Should You Visit Walt Disney World for the 50th Anniversary Celebration?
Okay, The Walt Disney Company has just started its massive marketing campaign for an anniversary celebration.
On October 1st, 2021, Walt Disney World will commemorate its 50th anniversary with plenty of festivities.
Join us for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” beginning Oct. 1, 2021, in honor of the 50th Anniversary of @WaltDisneyWorld Resort. ✨ Find out more: https://t.co/iEsnEzG3m8 #DisneyWorld50 pic.twitter.com/an6pkdCitG
— Disney Parks News (@DisneyParksNews) February 19, 2021
Disney officials have confirmed that a pesky thing like a pandemic won’t derail these plans.
On Good Morning America, the company unveiled some of what it has planned for the party of the half-century.
Image Credit: Disney
All this promotion has probably given you the feels and forced you to consider some plans for the fall.
Should you visit Walt Disney World for the 50th anniversary? Well…
In this artist rendering, Cinderella Castle becomes a Beacon of Magic in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. As part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary beginning Oct. 1, 2021, the castle and other icons at each Walt Disney World theme park will come to life at night with their own EARidescent glow. (Disney)
What You Need to Know about the Celebration
Disney confirmed its plans for the 50th anniversary party on Good Morning America.
During the February 19th show, Ginger Zee revealed that the event will last for 18 months. So, that’s a massive benefit to you.
I realize that some Disney fans won’t want to face the crowds on October 1st, the actual date for the 50th anniversary.
Well, Disney has thought of people like you and planned accordingly. Virtually everything at Walt Disney World will be available for 18 months!
I’ll save you the trouble of looking at your calendar. You’ll have until April of 2023 to enjoy these festivities.
As such, you can plan for arrival the week of October 1st, or you can pick your favorite vacation time from the ensuing 18 months. It’s win/win!
Those of you who visit on the actual date of October 1st should expect a few special events at the parks, although Disney hasn’t disclosed those yet.
Overall, the 50th anniversary celebration will propel Disney into its next half-century of excellence, starting with several new amenities.
Let’s talk about what we know so far!
Everything’s EARidescent!
The term of the day is EARidescence, which Zee and the Disney Parks Blog referenced when discussing some new outfits.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will dress in their Sunday best throughout the 18-month party!
Their outfits will display EARidescence, as they’ll “shimmer and sparkle all day and into the night.”
Specifically, Mickey and Minnie’s costumes will match the new colors from Cinderella Castle!
Zee describes them as “sparkling, custom-made looks” as “an embroidery of Cinderella Castle.”
Step into a celebratory scene with dazzling decorations, new looks for Mickey and Minnie and magical touches at all four Theme Parks and beyond. #DisneyWorld50 pic.twitter.com/OpDz9jycmU
— MagicalNewsLIVE (@MagicalNewsLIVE) February 19, 2021
As the hosts of this party, Mickey and Minnie look like they’re dressed for the Oscars. Minnie’s even wearing golden shoes!
You can take a look at them standing on a gold and blue platform in Zee’s announcement:
SNEAK PEEK: @WaltDisneyWorld is celebrating 50 magical years and to mark the occasion, @Disney cast members are putting together “The Most Magical Celebration on Earth.”#DisneyWorld50@Ginger_Zeehttps://t.co/GDQpinQyVp pic.twitter.com/P9MWj5HexN
— Good Morning America (@GMA) February 19, 2021
Here’s another set of close-ups from Twitter:
As hosts of "The World's Most Magical Celebration," Mickey Mouse and his pals will be dressed in EARidescent new looks, custom-made for the @WaltDisneyWorld Resort 50th Anniversary event, beginning October 1. Find out more: https://t.co/gtqrg3QQCX #DisneyWorld50 pic.twitter.com/5FKmW5g72n
— Disney (@Disney) February 19, 2021
They’re gorgeous, aren’t they? You will want a picture with them in their 50th anniversary costumes. There’s no doubt about that.
Other Amenities
Disney will host its 50th anniversary party the same way that it’s done with holiday events in that its landmarks will receive unique upgrades.
