Walt Disney World, including Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade every day in Magic Kingdom. You can hear a bit in the video below provided by Disney (or by streaming the song on major music platforms🙂 ).

Custom arrangements are even being performed by groups such as Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Philharmonic and Dapper Dans, Animal Kingdom’s Discovery Island Drummers, and EPCOT’S Voices of Liberty!

50th Anniversary Entertainment Enhancements

The beloved Electrical Water Pageant has been a Disney World Resort tradition sailing Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon since 1971.

And this water parade has added new sparkling scenes for the 50th anniversary! The new celebratory scenes also feature a version of the 50th anniversary anthem song “The Magic is Calling.”

Click HERE to learn more about where you can view this Disney World tradition with NEW Anniversary scenes!

If you recall Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, then you’ll want to know that an enhanced version of this Cinderella Castle stage show in Magic Kingdom made its debut on February 25, 2022 as part of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary: Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire!

The show features a new introduction and finale, and an all-new song: “Where the Magic Feels Like Home…” oh, and a TON of Disney pals! 

Click HERE to see more PICS and VIDEOS of Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire!

Signs, Banners, and Additional Anniversary Touches

Walt Disney World Main Entrance Gates

Guests are now welcomed to The Most Magical Place on Earth as they pass under the newly refurbished main Walt Disney World Entrance Gates!

The new gates have received their own 50th Anniversary medallions.

It’s a very fitting welcome as we prepare for The World’s Most Magical Celebration!

See how you’ll be welcomed into Walt Disney World here!

You can certainly see that celebratory signs and banners have popped up everywhere!

In September 2021, a brand new 50th Anniversary sign arrived at the entrance to Magic Kingdom to set an even more stunning scene!

And, of course, what’s a celebration without a CAKE??? Magic Kingdom’s entrance has one of those, too!

The new touches even extend down Main Street, U.S.A., where you’ll spot the classic clock with its new golden makeover.

Pretty, isn’t it? 🙂

If you’ve ever visited Magic Kingdom in the fall, you may be familiar with the happy sight of Mickey Pumpkins on the lamp posts lining Main Street. However, for this special occasion…

…the pumpkins magically transformed into Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach for the Anniversary!

Even the POPCORN BOXES around Disney World have gotten dressed up for the party!

And DITTO goes for the Refillable Popcorn Buckets!

I personally can’t think of a better way to celebrate 😉 !

Disney Transportation

Disney World Transportation has gotten in on the festivities, too!

You may spot Anniversary designs on the Disney World buses…

…select Disney Skyliner gondolas (which you can bring home)…

…and Monorail Gold!

Some of the Disney buses have also been sporting some special 50th Anniversary messages.

P.S. The Monorails even rock new Party Lights at night!

So be sure to LOOK EVERYWHERE for 50th Anniversary fun!

Click HERE to see the 50th Anniversary-themed Skyliner Gondola!

It’s All In the Disney World Anniversary Details

Everywhere you look, you’ll spot tribute to this magical milestone — too many, in fact, for us to include all of them here… .

So we’re providing some links below so you can see a few more of our favorite Anniversary touches around the Resort!

• Park Maps have featured some EARidescence of their own!
• Annual Passholders can get special 50th Anniversary cards.
• Colorful 50th Anniversary cups will hold your sips throughout the celebration.
• Have YOU noticed this incredibly subtle tribute to the 50th Anniversary hidden in this popular Disney World attraction?
• Check out special Disney PhotoPass opportunities and Magic Shots here and here!

50th Anniversary Eats and Treats

Disney chefs and mixologists have “cooked up” 150+ (!!!) specialty treats in honor the 50th Anniversary!

Disney has shared that “Disney chefs and mixologists have created more than 150 sips and bites full of color, whimsy, and a touch of EARidescent shimmer.” 

Even better… MORE treats will become available throughout the 18-month long party!!

Disney has also shared that the inspirations for these once-in-a-lifetime items include recipes for Walt Disney’s personal favorite dishes, Walt Disney World Resort rides from both the past and the present, Disney Characters, and “nostalgic dishes from 1971.” And even some ol’ classics have gotten dressed up for the celebration.

