Disney World 50th Anniversary: New Castle Decor, Character Costumes, Projection Effects
With the big day just over six months from now, Walt Disney World has finally shared a preview of its 50th Anniversary celebration! This post covers everything revealed today on ABC’s Good Morning America: new projection mapping, character costumes, Cinderella Castle overlay, and more. We also offer commentary about what was hinted and what was missing from the promo.
During its segment, Good Morning America announced that the World’s Most Magical Celebration (on Earth) will kick off on October 1, 2021 and last for 18 months. The 50th anniversary event will be celebrated at all four Walt Disney World theme parks throughout 2021 and 2022.
Per Good Morning America, Walt Disney World’s Most Magical Celebration will include new entertainment activities and attractions, and to mark the festivities, Magic Kingdom’s iconic Cinderella Castle will be transformed with new sparkling embellishments.
In addition, icons in the four Walt Disney World theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios will transform into “Beacons of Magic” by coming to life with their own magical glow.
Here’s a look at some of the concept art for the projections and lighting effects:
At EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another and resembling stars in a nighttime sky.
This permanent new lighting on Spaceship Earth will continue beyond “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the reimagined EPCOT.
Above, you can see special new touches coming to life on the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which will be awash in a brilliance evoking the golden age of cinema.
Below, a warm light emanates from the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as magical fireflies gather to usher in the magic of nature…
While the other park icons are receiving animated enhancements via projection mapping and nighttime lighting, Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park will also add to its Royal Makeover from last year with physical adornments.
As you can see in the new artist rendering below, Cinderella Castle will feature blue bunting, golden swirls, and a 50th anniversary crest as part of its festive new look for the World’s Most Magical Celebration. (Further down the post is a nighttime look at it.)
This milestone is such a big deal, Walt Disney World has coined a new word – “EARidescence” – to describe what you’ll see when you visit. (A teaser at the D23 Expo nearly two years ago offered brief glimpses of merchandise and food in this style.)
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will have sparkling new looks for the World’s Most Magical Celebration. As hosts of the event, they’ll be dressed for the occasion in custom-made fashions of EARidescent fabric. Highlights of these celebratory designs include beautifully embroidered impressions of Cinderella Castle backed by fireworks, as well as a brocade in multi-toned, EARidescent fabric – all punctuated with pops of gold.
Keep in mind that this preview comes at a time when it’s impossible–even for Walt Disney World leadership–to predict with certainty what will be practical and possible by October. Accordingly, this announcement is deliberately constrained to only the “sure things” that the company is confident will be feasible by then.
Nevertheless, now comes the part where we overanalyze a few seconds of substance with hundreds of words of commentary and speculation. We know better, but we can’t help ourselves…
One popular topic of fan conversation will undoubtedly be Cinderella Castle’s special decor for the anniversary, featuring its blue turrets topped with gold swirls and more. It’s likely that the current construction in front of the castle and the coffer dams in the moat are related to these 50th Anniversary enhancements.
This celebratory overlay will likely be divisive, just like last year’s Royal Makeover that formed the foundation for this (which I admittedly do not care for), the ‘Happiest Celebration on Earth’ gold detailing before that, or the infamous Castle Cake before that.
Cinderella Castle’s 25th Anniversary cake was derided among many fans as the Pepto Bismol Castle. I was 10 years old when I first saw the Castle Cake, and I absolutely loved it. Even today, I remain nostalgic for the Castle Cake as a short-lived overlay for Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary.
The Happiest Celebration on Earth marked our first trip back to Walt Disney World as adults, and our first together. It was before we became very serious Disney fans, and we also liked those golden adornments and “pixie dust” encircling the turrets.
This isn’t our attempt to publicly proclaim our poor taste. Rather, illustrating that perhaps kids and casual guests view these things from a different perspective. It’s also possible that some appreciate the novelty or celebratory quality of anniversary overlays.
I will fully admit that I still fall into the latter category. So long as it’s temporary, I’m on board with pretty much any anniversary enhancements to Cinderella Castle. The concept art for the 50th Anniversary looks regal and relatively tasteful, and I’m excited for it.
Then there are the character costumes. I’m no fashion blogger, which is patently obvious from every picture ever posted of me on this site. Accordingly, critiquing style is pretty far beyond the scope of my expertise. When it comes to costumes, I like stuff that’s elaborate and grandiose–like top hats, coat tails, and even bedazzled accessories.
Basically, I just like Mickey Mouse and friends to look fancy in their fun threads. I think these outfits accomplish that, and I’m also a fan of the color scheme, which echoes Cinderella Castle’s new look. Again, I’m excited to see these in person.
Just as significant is what was not featured in Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary preview. While new entertainment and attractions were mentioned, it would’ve been nice to see concept art or hype for a new fireworks show, daytime parade, stage show, or light parade. Understandably, there was nothing on that front.
GMA could’ve even shown video footage of Paint the Night if the plan were to bring that from California to Florida. The absence of these things doesn’t mean they won’t debut at some point during the celebration–just that there’s not sufficient certainty as to if/when they’ll be able to roll out.
