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Disney

Here’s how Walt Disney World plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary

By
Chris Morris
Chris Morris
Former Contributing Writer
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By
Chris Morris
Chris Morris
Former Contributing Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
February 19, 2021, 12:57 PM ET

Walt Disney World has big plans for its 50th birthday.

The resort announced the first details of its anniversary celebration Friday, offering an initial look at what guests can expect when the festivities kick off on Oct. 1.

The event, dubbed “the World’s Most Magical Celebration,” will see new looks and enhancements to iconic parts of both Walt Disney World and the resort’s surrounding areas. Cinderella Castle will get a new paint job, and, at night, lighting effects will make it appear to shimmer with jewels and gold ribbons.

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/7p6rd5kHTr #DisneyWorld50 pic.twitter.com/LcvEdLXOJL

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) February 19, 2021

Epcot’s Spaceship Earth, Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life, and the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will also receive special upgrades, a process Disney is calling “EARidescence.”

"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

As part of the celebration, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will also get new costumes that tie in with EARidescence. And more announcements could be on the way. Disney, in a blog post, said there would be new experiences at all four parks, and “we’ll have more to share about our plans…in the future as we ramp up to the big day on Oct. 1.”

The 50th anniversary event will run for 18 months at Disney World. That could help ease crowds a bit, as the parks continue to limit occupancy because of the ongoing pandemic. COVID-19 shut down the parks for about three months last year, but they reopened on July 11.

Currently, the Florida parks are operating at 35% of capacity. (Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks in Anaheim remain closed.) The iconic fireworks shows that used to take place nightly are no longer occurring, to help with social distancing. Character meet and greets and daily parades are on long-term hold. Temperature checks are required before entry to the park. And all park attendance is managed via a reservation system.

About the Author
By Chris MorrisFormer Contributing Writer

Chris Morris is a former contributing writer at Fortune, covering everything from general business news to the video game and theme park industries.

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