And we’ve grabbed a TON OF TREATS to review for you.

Click HERE to find all of our 50th Anniversary FOOD REVIEWS!!

Oh! And we’ve ranked ALL of the 50th Anniversary Treats in Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, AND Magic Kingdom so you don’t miss out on the BEST 50th Anniversary Snacks!!

Click HERE to find our FIVE MUST-TRY 50th Anniversary Snacks!

P.S. Interested in the CLASSICS? We’ve listed 50 tried-and-true eats around Disney World in honor of the celebration that we think you should add to your MUST-TRYS!

50th Anniversary Merchandise

As you might imagine, there is a TON of commemorative merchandise for the 50th Anniversary!

NEW collections and items haven’t stopped hitting the shelves since the celebration started!

In fact, the Disney World 50th Anniversary Grand Finale Collection arrived in January 2023 as the celebration approaches its March 31st conclusion.

Even as recently as early January 2023, items like the 50th Anniversary Grand Finale Collection EARS continue to arrive.

The Celebration Collection

The Celebration Collection features items showcasing Mickey and Minnie (and pals!) in hues of blue, gold, and that special EARidescence on everything from hats and apparel (including Crocs!) to backpacks and blankets to mugs and MUCH more merchandise — you can see it all HERE!

The Disney Castle Collection

The Disney Castle Collection showcases pieces inspired by Cinderella Castle.

The Vault Collection

The Vault Collection is seriously perfect for vintage Disney fans with retro-themed designs.

In fact, the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs has received a special overlay inspired by the Vault Collection that, as Disney says, will “take you back to 1971 the moment you walk through the doors!”

This museum-like display invites shoppers to learn about original Walt Disney World Resort attractions and hotels.

Guests are able to pose at photo opportunities with vintage props including the ride vehicle pictured above from Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. 

Click HERE to see the complete line of vintage-inspired Vault Collection items!

At Magic Kingdom, Main Street Cinema has received its own retro-inspired overlay to showcase the Vault Collection, too!

You can also find items from the collection at EPCOT’s Port of Entry.

And the fun retro finds just keep coming…

…so we hope you’ll follow along as we keep discovering What’s New!!

Click HERE to check out more about this unique shopping experience for the Vault Collection!

The EARidescent Collection

The EARidescent Collection is full of shimmering accessories like these sparkling Minnie Mouse Ears.

But there’s more in store… and you can see it HERE!

See this shining, shimmering, splendid collection here!

The Luxe Logo Collection

The Luxe Logo Collection features upscale clothing items and accessories (like a $1,000 Mickey Ear Hat, for example!).

As the Celebration continues, additional NEW collections have hit the scene, as well…

Disney Vault Orange Bird Collection

Fans of the little Orange Bird — who made his Disney World debut at Magic Kingdom in 1971 — will want to check out the Disney Vault Orange Bird Collection!

Don’t forget, you can see the little fellow these days at Sunshine Tree Terrace!

EARidescent Shimmer Collection

The new EARidescent Shimmer Collection features beautiful blue and gold hues reminiscent of the turrets on the Cinderella Castle.

P.S. You can get an EARidescent Shimmer Collection Loungefly backpack to match! And that’s just a glimpse!

See ALL of the 50th Anniversary merchandise you can get online RIGHT NOW!

Oh, and did we mention there are plenty more ears where these came from?

50th Anniversary Minnie Mouse Ears

We’re pretty sure it’s a rule that you can’t celebrate the Anniversary with a Mickey Ear Hat or pair of Minnie Ears. 😉 We’ve spotted several new pairs of Minnie Ears celebrating the 50th Anniversary. We found the first batch at the Emporium gift shop in Magic Kingdom! A new pair of Loungefly Ears is part of the Celebration Collection.

These sparking bright blue EARidescent Ears are also part of the Celebration Collection.

The third set of Ears belongs to the Disney Castle Collection. They’re absolutely stunning, AND they light up!

Click HERE to take a closer look at ALL THREE pairs of 50th Anniversary Minnie Ears!

Even more ears have now arrived for the 50th Anniversary including the $1,000 ears…

…these sparkly ears, which are priced at $750…

…and more!

