Guide to Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary

October 1st, 1971 – Walt Disney’s dream came alive, and Walt Disney World opened it’s gates to guests. October 1st, 2021, 50 years later, Walt Disney World will beginning an 18 month celebration of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary! Read on for your guide to to all the excitement that will take place over the next 18 months!

Celebrate at all Four Parks

Walt Disney World’s Most Magical Celebration will include new entertainment activities, attractions, decorations, and enhancements in all four parks.

To commemorate the festivities, icons in the four Walt Disney World theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios will transform into “Beacons of Magic” by coming to life with their own magical glow.These Beacons of Magic will transform while playing “The Magic is Calling,” the new 50th Anniversary anthem that you’ll also hear throughout the World’s Most Magical Celebration.

Disney's Fab 50 Statues

There are 50 special golden character sculptures at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Almost all of these have been installed as of September 17, 2021.

Here’s the full list of Disney Fab 50 statues:

MAGIC KINGDOM

Mickey Mouse
Minnie Mouse
Donald Duck
Daisy Duck
Goofy
Pluto
Chip ‘n’ Dale
Lumiere & Cogsworth
Orange Bird
Mad Hatter
Cheshire Cat
Dumbo & Timothy Mouse
Stitch
Pooh & Piglet
Pinocchio
Jaq & Gus
Lady and the Tramp
Abu
Tinker Bell

EPCOT

Figment
Dante & Miguel
Rocket Raccoon & Baby Groot
Pua & Hei Hei
Olaf & Bruni

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Joe Gardner
Edna Mode
Frozone
R2-D2
BB-8
Woody & Bo Peep
Flounder & Sebastian

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Simba
Timon & Pumbaa
Bambi & Thumper
Nemo & Dory

Character Costumes

This milestone is such a big deal, Walt Disney World has coined a new word – “EARidescence” – to describe what you’ll see when you visit. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will have sparkling new looks for the World’s Most Magical Celebration.

As hosts of the event, they’ll be dressed for the occasion in custom-made fashions of EARidescent fabric. Be sure to check them out at Magic Kingdom for a brand new Cavalcade “Mickey’s Celebration” that will run multiple times a day.

50th Merchandise

Naturally, a variety of merchandise will be sold in this EARidescent color trend style, so guests can match Minnie and Mickey Mouse. Beyond merchandise, expect there to be EARidescent snacks, balloons, and all sorts of other offerings during Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.

Beyond the EARidescent offerings, there will be six merchandise collections debuting throughout October and November 2021 for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.

Celebration Collection – Available October 1, 2021

Check out this wide-ranging assortment of commemorative items that’s so big, you’ll never run out of ways to change up your look as you experience this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Disney Castle Collection – Available October 1, 2021

Featuring everything from collectibles to castle-inspired attire, there’s something for everyone in this regal collection inspired by Cinderella Castle—a centerpiece of The World’s Most Magical Celebration.

Vault Collection – Available October 1, 2021

Hit rewind with this super-fun assortment of retro-themed treasures right out of The Walt Disney Archives. Go back to opening day—at least in spirit—with this ultra-cool collection created for the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort.

EARidescent Collection – Available Late October 2021

During the 50th anniversary celebration, Walt Disney World Resort will shimmer like never before! If you’re inspired by this otherworldly glow, check out this eye-catching collection that lets you wrap yourself in the shimmer of The World’s Most Magical Celebration.

Luxe Logo Collection – Available November 2021

Take The World’s Most Magical Celebration to a whole new level with this upscale selection of highly coveted 50th anniversary collectibles—destined to be the crown jewels of your collection. Choose from fashionable apparel, accessories and more that are as spectacular as the celebration itself.

New Entertainment and Rides

First up – debuting on October 1, 2021 is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot. Great for everyone in the family, with no height requirement, you will follow around Remy the friendly chef and his adventures in the kitchen! As of right now a virtual que will be in place for the opening on October 1st.

Turning to evening entertainment, the “Harmonious Nighttime Spectacular at Epcot” will debut on October 1, 2021. Harmonious will be the largest ever Walt Disney World nighttime spectacular, and will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over. It will bring to World Showcase Lagoon an innovative toolkit of massive floating set pieces that house a variety of show effects, including custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, colorful lights, lasers, pyrotechnics and more.

Next, “Disney Enchantment” Fireworks Show at Magic Kingdom will also debut on October 1, 2021. This evening extravaganza will take you on a journey filled with adventure, wonder and empowerment. Inspiring everyone to believe in magic, Disney Enchantment will feature music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and immersive projections effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street.

Disney Enchantment will feature Tiana, Miguel, Rapunzel, and brothers Ian & Barley from “Onward,” and we set out on an incredible journey with adventurers such as Moana, Raya, and Judy Hopps. Joe Gardner from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” takes us into “the zone” to discover a whimsical world inspired by the style of legendary Disney artist Mary Blair. Other films featured will include “Beauty and the Beast,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Luca” and “Wreck-It Ralph.”

New Restaurants and 50th Snacks

Space 220 – Located in EPCOT by Mission Space is a fine dining experience . Lunch at Space 220 is a 2-course prix-fixe menu and costs $55 per person. Dinner at Space 220 is a 3-Course prix fixe menu and costs $79 per person. It includes one Lift-Off Appetizer, one Star Course Entree, and one Supernova Sweet dessert.It includes one Lift-Off Appetizer and one Star Course Entree. Entering you’ll board one of two “Space Elevators” that will transport you in what seems like 220 miles above Earth to Centauri Space Station. Inside the dining area, you’ll experience a panoramic view of Earth below, and a variety of things taking place beyond the windows of the Space Station-themed restaurant. Dining Reservations are open to start your adventure.

Steakhouse 71 – is a casual dining concept that gets its name from the resort’s opening year, and pays tribute to the rich history of the Vacation Kingdom of the World. This restaurant opens on October 1, 2021.

Dessert Parties Are Back – Reservations are open to book an array of different Dessert parties. You can choose from 3 different ones at Magic Kingdom located at Tomorrowland Terrace and a Ferry Ride in front of Magic Kingdom. Over at EPCOT you can view Harmonious at two restaurants Spice Road and Rose and Crown Pub.

50th Snacks – Get ready for some unique 50th Anniversary Snacks! Although not all of them have been announced, an anniversary popcorn bucket premiered, and rumors of cupcakes, drinks, restaurant specials (including a special 50th limited menu at California Grill), and candy are sure to appear!

Where Can I See all the Festivities on October 1st, 2021?

Lucky for you, your Mousekemoms will at Walt Disney World Starting September 30th for all of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary events!

To follow along join our Facebook group: Disney Planning & Chat by Mousekemoms.

We will be going live, including a live stream on Enchantment at Magic Kingdom and Harmonious at EPCOT.

Guide to Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary