Guide to Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration: New Rides, Fireworks, Shows
Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary is now underway! The World’s Most Magical Celebration 18 month event features new rides, fireworks & entertainment at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom & resort hotels. This guide covers everything you need to know, plus crowd predictions, rumored additions, and more. (Updated August 28, 2022.)
During these festivities, there are new rides, nighttime spectaculars, projection mapping, character costumes, Cinderella Castle overlay, and more. We’ve already been in the parks numerous times for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, and also have reviews and recommendations for fireworks viewing, doing Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure with minimal wait, and more.
Unfortunately, many of the major planned additions for the start of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary were postponed until 2022. We’ll cover which of those are coming soon, plus details about new entertainment and other enhancements during the World’s Most Magical Celebration–and when the event will end.
August 28, 2022 Update: Walt Disney World has confirmed that the World’s Most Magical Celebration for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World will end March 31, 2023. Of course, announcing an official end date begs the question that Walt Disney World ever started celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
Joking side, it’s no surprise that the 18 month so-called celebration won’t be extended “by popular guest demand.” The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary is happening in 2023, and Disney has already started teasing that. While details are unknown about how that milestone will be celebrated in the parks, the company has indicated that details will be released at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, occurring September 9-11, 2022.
Announcing the end date for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary is one way of transitioning from one milestone anniversary celebration to another, preparing to close one chapter and open another. (Here’s hoping this chapter isn’t just more blank pages.) The groundwork has arguably already started to be laid for this, with a new intro debuting in front of the Disney Enchantment nighttime spectacular. That repositions those fireworks as “the 50th Anniversary” show, making Enchantment likely to conclude its run in March 2023.
In all likelihood, everything else of substance that’s discussed below will outlast the World’s Most Magical Celebration. With that said, here’s a rundown of the new entertainment, attractions, decorations, and enhancements in all four parks for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. Let’s start with the biggest reason why people plan trips to theme parks–new rides!
New Attractions
At the last two D23 Expos, Disney announced a number of new attractions that would debut “in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World.” These Expos were 2 and 4 years ago–long before things went bonkers and theme parks closed for several months. The only one of those attractions that officially opened for the actual kick-off of the anniversary is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in Epcot.
We share thoughts and photos of the Streets of Paris area and attraction in our Spoiler-Free Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Ride Review. As the big new thing at Walt Disney World, this attraction draws long lines. For what you need to know, best & worst times to ride, see How to Ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot.
Although it’s not really an attraction, another addition that is now open is Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, otherwise known as the “Star Wars Hotel.” It’s not really a resort, either. Disney describes it as a “revolutionary new 2-night experience where you are the hero…a first-of-its-kind Star Wars adventure that’s your own…the most immersive Star Wars story ever created.”
We had the chance to step aboard the spaceship Halcyon, and share photos & thoughts about what it is and is not in our Sneak Peek of Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser. Another thing to know: it’s ridiculously expensive.
Speaking of space, Walt Disney World’s blockbuster addition for 2022 is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Experiencing the new ride is a bit complicated, so be sure to check out our How to Ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind & Virtual Queue Speed Strategy to improve your chances of success for joining the free virtual queue. (Note: this virtual queue might be retired by some point in September 2022.)
Another alternative is buying line-skipping access via the Individual Lightning Lanes. Those posts explain each option, their pros & cons, and everything else you need to know. Suffice to say, do not just show up to EPCOT expecting to join the standby line–as there isn’t one.
Magic Kingdom’s next big addition is the TRON Lightcycle Run Roller Coaster being built in Tomorrowland behind Space Mountain. Construction has accelerated on this, but it’s unlikely the ride will debut before the Christmas 2022 season. The opening date could be another D23 Expo announcement.
Drawing out these openings and scattering out additions during the World’s Most Magical Celebration makes sense from a practical perspective. It gives Walt Disney World the chance to do something of a soft reset about halfway through the 50th Anniversary, “amping up” the festivities with new attractions and entertainment. This would entice fans who already experienced the first half of the celebration to plan return trips, and will also lure new guests to Florida.