Disney and Coach have also teamed up to release a 50th Anniversary collection of merchandise including a backpack, several purses, a hoodie, and more. And, of course, Minnie Ears — FOUR PAIRS to be exact!

The latest addition is the LIGHT UP 50th Anniversary Mickey Balloon Ears!

As you can see, there are quite a few different ears to pick from, from the more traditional designs sold as regular park souvenirs…

… to $500 (!!!) SPLURGES, like the pair you see above!

More Merchandise

Even beyond the official Anniversary collections above, there is SO much merchandise hitting the scene for the celebration that we’re sharing a few more links below so you don’t miss a thing!

For example, even a certain Droid in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is here for the party, too. 😉 And here’s TONS more…

• See the 50th Anniversary Starbucks x Disney Tumblers HERE and HERE, Starbucks Tumblers for each individual park here, and Starbucks x Disney park pins and tote bags HERE! And those “Been There” Mugs? Yep, there are 50th versions of those, too! And they JUST KEEP COMING…
• You can get a 50th Anniversary Reusable Bag to carry your celebration souvenirs.
• 50th Anniversary jewelry includes charms by Pandora, pieces by Alex & Ani, BaubleBar, and more.
• Happy Campers at Disney’s Fort Wilderness will appreciate this special collection celebrating its history as one of Disney World’s original Resorts. And fans of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort should check out THIS line, too!
• We love this throwback MagicBand!
• And, of course, there are oodles of collectible 50th Anniversary Disney pins!
• 50th Anniversary Wishables have hit the scene!
• Did YOU have a cup like this when you were a kid??? Or maybe you want THIS ONE these days instead?
• Here you go, Dooney & Bourke fans! (Here, too! Oh, and HERE!) And here’s a collection for you, Kate Spade fans! Are you into HARVEYS? Click here! There’s even a light-up wristlet up for grabs!
• Would you pay $500 for the Disney 50th Anniversary Souvenir Box?
• This 50th Anniversary Candle can make your HOME smell like a Disney Resort!
• Oh, BOY!! We love the Mickey and Minnie Vintage-inspired PLUSH! And, of course, Cinderella has her own collectible tribute for the celebration.
• 50th Anniversary Spirit Jerseys? Oh, yeah…they’re available. And they keep on coming!
• The Loungefly Disney World 50th Anniversary Mickey Mouse Mini Backpack is GOLD. And by that, we mean it’s made with ACTUAL GOLD.
• You know the traditional Mickey Watch? How about a special one for the 50th?
• Oh, my MAPS! Vintage Magic Kingdom maps have been commemorated on everything from Crocs to Spirit Jerseys to special Collectible Pin displays. Classic E-tickets are given a cool merchandise nod as well.
• P.S. Yep… MORE Crocs.
• Bring a Disney Castle home to YOUR Castle… for under $50.00!
• Love Native shoes? Check out the Disney x Native 50th anniversary shoes here.
• Tying the knot during the 50th Anniversary celebration? Then maybe you’ll want to see this 50th Anniversary Wedding Gown! Or perhaps you’re just looking for the perfect 50th Anniversary dress to wear to the parks.
• Find our FAVORITE affordable 50th Anniversary souvenir here!
• Check out the Disney x Vans collection right here. (Oh, and HERE are the SHOES! Aaaand… MORE shoes!)
• There are even 50th Anniversary collectible Coca-Cola bottles in all four parks for the occasion!

Click here to see ALL of the 50th Anniversary merchandise you can get online!

Special 50th Anniversary Events

The beloved California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is presenting a 50th Anniversary Celebration Menu!

The restaurant is offering a limited-time 3-course prix-fixe menu of dishes inspired by past favorites as well as brand new creations, and you can learn more here.

Find our full REVIEW of the 50th Anniversary Celebration at California Grill here!

Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories

“Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories” is essentially a virtual mural on Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom!

For $9.99, you can head into the My Disney Experience app and select any portrait-oriented PhotoPass picture from the gallery. You’ll then choose a spot to virtually pin your photo onto Cinderella Castle where you and others will be able to see it. The photo will remain in that spot through the end of the 50th Anniversary celebration and for a little while after.