Then there are the omitted attractions. It was a bit of a surprise to see Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure not even mentioned, but we still strongly believe that’ll open this year, along with Harmonious at EPCOT.
On the other hand, although Walt Disney World has not officially confirmed as much, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind or the Play Pavilion at EPCOT and TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom will likely not open “in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary” as previously promised.
Our expectation is that all of these attractions open at some point during the World’s Most Magical Celebration. In our prior Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Preview, we speculated that Cosmic Rewind and TRON could debut at the halfway point to reinvigorate the event.
We still think that’s entirely possible–if not probable. Although Disney announced the the World’s Most Magical Celebration would last 18 months, it’s also possible the event could receive a “surprise” extension. That happened with the Year of a Million Dreams, and would make sense here given the travel trepidations (etc.) that will likely exist in late 2021 through early 2022.
Then there are two highly-anticipated restaurants, Space 220 at EPCOT and Toy Story Roundup BBQ in Hollywood Studios, that were previously slated to open last year. Both could be rolled into the start of the 50th Anniversary or be pushed into 2022.
In the case of those restaurants, it’s also possible that they’re not high-profile enough to warrant mentioning on Good Morning America. WDW dining is important to hardcore fans, but not so much a casual and mainstream audience. That’s worth emphasizing, as is the fact that this was a very brief teaser segment.
One final thing that stood out to me was that everyone in the teaser spot that aired online was wearing face masks (no guests were shown during the actual GMA segment). This is most likely unremarkable, as face masks are required at Walt Disney World right now when the promo reel aired. Not showing them would amount to mixed messaging in the near term. Moreover, there’s no way Disney knows right now if they might be able to relax the rule by then, so erring on the side of showing masks is appropriate.
Nevertheless, this is a topic about which I’ve speculated at length recently, theorizing that October 1, 2021 might be a target date for loosening health safety policies. By showcasing face masks so prominently, it’s possible this is preparing guests to expect masks this fall. Or, more likely, it’s nothing at all…and just me reading too deeply into things.
Ultimately, it’s an interesting early glimpse at some of what’s coming for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. Notwithstanding our over-analysis, a lot still remains to be seen as to what debuts for the celebration–and when. Even though we’ve been expressing optimism in recent weeks, there’s still a lot of uncertainty about the coming months, and what will be possible by October 1, 2021.
In other words, think of this more as a “save the date” or vague teaser trailer about Walt Disney World’s “Most Magical Celebration” for general public audiences. It showcases some of what’s definitely coming for the celebration, but is definitely not an exhaustive preview of everything that will debut during the multi-year event. In the end, we’re just happy to see something–it’s a relief that Disney hasn’t forgotten about the big event, and doesn’t plan on glossing over it in light of the circumstances of the last year.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of the Cinderella Castle overlay, celebratory character costumes, or icon projections? Are you considering a trip for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary? What are your expectations in terms of new attractions, entertainment, merchandise, food, and other aspects of the celebration? Think Disney has any surprises for the anniversary up its sleeves? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment of the Good Morning America preview of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback—even when you disagree with us—is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
I have been a Disney fan since i was seven and was able to take both my kids several times to Disneyland in Cali. My input for DisneyWorld is a paridise for adults who are never to old to be like a kid again, my first time was 2015 and again in 2017. I have gone in Octomber for Halloween and this year 2021 I want to go in November for Christmas it is my bucket list dream and hope we can make that happen? looking foreward to any exciting changes because for me everytime is like a new first time! Love it
Tom-
Regarding a possible trip to align with the actual anniversary…
It looks like there is no park pass availability for MK on 10/1 any longer.
We are good app refreshers, all adults, where there’s a will there’s a way types (Day of FOP, etc with app dedication). Do you think more availability will release for that day or that there will be some give that would happen between now and then to allow us an opportunity to secure entry to MK.
Also, what do you think pros and cons are of aiming to arrive the previous week and end the trip on about 10/1 VS start the trip then, and stay the week after?
I’m considering a trip for the 50th. Would you recommend going in October when things are fresh or waiting for dust to settle on new entertainment?
We’ll be there the week of Thanksgiving. While I’m not looking forward to the crowds, I am excited to see the lighting, costumes, and anything else they come up with for the anniversary!
We visit Walt Disney World the first week of each March. This would have been our eleventh year. I am handicapped and travel by either wheelchair or ETV {electric travel vehicle]. We cancelled our 2021 trip when we learned that the Magic Express would not pick up our luggage at the turn style and bring it to our room. It would be extremely difficult to pick up your luggage in one building and carrying it to a second building to board the Magical Express bus for our journey to Disney.
I was blown away when I learned that Disney is cancelling the Magical Express Sevice on 01/01/2022. If this is being done for financial reasons I am sure that riders would be more than willing to pay for this convenient service. For us handicapped visitors this will make our visits extremely difficult if not impossible. I hope that Disney rethinks this decision.
