Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary to transform park icons into “Beacons of Magic”

In the five decades since Walt Disney World opened to the public on October 1, 1971, the vacation destination continued to expand with new stories, characters and adventures. Now, with a major milestone approaching, guests can share in “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” beginning Oct. 1, 2021, in honor of the resort’s 50th anniversary.

This 18-month celebratory event will feature new experiences at the resort’s four theme parks and beyond, where shimmering “EARidescent” décor will appear as if by magic. Shining at the center of it all will be Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, which will add to its royal makeover from 2020 with new gold bunting, sparkling golden embellishments and other new enhancements, including a 50th anniversary crest welcoming guests to the join the festivities.

As part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” icons at each Walt Disney World theme park will transform into magnificent Beacons of Magic at night, coming to life with their own “EARidescent” glow.

Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom will sparkle with pixie dust. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a warm light will emanate from the Tree of Life as magical fireflies gather to usher in the magic of nature.

The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be awash in a brilliance evoking the golden age of imagination and adventure.

At EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another in a symbol of optimism resembling stars in a nighttime sky. The iconic structure’s permanent new lighting will continue beyond “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the park.

As hosts of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be dressed in sparkling new looks, custom-made for this special occasion. Highlights of these celebratory designs include embroidered impressions of Cinderella Castle backed by fireworks, as well as a brocade in multi- toned, “EARidescent” fabric – all punctuated with pops of gold.

More details about “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” will be announced in the future. For more information, visit DisneyWorld.com/50.

IMAGES copyright Disney, courtesy Walt Disney World Resort

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