ORLANDO, Fla – Walt Disney World shared its plans Friday morning for its upcoming 50th anniversary celebration.
This year, Walt Disney World cast members and guests will celebrate the big year with an 18-month long event.
Walt Disney World will offer new entertainment experiences across all its parks, as well as some new attractions like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
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Just last year, Cinderella’s Castle received a beautiful new look featuring bold, shimmering and regal enhancements. Officials said as part of the 50th celebration the castle will receive even more additions.
“The entire castle will shimmer with pearls and jewels, and the turrets and towers will be wrapped in iridescent gold and royal blue ribbons,” said George Adams with Walt Disney World Imagineering. “Above the castle gate, a 50th anniversary crest will warmly welcome guests to join the festivities.”
At each of the theme parks, the historic landmarks will glow at night in what Disney officials are calling “Beacons of Magic.”
The Tower of Terror will illuminate with a number of special new touches, The Tree of life will sparkle with what appears to be fireflies and EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth will receive new lights that will shine across the reflective panels connecting one another and resembling stars in a nighttime sky.
Take a look at some of the artist renderings below.
In this artist rendering, the Tree of Life becomes a Beacon of Magic in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme 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
Mickey and Minnie will also be getting some new looks.
“Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals will be wearing sparkling new fashions custom built just for this special occasion,” said Harmony McChesney, Costume designer for Disney live entertainment. “These new designs feature multitone brocade layers of iridescent fabrics and embellished embroidery inspired by the castle and fireworks. Each look is completed with pops of gold on all the trims and accessories.”
Beginning Oct. 1, 2021, Minnie Mouse will join Mickey Mouse as hosts of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
The Walt Disney World Resort officially opened on Oct.1, 1971.
On that day guests were able to visit the Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Disney said on a blog posting that on that day in 1971, William Windsor, Jr., was its record-breaking first guest.
Epcot opened its doors to the public in 1982, Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened in 1989 and Animal Kingdom opened in 1998.
Click here to learn more about the 50th celebration.
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