Starting on October 1st, Cinderella Castle will light up with new ornaments and embellishments to accentuate its beauty.
The Parks Blog indicates that “the castle will feature golden bunting and a 50th anniversary crest as part of its festive new look.”
What could look more regal than golden bunting on a castle? Oh, and it’ll include sparkling Pixie Dust lighting effects throughout the day!
Guests are already in awe of the 2020 improvements to Cinderella Castle. It’s mind-boggling to know that even more are coming.
Similarly, the Hollywood Tower Hotel will show off its remarkable lighting tricks during the nightly party.
You know how the hotel transforms into a giant Christmas decoration during the holidays?
Disney will apply the same technique for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.
In fact, the company has promised some Pixie Dust at the Tree of Life, too. “Magical fireflies” will flitter about the tree!
Impressively, these aren’t the nighttime illuminations that will dazzle you, though.
The long-rumored lighting effects will finally debut at EPCOT in time for the event.
Yes, Spaceship Earth will show off its new and apparently permanent lights display.
Disney has named the entire event “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” And the lights on the landmarks are “Beacons of Magic!”
This tweet shows off the visual effects that will become nightly staples at all four Disney parks:
"The World’s Most Magical Celebration" begins Oct. 1st at @WaltDisneyWorld Resort and the icons at each theme park will transform into Beacons of Magic at night in honor of the celebration. Find out more: https://t.co/7p6rd5kHTr #DisneyWorld50 pic.twitter.com/ocuTHd6jlg
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) February 19, 2021
They’re absolutely breathtaking, aren’t they?
More Reasons to Visit
The 50th anniversary celebration provides reason enough for you to visit Walt Disney World over the next two years.
However, Disney has set the table for upcoming park improvements to make the decision a no-brainer for your family.
In upcoming months, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will debut at EPCOT.
By the end of 2021, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, aka the Star Wars Hotel, will accept reservations for hotel stays.
Before the 50th anniversary party ends, we also expect the debuts of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tron Lightcycle Power Run too.
Credit: Disney
Then, there are other amenities currently under construction like the PLAY! Pavilion and Space 220 restaurant at EPCOT.
So, by visiting over the next two years, you’ll get to experience all the wonders of the 50th anniversary celebration.
Plus, you’ll get to brag that you were among the first people to ride some of Disney’s most impressive attractions ever!
Final Thoughts
I recognize that health- and financial-based concerns will play a part in everyone’s decision.
However, I’ll point out that many Americans increased their wealth during the pandemic.
They were saving money on car and travel expenses plus other disposal income options.
Barrons speculates that people added $1.3 trillion in personal wealth in 2020. If you’re not one of them, I apologize for mentioning a touchy subject.
If you are one of the lucky ones, you face a rare opportunity here. While every Disney visit is great, you won’t get another chance like this in your life.
Seriously, Walt Disney World’s 100th anniversary won’t arrive until 2071, and I, for one, don’t plan to live that long.
In this artist rendering, Spaceship Earth becomes a Beacon of Magic in EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. As part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary beginning Oct. 1, 2021, Spaceship Earth and other icons at each Walt Disney World theme park will come to life at night with their own EARidescent glow. (Disney)
Even Disneyland won’t celebrate a milestone like this until it turns 100 in 2055.
So, this party represents your best chance for 34 years! Do you really want to miss out on something like that? Of course not!
I’m practicing what I preach on this subject, too. I’ve already booked a hotel room for the 50th anniversary week.
My wife would never forgive me if we didn’t go to this. For that matter, I may not forgive myself.
Remember that you don’t have to go that particular week, though! The party lasts into 2023!
You’ll have plenty of time to pick the dates that work best for your family!
If you’re still on the fence about this trip, I’d suggest that you reach out to a MickeyTravels agent about a potential trip.
These experts will know all the best deals for #DisneyWorld50. Even better, their services come free of charge to you!
Photo: Katie Hill/MickeyTravels.com
You’re saving money on your unforgettable dream vacation already!
