We are the Magic- Celebrating 50 years of Walt Disney World

On October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World opened with Magic Kingdom theme park.  Since then, three additional and amazing theme parks and many resorts have been added to the Walt Disney World resort.To celebrate 50 years of creating and bringing magic and joy, Walt Disney World is celebrating for the next 18 months (through February of 2023).  With everything from merchandise and special treats to characters in all new gear and nighttime spectaculars, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this most magical celebration.Here are just a few of the fun things you can experience at Walt Disney World during this celebration:

• Special merchandise celebrating 50 years of magic.  Most of this merchandise will continue to be restocked during the full celebration though some items will be limited edition and only available on select dates in select stores.  Remember that different shops in different parks may have different merchandise.

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• Special snacks and treats in the parks and at many of the Walt Disney World Resorts.  Make sure you check the menus because there are amazing and special treats available including special cupcakes and more.  We recommend checking out the Sip-A-Bration drink available at many table service restaurants.

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• Gold statues throughout all 4 theme parks- There are 50 different characters on 36 different statues through the 4 theme parks to celebrate many of your favorite Disney characters.  Make it a fun scavenger hunt to see if you can find them all!

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• The Fab 5 cavalcade in their 50th gear! It is rare to be able to see the Fab 5 (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy) at the same time.  But the 50th celebration cavalcade includes these 5 PLUS Daisy, Chip and Dale!  This cavalcade runs through Magic Kingdom multiple times throughout the day.

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• KiteTails at Disney's Animal Kingdom- this fun kite show runs multiple times through out the day at Disney's Animal Kingdom park (check your MDE app for show times).  The best viewing is in the main theater seating at the Rivers of Light theater (not the old FastPass seating) or grabbing a spot in the shade overlooking this water area.
• Beacons of Magic- the beacons in the 4 theme parks all light up at night to connect the magic of Walt Disney World:  the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom, the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, Spaceship Earth at EPCOT and Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom.  Make sure to visit each park after dark to see these beautiful displays.  They typically have a special light up that lasts a minute or two then will replay a few times during the evening so don't worry if you miss the first one.  If you are willing to wait 10-20 minutes, you will see it again.
• Harmonious at EPCOT- this new nighttime show takes place in the World Showcase Lagoon and can be viewed from anywhere in the World Showcase (we recommend picking a spot along the water for the best viewing).  With music from all around the world, projections, water movement and fireworks, this is a fun show.  Keep in mind that it does not have narration or a specific storyline, but it does include many different Disney classic songs and honors their countries of origin.
• Disney's Enchantment at Magic Kingdom- this is the special new nighttime show at Disney's Magic Kingdom park.  No one does fireworks like Disney.  This show includes projections on the castle and brief projections down Main Street USA as well so we recommend a spot where you can see both.  Using many popular versions of recent Disney songs, this will connect with many of Disney children and those that love these newest movies and characters.  While this show doesn't have the emotional story and narration of Happily Ever After (or Wishes), it is still a beautiful show and we recommend everyone check it out during their Magic Kingdom visit.

Do you have more questions about visiting Walt Disney World during the 50th celebration?  Contact your Goofy Getaways Travel Planner today.