Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Kicks Off!
Happy 50th Anniversary to Walt Disney World! Today kicks off the World’s Most Magical Celebration, the 18-month long event in honor of the milestone. We’re in Magic Kingdom today, Epcot tomorrow, and the other parks throughout the rest of the weekend, but wanted to bring you a quick photo update.
On a quick personal note, the World’s Most Magical Celebration has already been a success. We were a bit (ahem) apprehensive going into the 50th Anniversary, as a lot of the celebration has felt focused on things unrelated to the rich history of the Vacation Kingdom of the World. On top of that, there have been a range of other announcements in the last few months that haven’t exactly been the best precursor to a joyous occasion.
Those concerns still exist. Some will be addressed in our reviews of Disney Enchantment, Harmonious, and the World’s Most Magical Celebration as a whole. Others we’ll be dealing with for months to come, with the inevitable rollout of Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, After Hours events, and gradual restoration of stage shows and entertainment. Setting that aside, today is a cause for celebration–50 years of Walt Disney World is a huge deal.
Walt Disney famously once said: “You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” Today has been another great reminder of that for us. It has been incredible simply wandering around Main Street and Magic Kingdom, talking to people and feeding off the collective energy of the crowd. The park has a great vibe today and almost everyone is in a great mood.
The first major celebration Sarah and I attended together as adults was back on October 1, 2011–for Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary. We had started this blog a few months prior to that, and had been in the community on forums and social media for a few years before that. That anniversary event is when it really coalesced for us–we spent the entire day with fellow fans and formed a few friendships that are still going strong a decade later.
Walt Disney World has introduced us to a community of like-minded people, inspired us to see the world in a different way, sparked our curiosities and passions–changing the trajectory of our lives in the process. None of that is even a remote exaggeration. If anything, we’re downplaying how much Walt Disney World has meant to us–it’s impossible to fully articulate the indelible mark it has left on our lives.
Being in Magic Kingdom today, seeing some old friends for the first time since before last March, and meeting several of you has been a wonderful reminder of this all. For those who haven’t yet said hello but see us in the parks these weekend, please see hello. I’m running on about zero sleep, am fully fueled by caffeine at this point, and planned on taking today off to fully immerse myself in the experience of “being there,” but thought I should at least drop in with a quick note.
Whether you’re visiting this weekend for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary kickoff or sometime in the 18 months to come, we hope you enjoy the World’s Most Magical Celebration. The last 18 months or so leading up to those point have been rough on everyone, which is a colossal understatement for many of you. Taking a step back, I think it’s fair to say we could all use a big bash that offers homage to the past while looking forward to the future. While it’s not everything we imagined it would be back when the ambitious plans were unveiled at the last two D23 Expos, it’s nevertheless a breath of fresh air right now.
We’ll be back with more coherent thoughts later this weekend or on Monday. For now, here are some photos from the last few days:
That’s a wrap on Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary for now. Again, lots of exhaustive coverage, reviews, and planning post updates coming once the dust settles on this weekend.
Whether you’re in Florida for the milestone or far away, we hope that you take a moment to reflect on the memories you’ve made and what Walt Disney World means to you! Maybe take some time to go through old photos, family films–or even watch a classic Vacation Kingdom television special or two.
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
Any thoughts of your own on Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary? Are you excited to experience the World’s Most Magical Celebration for yourself, or are you underwhelmed by its offerings? Does the substance of the celebration matter to you, or is it about the jovial atmosphere and guest energy? Do you agree or disagree with our perspective here? 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!
It bugs me that you don’t date-stamp your articles.
Loved being at MK on the 50th. We were #6 at the turnstiles, got day-of- merch, a coveted Starbucks tumbler (beautiful, but NOT worth fighting over as we witnessed some doing), watched the Chapek interview, rode teacups, skipped the popcorn/food lines and went back to the Poly to spend the afternoon swimming and eating at Ohana (Poly was also celebrating its 50th with free POG juice, music in the lobby, balloons, decor, etc). I agree the merchandise was the focus by both Disney and guests, the opening show was underwhelming considering the significance of the day, and Enchantment is very good (but as a matter of personal preference, I still like HEA better). Overall, I cannot complain a bit, as we didn’t go into the day expecting anything other than being present. The extremely low ride wait times and great weather were icing on the cake. I wish I would have taken more photos or mustered the patience/energy to get in one of the enormous popcorn bucket lines.
You and Sarah have a wonderful time this week 🙂 I love your writing style and your blog has honesty, humor and great photos, along with all the helpful information that I don’t know what I would do without. Keep up the great work! I look forward do your blogs. I have recommended you to many friends and family. enjoy yourselves this week!!