One such upcoming addition could be the Play Pavilion at Epcot. This was previously announced–and should’ve debuted by now–but Disney has been silent as to its status for a while. The Play Pavilion could debut this year, but we’re skeptical of that. Same goes for the DuckTales World Showcase Adventure.
Another interactive experience, Moana’s Journey of Water, is likely to arrive in 2023. Similar timelines for all three would make sense. In fact, there are several lower-profile additions on the horizon for Walt Disney World that could open towards the end of this year or be pushed into 2023 as circumstances dictate. There are also a lot of other additions on the horizon that won’t be part of the celebration. See our What’s New & Next at Walt Disney World in 2022 & 2023 for a full rundown.
New Guest Perks
For the start of the 50th Anniversary, Walt Disney World launched operational changes. Calling them “new guest perks” isn’t entirely apt, as one is a replacement for Extra Magic Hours and the other is a paid FastPass replacement. In fact, some of these are arguably downgrades to the guest experience rather than perks.
First is Early Theme Park Entry allows all on-site resort guests and those staying at select third party hotels to enjoy 30-minute access to any Walt Disney World theme park, every day before normal operating hours begin. Learn more strategy in our Guide to Early Entry at Walt Disney World.
Second, there’s Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. This benefit is exclusively for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas (Disney Vacation Club units), or other select hotels. See our Guide to Extended Evening Hours at Walt Disney World for taking advantage of this perk, eligibility, and more.
Finally, there’s the highly-controversial paid FastPass service you can purchase in the app for $16 per day. This provides priority access to ~40 attractions among the 4 parks via Genie+ Lightning Lanes. Along with this, there are separate Individual Lightning Lane (ILL) selections for the most popular ride in each park, which can be bought at variable price points based upon demand.
Confused yet? We have been using and testing Genie+ and Lightning Lanes a ton, as this is a seismic shift in the way you’ll the parks. Everything you NEED to know, including ride priorities, where it’s NOT necessary to buy Genie+ or Lightning Lanes, and much more is covered in our Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World.
New Entertainment
Entertainment plays a big role in the World’s Most Magical Celebration, and the latest addition is Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire 50th Anniversary Stage Show. This takes place several times per day in front of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom.
Before and after the stage show, you can see numerous character cavalcades, the newest of which is Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade. Soon, the full Festival of Fantasy Parade returns, too.
There’s also the new “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade” in Magic Kingdom, which is performed several times throughout the day. This features Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale sporting their sparkling new EARidescent fashions for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
This is just like all of the other brief character cavalcades that perform in Magic Kingdom. It’s short and the floats are rudimentary–it’s basically just a conduit for giving kids a chance to see characters, who are now wearing the new costumes.
To conclude your day in Magic Kingdom, there’s Disney Enchantment, the 50th Anniversary Fireworks Show. This features music, enhanced lighting, fireworks, and projections that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street. Music and projections include Tiana, Miguel, Rapunzel, Raya, Judy Hopps, Ian & Barley from Onward, plus Joe Gardner from Soul. Other films featured include Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, Luca, Moana, and Wreck-It Ralph.
For thoughts on the show and a ton more photos, read our Disney Enchantment Magic Kingdom Fireworks Review. Need help choosing the right location to watch the new 50th fireworks? Check out our Disney Enchantment Fireworks Viewing Guide: Best & Worst Locations.
Sticking with fireworks, there’s the Harmonious nighttime spectacular at Epcot. This is one of the largest ever Walt Disney World nighttime spectaculars, and celebrates how the music of Disney inspires people the world over. Held on World Showcase Lagoon, it features massive floating set pieces that house a variety of show effects, including custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, colorful lights, lasers, pyrotechnics and more.