Also included in the price is a downloadable video of your image flying onto the castle along with a downloadable version of the photo you chose to add to the mural without the PhotoPass watermark in its original form and with a special border. (Every Cast Member will receive a free opportunity to take part in the mural.)

Click HERE to learn more about the Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories!

Still to Come!

“Hey, Disney!” Amazon’s Alexa in Disney World Hotel Rooms — Currently Testing!

A new service called “Hey, Disney!” was announced in 2021 for Amazon’s Alexa, and soon this new feature will be a complimentary option at Disney World Resort hotels! It is rolling out as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations. And though we do not have a specific date for the entire Resort-wide launch, we can say that testing for “Hey Disney” is taking place at one Disney Resort so far, as of late November 2022!

In fact, we were able to use the device when we stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort recently!

Disney has shared that this initial launch is taking place “before expanding in phases to additional Disney Resort hotel rooms across Walt Disney World.”

“Hey, Disney!” is a virtual assistant that can introduce guests to Disney characters, set alarms (useful for those early morning wake-ups during vacation), answer questions, and even guide guests to surprises. You can check transportation wait times, park hours, and even make requests for deliveries to your room.

You can see “Hey, Disney!” in action HERE!

MORE 50th Anniversary TREATS

Disney has promised that even MORE specialty snacks will arrive throughout the celebration!

So, stay tuned HERE, my friends…

YOUR 50th Anniversary Disney World VACATION!

DFB Anniversary Trip Packing Suggestions

Wondering what to BRING if you’re planning to head to the BIG celebration?

We’ve put together a list of things we think will be VERY helpful if you’re hitting the parks on October 1st!

Click here to see 10 Things You Need to Bring for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary!

The 50 BEST Ways to CELEBRATE!

We’ve compiled a list of the FIFTY BEST WAYS to celebrate Disney World’s 50th Anniversary!

From riding opening day attractions to fun photo-ops to eating Mickey-shaped snacks and MUCH more, we’ve got TONS of GREAT ideas to make YOUR celebration of the Anniversary extra special!

Click HERE to see the FIFTY BEST WAYS to celebrate Disney World’s 50th Anniversary!

50 Pieces of Advice for the 50th Anniversary Celebration

A vacation to Disney World for the 50th Anniversary will be a trip like no other, even if you’ve been the Resort multiple times!

We’ve compiled 50 pieces of great advice for YOUR 50th Anniversary vacation HERE!

Click HERE for FIFTY pieces of advice for your 50th Anniversary VACATION!

“We’re Going to Disney World!”

If you’re looking for a fun way to announce your upcoming trip to your family, Disney has partnered with Build-A-Bear for an ADORABLE new option. Now you can make your kiddo’s first trip to Disney World extra-special with the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration gift bundle from Build-A-Bear!

The bundle includes a Mickey Mouse plush dressed in an “I’m Going to Walt Disney World” outfit, a 1st Visit button, a 5-in-1 sound chip, AND a commemorative toy bear carrier for $64.95!

Click HERE to check out the 50th Anniversary Celebration Gift Bundle!

More Anniversary Fun

October 1, 1971

Want to travel back in time to October 1, 1971 — Walt Disney World’s Opening Day? Take a moment to make a list of the attractions, restaurants, hotels, and other forms of entertainment that YOU think were available for guests to enjoy on October 1st, 1971…

…and then see the FULL LIST  to test your knowledge HERE!

Click HERE to see EVERYTHING that opened at Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971! And click HERE to read all about Disney World in 1971 versus NOW!

Opening of a 25th Anniversary Time Capsule

Okay, Disney history fans…THIS is totally cool. Twenty-five years ago, Cast Members at Disney’s Contemporary Resort packed a Time Capsule to be opened during the 50th Anniversary Celebration.

On October 25th, a group of special Cast Members were invited to help Disney World dig up the time capsule and see what was inside. And thanks to this video, YOU can see what was inside, too!

Click HERE to explore the findings from Disney World’s 25th Anniversary!