Why is no one asking the bigger question here? What will happen with these 50th updates to each park’s icon during the holidays? Isn’t there usually some kind of special lighting done with the castle during Halloween? What about Elsa lighting up the castle at Christmas? What about the Christmas projections on the street signs and Tower of Terror? And if it goes on for 18 months, that’s TWO holiday seasons. Any ideas of how they will incorporate holidays into the 50th overlays?
This website really helped us plan so thanks for your efforts Tom! The difference for us is the eating experience is amazing here vs Disneyland.
We just returned, my first time to WDW at 43. My husbands trick was to tell our four kids: 14 girl, 14 boy, 11 boy, 7 boy that the parked opened actually an hour before it actually did. We went on 3 rides at magic kingdom: splash, big thunder, pirates in the first hour so arrive early!!! It’s all about the gluten free food experience for my twins. And we did indulge in pineapple swirls next to magic carpet ride. So we splurged to eat in the castle to wave to Cinderella and be our guest to meet the beast. Here we all got to taste the” grey stuff” it’s delicious! They accommodated for all of us. My kids loved the gf food and they have food art for dessert: decorate your own cupcake or paint a chocolate tea cup which resembles chip. My 3 boys weren’t as excited to to see Cinderella as I was, but they kept us laughing.
So at Hollywood we were disappointed we didn’t get a spot to ride the rise of the resistance:Star Wars. But the glow in the dark drinks and gf burgers at sci fi dining was so fun. My kids liked gf rolls and spaghetti at melrose dining. We entered the park a half hour early and rode tower of terror and rockin roller coaster both before the park officially opened. Mickeys train ride our favorite immersive cartoon experience!!
Our favorite most friendly park!! Entered 30 min early…At animal kingdom we were first in line for Pandora. Then the last hour we also rode Pandora twice after eating gluten free churros between the ride which was the best way to avoid the 90 min wait. Loved drawing with an imagineer after we took a train to the petting zoo. Everest roller coaster worth waiting for. If you eat at 10:45a flame tree bbq it is very tasty and gluten free with exotic birds everywhere.
Epcot… my little guys collected stickers at each country and received a free postcard that they traveled around the world. After we rode “ under the sea” we had reservations. We loved eating at coral reef watching the 2 sea turtles, sharks and rays. Angel inn was really good, loved having reservations to walk right in then ride the ride immediately after. My kids loved wearing these shoulder animal stuffies around which became entertaining.
The parks were more crowded than I expected. We checked the weather daily to decide to bring our rain ponchos or not.
Tip: don’t expect to get your usual Disney treats, our favorite GF items were made on shared equipment at the factory and limited our gf options. Covid stinks!! My husband and I both have had the vaccine shots and one child had covid. Please wear your masks, use sanitizer at ever ride, don’t eat in line and keep it safe for everyone.
Not sure that there’s all that much real benefit to delaying the Tron ride since a fair amount of it is already nearly complete. That said, I’m not that excited about a ride that based on the China version is going to be very short. I’m guessing that when it opens it’s going to be a distinctly second-rate ride when compared with the somewhat similar Hagrid’s ride at Universal.
My family has a vacation planned for September 18-26. Do you think we’ll be able to snag any 50th Anniversary souvenirs or, is October 1st a “hard start” for everything?
My family will also be there that week – we are wondering that same thing! We considered moving it to mid-Oct, but it’s a large group and this week is the only one that works for everyone… I hope we’ll see a lot of the ann stuff anyway
I also loved the 25th Anniversary Birthday cake. I was 46 at the time. You didn’t have to be a kid to get caught up in it. My son was 10. This may be the last time I get to Disney World so I am hoping for something special.
Cake castle looks like it was awesome. Wish I had been able to see it at the time! Looking forward to a trip sometime during the 50th! Looks like the decorations and costumes will be terrific. Hopefully much of the Epcot construction will be done then. Thx for the preview!
I also loved the cake castle. I was 14 years old on my first international trip out of Brazil. I have only been back 3 times in my lifetime and I will always remember how magical if felt to to during such a huge milestone for the park. I now live in Australia and it’s a lot harder to get there. I hope I am able to go back again to see the 50th
Also not a fan of the royal pink castle makeover, but the added flair of the golden swirls and banners – sure, why not?!
Separately, I’ve been following all your predictions on the next 18 months, and what I’m stuck on is the idea that Disney will adjust and listen to guest feedback. But when it comes to increasing capacity to 50% and up as the vaccination rate climbs, the parks are going to feel unbearable without fast passes or an alternative solution in place. Care to cover your predictions on the next iteration or even the return of the old fast passes? With more resorts opening up this summer, they have to increase capacity I would think.
I was just at the resort this past week and you’re spot on, the lines were truly unbearable without fastpass. My wife and I swore to never return until they re-introduce all the pre-pandemic offering with fastpass at the top of the list. Without entertainment and other types of crowd diversions everyone is clustered at the attractions and the waits were just unreasonable resulting in a less than “magical” experience at the parks