Widespread Magic
The highly anticipated “Most Magical Celebration on Earth” has arrived at Walt Disney World to mark 50 years of magic and joy. The merriment kicked off on October 1st, 2021 and is set to last a whopping 18 months! There are plenty of new sights, sounds and snacks and plenty of time to see them all.
–Shea Combs
Beacons of Magic
To celebrate Disney World’s 50th anniversary, special light shows illuminate park icons each night: Spaceship Earth at Epcot, Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios and the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. These short shows are separate from the firework spectaculars that Disney is known for and, with the exception of Spaceship Earth, are entirely projection-based. Spaceship Earth got a bit of a makeover and now sports actual lights between the reflective panels that create its iconic look. This is a spectacular addition and will remain even after the 50th anniversary festivities come to a close. The Beacons of Magic shows run about every 10-15 minutes at their respective parks.
50th Anniversary Snacks
No one does snacks as well as Disney, and they did not disappoint with their 50th anniversary offerings. From EARidescent churros to 50th anniversary cupcakes and Walt’s favorite chili cheese dogs, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
A must-try is the Mickey Mouse Dome Cake at Gaston’s Tavern in Magic Kingdom. This chocolate-glazed sweet treat consists of spiced chocolate cake filled with creme brûlée and decorated with edible mickey ears and a 50th anniversary castle logo.
Another swoon-worthy snack is the boozy Marceline Mudslide at the Plaza Restaurant in Magic Kingdom – a blend of Breckenridge Porter beer and vanilla ice cream and garnished with chocolate syrup, whipped cream and crispy chocolate pearls. The 50th anniversary celebration is the perfect time to try something new at the parks!
50th Anniversary Merch
It's impossible to go to Disney World and not buy a souvenir to commemorate the trip. 50th anniversary ornaments, pins, shirts, mugs, etc, can be found all over the parks and in every price range. Disney is releasing new anniversary merchandise in waves, so there will be something new regardless of when you visit throughout the year-long celebration.
Enchantment
The brand new Magic Kingdom fireworks spectacular is not technically a part of the 50th anniversary festivities, but it debuted the first weekend of the celebration. The nightly show includes amazing fireworks, fantastic music, and breathtaking projections on Cinderella’s Castle. The previous show, “Happily Ever After” may have had a catchier title song, but the projection mapping for “Enchantment” is better by far. Fireworks shows have always been the best way to end a day at Magic Kingdom and “Enchantment” is not to be missed.
The Parks
The rides, the characters, the magic – it’s all there, just dressed up for the anniversary celebration. Cinderella’s castle got a pink and gold revamp with a massive “50” medallion on the front. Cavalcades of characters and dancers glide down the streets of each park and wave to excited spectators. EARidescent decorations denote that this is a special time for visitors. Disney’s “Fab 50” golden character statues can be found spread over all four parks. Magic has and always will abound at the Happiest Place on Earth.