It’s time to get excited- The 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World is here! The “World’s Most Magical Celebration” kicked off October 1st across all four Disney World theme parks and will run for 18 months. If you’ve been thinking about taking a vacation to Walt Disney World there is no better time than now!

During the celebration, Disney will be releasing new rides, nighttime spectaculars, projections, and character costumes! With so many new and exciting things coming to the theme parks this year it can be hard to keep track of all the enhancements!

Fireworks and shows

There is no better way to end a night at a Disney park than with a spectacular firework display. The 50th celebration has brought us two brand new firework shows; “Disney Enchantment” is the new nightly show at Magic Kingdom, and “Harmonious” is EPCOT’s new firework show. Both of these firework shows are using brand new technology and effects, and are full of your favorite Disney characters!

In addition to the new firework shows, Animal Kingdom has a brand new daytime show called “Kite tails”. Kite Tails is a fun little show featuring massive kites flown in the air behind jet skies. The show features songs and characters from The Lion King and The Jungle Book, and is fun for the whole family!

Character Experiences

On April 18th, After over two years Disney Guests were finally able to character meet and greets again! Mickey and the gang all got fancy new outfits to celebrate the 50th anniversary and they can be met across all four parks.

On October 1st a new cavalcade debuted for the 50th anniversary. This new cavalcade features the classic character as well as fan favorites and features a fun new song. Cavalcades happen at random times a day throughout the park, so be sure to keep an eye out!

“Mickey’s Magical Friendship faire” is finally back after its covid hiatus, and now features a new opening and finale in honor of the 50th anniversary. This is about a 20 minute show with five showings daily.

50th anniversary snacks

It wouldn’t be a trip to Walt Disney World if you didn’t get a fun snack to celebrate. Disney has developed over 150 new snacks and treats specially for the 50th anniversary, and I wish I could try them all!

For the kids, or kids at heart, Disney has fun new specialty non-alcoholic drinks called The EAR-idescent Sip-a-bration. The drink features a character on the side of the cup, and when your ready you drop the character in and it creates a fun sparkly drink. It is a bit pricy at $10 but you do get to keep the souvenir cup.

Beacons of Magic

The Beacons of Magic are probably my favorite new addition to the parks! Beacons of Magic is where the park icons at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom come to life with a new nightly makeover! This is not a show, but more of lights and a “glow” to the icons.

I was truly blown away the first time I saw the Beacons of Magic for the first time! The pictures do not do it justice, it is very beautiful.

New Attractions

The first new attraction to open was Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in Epcot. This attraction opened on October 1st 2021, and kicked off the 50th celebration!

The next attraction to open in May 2022 is Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, also at Epcot. I have heard great things from the people who have gotten to preview this ride and I can’t wait to check it out for myself!

Lastly, the biggest and most anticipated new ride is TRON Lightcycle Run Roller Coaster in Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom. We don’t have an opening date for this attraction yet, but Disney is estimating Fall 2022.

Merchandise

If you’re anything like me you probably love to bring souvenirs home from your vacations. Souvenirs make great tangible memories of your trip, and you will find plenty of gift shops all over Walt Disney World with more merchandise than you could ever imagine! Of course, Disney created special merchandise specially for the 50th anniversary! If you see something you like be sure to grab it because they won’t be around long.

These photos include just a few of the popular 50th anniversary merchandise items.