For thoughts on the show and a ton more photos, read our Harmonious at Epcot Review. Need help choosing the right location to watch Epcot’s new fireworks? Check out our Harmonious Viewing Guide: Best & Worst Locations.
Finally, Animal Kingdom gets into the anniversary fun with Disney KiteTails. This comes alive several times daily at the Discovery River Amphitheater. As you make your way into the outdoor amphitheater, you’re joined by a team of performers bringing with them a colorful collection of oversized props and kites.
Performers fly wind catchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, while out on the water with elaborate three-dimensional kites depict Disney animals, including Simba, Zazu, Baloo and King Louie. These colorful creations dance through the sky to the beat of favorite Disney songs in an uplifting, vibrant experience for the whole family. It’s also “downlifting,” as the kites crash in spectacular fashion. Read more about this polarizing show in our Review: Actually, Disney KiteTails is Good?
New Dining
Turning to dining, the new Space 220 Restaurant is now open. In case you’re unfamiliar with it, Space 220 Restaurant is located between Test Track and Mission: Space. It’s reminiscent of the upcoming Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Resort and like Coral Reef Restaurant at Epcot–but with views into space, instead of an aquarium.
This fine dining experience begins as you check in to the Space 220 Departure Lounge in Future World. From here, you’ll board one of two “Space Elevators” that transport you in what seems like 220 miles above Earth to Centauri Space Station. Inside the dining area, you’ll experience a panoramic view of Earth below, and a variety of things taking place beyond the windows of the Space Station-themed restaurant.
We’ve dined here a couple of times, and have already shared Photos & Video Inside Space 220 Restaurant as well as our Space 220 Lunch Review that looks at whether the food is worth the $55 price tag.
Additionally, a short walk from Magic Kingdom over at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, there are two new dining options to celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
Steakhouse 71 is a casual dining concept that gets its name from the resort’s opening year, and pays tribute to the rich history of the Vacation Kingdom of the World. Read our Steakhouse 71 Lunch Review for thoughts and food photos.
Up at California Grill, a new dining experience is being offered during the World’s Most Magical Celebration. Read our California Grill 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner Review for thoughts, food photos, and dining reservation tips.
Additionally, there’s “Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors & Fireworks at Disney’s Contemporary Resort” special party. Reservations are available for this on a rolling basis, but very difficult to book.
Beacons of Magic
Icons in the four Walt Disney World theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios transform into “Beacons of Magic” by coming to life with their own special lighting about once every 15 minutes.
These Beacons of Magic happen while playing “The Magic is Calling,” the new 50th Anniversary anthem that you’ll also hear throughout the World’s Most Magical Celebration.
While the Beacons of Magic exist in all four parks, they are by far the best at Epcot. In fact, the Beacons of Magic on Spaceship Earth are a Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Highlight!
The big difference between Epcot and the other parks is that special, physical lighting was actually installed on Spaceship Earth with the intention of this addition being permanent and outlasting the celebration.
Everywhere else, the Beacons of Magic occur via projection. You’ll also see brief animations on Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom.
However, these “transformations” are so subtle and brief that it’s easy to miss them–or see them and not realize you witnessed anything special. By contrast, Epcot’s is an absolute showstopper!
Cinderella Castle 50th Anniversary Decor
In Magic Kingdom, you’ll also see various decorations for the 50th, including Cinderella Castle decked out with 113 pieces of jabots & swag, blue bunting, golden swirls, and a 50th anniversary crest as part of its Royal Makeover for the World’s Most Magical Celebration.
Beyond this, there are 50th banners throughout the park (and everywhere), as well as Pumpkin Coaches on the lampposts that merge the celebratory and Halloween decor. Expect something similar for Christmas on Main Street.