The 50th Anniversary Celebration BEYOND Disney World

How to Celebrate Disney World’s 50th Anniversary at Home

If you’re not heading to the parks for the occasion, that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on the celebration!

We’ve got all sorts of ideas for ways you can celebrate Disney World’s 50th Anniversary at home!

Click here for ways you can join in the 50th Anniversary fun at home!

ABC 50th Anniversary Special

“The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World” premiered on ABC on October 1st. The two-hour special, hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, featured a variety of guests including celebrities, athletes, Disney Imagineers, and Disney executives.

It told the history of the Walt Disney World Resort, and also highlighted memorable pop culture moments, including the memorable “I’m Going to Disney World!” campaign. Viewers also learned the history of Disney’s partnership with Make-A-Wish, celebrating more than 40 years of making dreams come true. You can stream the 50th Anniversary special right now on Disney+.

New Disney World Books

Take a peek at FIVE new books about Disney World available in honor of the 50th anniversary. Along with the combination of information and features about everything available in the parks and beyond, the latest reads will have a bit of an EARidescent touch to them in honor of the event!

Click here to learn about A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth, Delicious Disney: Walt Disney World, Art of Coloring: Walt Disney World: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity from The Most Magical Place on Earth, Birnbaum’s 2022 Walt Disney World, and Birnbaum’s 2022 Walt Disney World for Kids.

Click here to take a detailed look at the 50th Anniversary Books!

And in celebration of Disney World turning 50, the Orlando Sentinel has also published a new book: Disney World at 50: The Stories of How Walt’s Kingdom Became Magic in Orlando.

(The Orlando Sentinel is a well-known newspaper in the Disney World area and has the historical claim to fame of being the paper that broke the news that Walt Disney was buying up land in central Florida in the mid-1960s.)

Interactive Disney Store in Orlando

A new, interactive Disney store is now located at 8050 International Drive in Orlando. The store sells Disney parks merchandise and souvenirs, and visitors can also purchase Disney World theme park tickets here. This store also has the FIRST ever Disney Vacation Club Virtual Discovery Station.

Before you step into the store, you will notice a large animated art display that showcases Disney characters and attractions in a brand new way. You can see this massive 50th Anniversary display as you drive by on the road. It’s such a fun and exciting way to feel the Disney magic as you drive around the Orlando area!

Click HERE for a complete Photo Tour of this interactive Disney store!

Disney World at 50 History Harvest

The Orange County Regional History Center in downtown Orlando is working on a Disney World at 50 Collecting Project.

The History Center is collecting digital donations including pictures, audio and video recordings, and oral histories. Submissions might be included in the Center’s permanent collection, and you can find out more here!

Disney World Giving Back

Disney has committed to giving away $3 Million in donations to local Orlando charities and organizations as a thank you to the local community as part of the celebration!

The charities include the Give Kids the World Village (an organization that helps critically ill children visit Disney World), the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, the Heart of Florida United Way, the Hope Partnership, and ELEVATE Orlando.

WIN a Trip to Disney World!

The Disney Vacation Club is hosting the Keep Celebrating Sweepstakes, in honor of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. It will provide one lucky winner with a trip to experience “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” as well as the opportunity to learn more about the Disney Vacation Club.

One winner and (up to) 3 guests will win:

• A 6-day, 5-night Disney Vacation Club getaway
• A 5-night stay in a 1-bedroom villa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• 6-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper Tickets
• Round-trip airfare (if the winner lives more than 250 miles away from Disney World)

The sweepstakes will last until September 9th, 2022 at 11:59PM ET. Participants must be at least 18 years old to enter. You can enter the sweepstakes or view the official rules here!

More Beyond-the-Parks Anniversary Fun

• A 50th Anniversary License Plate option is available for Florida Residents! All of the revenue collected from the sale of this specialty 50th Anniversary license plate is being donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida.
• A brand new virtual offering is now available from the Disney Institute. The new online program is called 50 Years of Magical Learnings from Walt Disney World Resort. Disney shares that it is the “most comprehensive online-learning experience Disney Institute has ever created” and it was designed with Disney’s most “curious and passionate” fans in mind.

We hope you visit this page often as we continue to cover the exciting 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort!