Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

Walt Disney World is Turning 50!!!

Something big is coming in the fall – Walt Disney World is celebrating its 50th anniversary!  Details continue to emerge as we get closer to the celebration, but here’s what we know so far.

Who:  Everyone is invited to celebrate with Mickey and the gang!!

Where:  The entire resort at Walt Disney World is getting in on the party.

What:  Walt Disney World opened to the public on October 1, 1971 and will be celebrating 50 years of magic this fall. This has been a date circled on lots of Disney fans for a while, so some advance planning is definitely in order.

WATCH NOW: WALT DISNEY WORLD’S 50th Anniversary l The World’s Most Magical Celebration

All of the parks are getting in on the celebration with special decorations, new nighttime shows and even some new attractions.

Over at Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle has been getting a gorgeous new look complete with adornments. There will also be a brand new fireworks show “Disney Enchantment” debuting on October 1st. This new show will include the first ever projections down Main Street, U.S.A.

Even though Epcot is officially gearing up for its 40th in 2022, it will still have some special things for the 50th.

Ratatouille, the ride, will officially open up on October 1st. This attraction is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages as they shrink down to the size of a rat and tour Remy’s Paris.

Disney has been adding various floating pieces of hardware in the World Showcase Lagoon for a while now. These screens, water jets and speakers will be put to use in a new show “Harmonious” which will also premier on October 1st.

Hollywood Studios, which has seen a lot of improvements and new lands recently, will have special decor and treats at the start of the celebration.

Just like the other three theme parks, Animal Kingdom will also be getting in on the sparkly anniversary decor.

It will also have a new daytime show at the Rivers of Light Amphitheater – Disney Kite Trails. This show will feature amazing three-dimensional kits depicting your favorite Disney characters and guests will be able to sing along to their favorite Disney songs. This will also begin on October 1st.

When:  The celebration will begin on October 1, 2021 and run for 18 months This will give guests lots of time to experience all that celebration has to offer. Guests planning on visiting in fall of 2022 will have the added bonus of being able to celebrate Epcot’s 40th birthday.

Why:  No one throws a party like Mickey does and this one is shaping up to be one for the ages.

How:  To R.S.V.P. for all the fun, it’s best to book as soon as you know your travel dates. All it takes is a $200 deposit, which is completely refundable and movable up until the final payment is due 30 days prior to travel.

There are so many benefits to booking early as well. Booking early gives guests the best options. Not all Disney resorts will be reopened in time for the celebrations, and some resort categories may have limited availability for some highly sought-after dates. The same goes for Park Reservations. Disney has announced that park reservations may be around for a while and that they should be made by guests who plan to visit in 2022. Some of the theme parks will be tougher to get reservations for as we get closer to the celebration. Another benefit to booking early is price protection. Locking in your vacation price now saves money in the future. There will almost certainly be a price increase or 2 coming in the future and confirmed packages are not subject to those increases. Let’s Make Some Memories!