Disney Fab 50 Statues
Additionally, there are 50 special golden character sculptures at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Here’s the full list of Disney Fab 50 statues:
Magic Kingdom
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
- Donald Duck
- Daisy Duck
- Goofy
- Pluto
- Chip ‘n’ Dale
- Lumiere & Cogsworth
- Orange Bird
- Mad Hatter
- Cheshire Cat
- Dumbo & Timothy Mouse
- Stitch
- Pooh & Piglet
- Pinocchio
- Jaq & Gus
- Lady and the Tramp
- Abu
- Tinker Bell
Epcot
- Figment
- Dante & Miguel
- Rocket Raccoon & Baby Groot
- Pua & Hei Hei
- Olaf & Bruni
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Joe Gardner
- Edna Mode
- Frozone
- R2-D2
- BB-8
- Woody & Bo Peep
- Flounder & Sebastian
Animal Kingdom
- Simba
- Timon & Pumbaa
- Bambi & Thumper
- Nemo & Dory
EARidescence Character Costumes
This milestone is such a big deal, Walt Disney World has created a new look with an “EARidescence” color and quality. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse 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.
50th Anniversary Merchandise
Naturally, a variety of merchandise is being sold in this EARidescent color trend style, so guests can match Minnie and Mickey Mouse. There are also EARidescent cupcakes, balloons, and all sorts of other offerings during Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
Beyond the EARidescent offerings, there are six merchandise collections for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. These offer something for everyone, from fun and creative celebration-themed items to an entire line of products inspired by Cinderella Castle. There are also throwback and retro-themed pieces and even a pre-celebration product line that’s now available.
In addition to the merchandise itself, there are a ton of displays throughout retail locations. You probably won’t care about these if you’re a first-time or casual guest, but these include many fantastic nods to the past, extinct attractions, fan-favorite characters, and more. Definitely be sure to check out the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs and Main Street Cinema at Magic Kingdom to see the highlights.
For all of the details and a look at dozens of items, see Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Merchandise & Souvenirs.
One specific souvenir that we love is Walt Disney World: A Portrait of the First Half Century. The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary coffee table book is now available for order via Amazon.
As huge collectors with a massive library of Walt Disney World books, we are ecstatic about this. Since the World Began: Walt Disney World’s First 25 Years is still one of favorite titles, and this lives up to that legacy. Additionally, another title in the Delicious Disney lineup, a new adult coloring book, and pair of Birnbaum official guide books have been released that pay tribute to Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
50th Anniversary Crowds
Finally, there’s the issue of crowd levels during the World’s Most Magical Celebration. Expect them to be varying degrees of very high. On-site hotel rooms are already sold out for many travel dates, and peak season dates have seen elevated attendance.
The forecast of heavy crowds is partly due to the anniversary celebration, partly due to the relaxation of health protocol, and partly due to the pent-up demand and phenomenon of “revenge travel” at Walt Disney World. All of that could create a perfect storm for big crowds.
For more in-depth crowd analysis beyond that, see our 2022-2023 Best & Worst Months to Visit Walt Disney World and/or our 2022 Crowd Calendars for Walt Disney World. Here’s hoping there’s plenty of new entertainment, attractions, and other offerings to help offset those crowds and make Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary a momentous and memorable event!
WDW 50th Anniversary Commentary
Even though Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration is now underway, what we’ve seen so far isn’t the full version of the event. The closure and slow reopening derailed a lot of plans, and it’s impossible to know with complete certainty what will be practical and possible before it ends.
Nevertheless, in this section of the post we’ll offer some rumors and speculation about what might come next, plus commentary beyond what’s covered in the above-referenced reviews for Harmonious and Disney Enchantment (neither of which were big hits with us) and other specific pieces of entertainment.
For starters, we like the divisive Royal Makeover of Cinderella Castle. I wouldn’t want it to be the permanent look for the Magic Kingdom icon, but it isn’t.
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.
Then there are the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary rumors. For the last few years, there have been rumblings of Magic Kingdom receiving enhancements and entertainment for the 50th Anniversary. Aside from fireworks, not much has happened on that front.