We are planning on coming in January. Is January warm enough to swim? Also, do you think they will offer any room discounts in January? What month do you think they will start offering resort discounts on rooms? Thanks in advance
Here at EPCOT. Booked MK to start had lunch with Cinderella (highly recommende). Did COP which I’ve loved since the 64 World’s Fair and People Mover. Then we spent the day hunting down the 50 Golden Statues. Really enjoyed that. Still have some left to find. Switched to EPCOT for Harmonius because MK fireworks not awesome enough. They’re ok but so many folks I’ve talked to or overheard all said they were awful or disappointing. I don’t feel that way but they don’t have the heart that the last show had. It does have way more fireworks. The old show had a story to tell this has projections on Main St buildings. Half hour to showtime. EPCOT is alive
My wife and I went to Florida on our honeymoon 50 years ago and stopped at Disney World for a day. Of course, at that time the only things there were the Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary and Polynesian Resorts, but it was still an exhilarating experience for two 20-year-old “kids.” Over the years we have been back a few times to enjoy the changes, and are planning a 2023 trip…this time with our daughter and her husband and their three kids. While we may just miss the 50th birthday celebration, I have no doubt this trip will be the best of all…seeing through the eyes of children.
Ah, my highlight of this marketing event has been meeting Sarah. She has the brains, looks and personality of this business and you do have everything else.
CMs have certainly been great. Superlative in every way considering the insanity they are working in (had a CM in tears last night talking about people trying to sell maps and posters for $300 on eBay when CMs can’t get discounts on 50th merch).
I’ve seen Enchantment twice and … and … it’s just so, so wrong. Visually impressive, stunning even. But lacking all heart. Like a much lesser version of HEA.
The 50th really was just a merchandise event. And Enchantment shows it.
Instead of music that ranged from MSEP to CBJ, from MMR to Tiki Room, from Mr. Toad to Mansion, from America on Parade to Remember the Magic, we got a lesser, more woke, HEA. And nothing else beyond merch (most of it retro, most of it inspired by things Disney has destroyed).
It was a fun day. Great seeing old friends and hugging them, and realizing how many CMs are just amazing despite dealing with truly horrible people daily. Great walking on almost anything because no one was there to ride anything … reminded me of Octobers in the 20th century, before line cutting mechanisms like FP and Genie existed. But it was also somewhat empty. It didn’t come close to things like DL’s 50th (or 60th) etc.
We are arriving on December 7. We appreciate your blog. Thank you. My wife is upset over the merchandise situation, limited supplies. Now they had a fist fight in the Emporium. Disney can stop this nonsense by stating that merchandise will be produced until demand is satisfied. I know its a supply issue from China. Maybe pay a little more and get it produced here? Sixty cargo ships sitting in the Pacific waiting to unload in LA.
This is what Disney executives deserve for their WOKENESS!
We so appreciate your blog, positive attitude, and honesty. The future of WDW would be in great hands if you had a seat at the table.
We arrive this coming Wednesday. We have been VERY apprehensive about visiting so early in the 50th Anniversary Celebration, but your commentary here gives me comfort that, despite the crowds, we will, as always, have a great time. Thanks for the encouraging words on the park, even if it was just MK. Given the anniversary celebration, MK is where the rubber meets the road. The photos are stupendous; I’ll be doing my best to come close next weekend, but I never quite get there. I’m glad I have your work for inspiration. We’ll be watching closely for the next few days to get as much info as possible on the crowds and strategies for our next visit. Thanks, Tom
Agree
We decided to take a “spur of the moment” trip in three weeks. Your reports are always a good read and something to look forward to during this crazy time. How about a Tom & Sarah statue? Disney owes you two at least that for all of your positive( mostly) comments! Looking forward to the Celebration!
I hope you and Sarah have a wonderful time. Your blog brings a lot of joy to a lot of people (including me!). Thank you and enjoy!
“Celebrating 50 years of Turkey Legs”! Priceless! Have a wonderful time. And thank you for the updates.
We will be there in 5 weeks and I can’t wait. Your pictures just make me wanna be there now.
We will be there in two weeks I am hoping that the craziness over merchandise and popcorn buckets is gone. No one wants to wait longer for popcorn and merchandise than rides.
So looking forward to celebrating my 75th birthday at DW in November with my family. I’ve been to DW at least 30 times during past 50 years and it never disappoints. I do enjoy reading your blog – keep up the good work.
Aww. Stuff like this always makes me teary. When my dad passed we displayed all our old ride photos in the decorative sleeves at the funeral home. It was really a nice memory of all the fun we used to have.
Now I take my kids. Of course, my photos are all digital but I make sure to download them. Disney really has been a special place for so long.
Mickey looks dapper in his new birthday attire. I love it! Have a great weekend.
I think we passed you guys on the Contemporary sidewalk. We were heading back into the park around 3ish yesterday. By the time I realized it was you we were already passed. ☺ï¸
Our feelings were a bit more negative. It felt like Black Friday all throughout the park. You couldn’t escape view of the lines wherever you went it seemed – popcorn stands even had crazy long lines. It felt like the focus was more on merchandising than the celebration of MK’s wonderful legacy. And then lining up several hours for a nighttime show that was subjectively worse then the one it replaced? Not the way we had hoped to end a lackluster day.
Highlights were low wait times and, even through the madness, the good fortune of being at our favorite place on earth. Here’s hoping to another wonderful 50 years.