It should go without saying, but it’s been a rough couple of years, and projects that were previously planned for development might’ve been paused or cancelled during the closure and slowly phased reopening. So anything that was rumored before March 2020 might’ve gotten the axe, or might be running behind in its development timeline.
The biggest rumor that still could conceivably happen concerns Magic Kingdom receiving Paint the Night, the light parade created for Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary. This one makes more sense, as Magic Kingdom does not have a night parade and Disneyland Resort wasn’t using this even pre-closure. It’s one of two night parades simply sitting in an off-site California storage facility.
Regardless of which it is, if the plan were to bring a parade from California to Florida, it would need to happen very soon, as refurbishing floats and costumes, plus hiring and training performers takes time. At this point, any new-to-Florida parade would like arrive next year. (Update: none of this is going to happen for the 50th…perhaps for the Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary?)
Ultimately, we hope this offered a fun guide of everything there is for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. While we don’t love everything about the World’s Most Magical Celebration, it’s an enjoyable event that brings with it a lot of decor, fanfare, entertainment, and two new nighttime spectaculars to the parks.
Here’s hoping Walt Disney World still has more tricks up its sleeve, as right now there’s not a ton to what should be a monumental celebration. While we’re pleased to see something–it really feels like much of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary was an afterthought. The entire event has been more about Disney+ and hot IP than celebrating the rich history of Walt Disney World and its visionary creator.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
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 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’m planning on being there, The Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are my birthday buddies! Except I’m a bit older then that are. Went to WDW that very first year in 1971 and have been back over 35 times since then driving that 17 hour drive from NJ and well worth it. I’ve seen ALL the changes throughout the years. It’s absolutely without a doubt MY HAPPY PLACE!
So you missed one bit of overanalysis – I guess this means all 4 parks will be open at night again !
“I’m no fashion blogger, which is patently obvious from every picture ever posted of me on this site.”
thank you for this.
Who knows what will or won’t be possible (acceptable?) by Oct. as for health restrictions, basically every company and institution is showing how health conscious they are right now and avoiding accusations of not taking the pandemic seriously. If Disney even hinted that they’re rescinding mask mandates by then they were be descended upon by the Twitter hoards for not taking the pandemic seriously enough.
Bottom line: this is their 50th. They’re not going want it to be blemished by social distancing, anxiety, and covered faces if they can avoid it.
My wedding took place with the Pepto bismal cake in the background. I can’t tell you how devastating it was to arrive on site of what was to be one of the most magical, memorable days of our lives and see that monstrosity (with a giant crane sticking out of it, no less). Having that iconic castle in our wedding photos was the only reason we chose that location. Castle aside, it was a magical time, and we were looking forward to returning for our 25th anniversary. We’ll wait and see!
Tom excellent update it was very informative. We are looking at a November trip. My ? Is do you think that Port Orleans French Quarter will be open this year.
Tom, I didn’t realize we’re about the same age – I was also 10 when I saw the cake castle and I loved it. It was also my first (and only real childhood) trip to Disney World so until I was about 17 that was the only castle I knew! And that was a-okay with me. It was funny to get older and find out how many people hated it because it was iconic for me.
@Becky and Tom, it’s funny, because I was 19 when the castle cake debuted, and I was HORRIFIED. My friends and I joined the trend, dubbing it the “Pepto Castle,” and it hurt my brain to look at it. My view has softened over time, and now I enjoy looking back at how offended we were. It’s hard to match the angst of a Disney-obsessed teenager! Lol.
Tom as always you’re assessment is spot on. You did NOT overanalyze but it’s scary to think how much you would have written if the spot went a minute longer.
I’m not sure what people expect them to officially announce this far out? They got the ball rolling and whet the worlds appetite. This 50th is a marathon not a sprint and now that they have our attention we are in anticipation mode.
I like the projections and the costumes and love that EPCOT’s projection is remaining after the event. Should do the same in AK. Now would we be talking excitedly about any of these things if they had upstaged themselves by announcing a new ride or the return of fireworks? The best romance always follows hot on the heels of some solid foreplay.
Let’s savor Disney’s roll outs and Tom’s zealous meticulous analytics.
PS Tom some day you have to cull historical sections from your blogs, add some of those great photos and do a coffee table book.
Hi Tom, I’m booking a trip in December with my best friend. I’m coming from Italy, so I hope things will have changed for the better.. especially for air travel and Covid testing. As part of the EU, I won’t be flying through England ( as they still have strict rules ) this year. I am looking forward to Christmas decorations as well as 50th celebrations. I would like to see fireworks.. but it isn’t as important too me, either is riding the rides.. I just want it to stay open later at night for the lights and atmosphere. Thanks for the news! I’m a big fan of yours. Hopefully we will be there in December
Big fan of the castle cake. Actually own a gum drop that was on the castle!
So excited to see what will be going on during the celebration. We are planning the first week of November!
Looking forward to the lights on Spaceship Earth. As for the castle, something about the proportions of the decorations makes it feel a tad garish. But, I’m judging it from a jaded adult’s perspective. The young ones who have never seen anything like it would probably be mesmerized. Seems Disney has attempted to go more sophisticated overall with the golden anniversary. On another note, how about that Chevy Bolt x Disney ad??
Tom, we’re thinking of visiting December 2021. My question is how crowded do you think it might be?
Debbie, that would depend on when in December. My opinion – it will get more busy the closer you get to Christmas and weekends will busy anytime that month.
This all looks great. How do you think this will impact September crowds. I am really counting on it creating a September pre-celebration lull. Fingers crossed.
who seriously didn’t think the 50th Anniversary wouldn’t be an 18 month event?
After the past financial yea, they are going to use any and all means to get people back over the next 2 years.
I want to come home!! This Covid-19 thing has definitely rained on my parade! I would love to book a trip, but I’m still very sensitive about the changes that have occurred. I’m usually have an Annual Passholder pass. I’m not going to buy another one of those until things are back to “my” normal.
I have to admit, I too gazed up at the cake castle and was overcome with joy! I’m excited about the glitz and glamour of this anniversary. Thank you imagineers! The pictures look awesome!
I’m going to wait until the mask restrictions are lifted. I couldn’t breathe with a mask on it that heat. I was miserable, and that is a very big deal to me.
My personal guess is no. They change the top of the towers to the dreamlights- and I have a feeling that they aren’t gonna mess around changing the tower tops for dreamlights again once they’ve changed them for the 50th. They didn’t change them for 2020 after they painted the castle pink, either.
From a distance, Cinderella Castle looks like it’s a crime scene. Cool!
Teacher here who likes to double check my math …I’m not gonna lie, I counted it out on my fingers, LOL! The 50 year will run through March of 2023, right?
I’m hoping I’m right because we are skipping Disney for 2021. (And visiting our second favorite, but much more relaxed vacation of Dollywood, instead!) I’d still like to make it for the 50th though- although in January or February of 2023 during the “downtime” and tail end of the celebration.
PS, Tom, I was 12 for the 25th celebration and I LOOOVED the cake castle!!!!! I still do! I’m still holding out hope they will revive it just a lllittttttllleee bit with at least a cake projection or a giant, pink, rainbow “throw-back” cupcake in the bakery!
Thank you Tom for the updated information. Looking forward to a last week of September / first week of October visit. But if restaurants wont be open and no fireworks we may move our trip to November/December of this year as those things are important to our visit. How likely will it be by these dates in your opinion? If not back by December we will likely move our trip to late fall 2022 to get the full Disney experience that we so love!
I loved the 25th Anniversary Cake Castle! I was a sophmore in high school on that trip and thought it was so cool that we were there and got pictures of the “special” castle. Although I can’t believe that was 25 years ago!! We’re booked for a Christmas trip this year to celebrate my 40th (+1) birthday, since we had to cancel last year, and I can’t wait!!