Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Blog

50 Reasons to Celebrate Disney World’s 50th Anniversary

a couple of people that are standing in the dark

Whether you’re a life-long Disney World fan or a first-time visitor, you can’t miss Disney World’s 50th Anniversary extravaganza, the World’s Most Magical Celebration. This 18-month celebration features special events, brand-new rides, never-before-seen attractions, and new food and souvenirs to bring out the kid in you. 

From must-see highlights to tips for making the most of your trip, here are 50 reasons to celebrate Disney World’s 50th anniversary at Walt Disney World Orlando.

  • Disney World’s 50th anniversary event – the World’s Most Magical Celebration – begins on October 1, 2021, and the fun continues for 18 months! Enjoy the celebration through 2022 into early 2023.
  • The World’s Most Magical Celebration will be celebrated at all four Walt Disney World theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
  • The park will unveil a new 50th anniversary anthem, “The Magic is Calling,” which you can hear throughout the celebration.
  • The Cinderella Castle has gotten a makeover in honor of the special event, with a 50th anniversary crest, new bunting, and gold embellishments. 
  • Find 50 special golden character statues around all four theme parks. The Disney Fab 50 statues include Daisy Duck, the Cheshire Cat, Tinker Bell, and all your favorite characters.
  • Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be sporting a new costume during the 50th anniversary celebration. You’ll see the dazzling duo in pink, purple, and blue iridescent formal wear that Disney is calling “EARidescence” to describe these delightful outfits. 
  • You can stock up on Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary merchandise like products inspired by Cinderella Castle and EARidescent offerings so you can match Mickey and Minnie.
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a new attraction debuting at Epcot’s France pavilion. This high-energy ride will whisk guests through a restaurant, seen through the eyes of Remy the rat.
  • When you eat at Epcot, you might be dining on vegetables grown right inside the park! The gardens grow over 30 tons of fruits and vegetables per year.
  • Eat at the new Space 220 Restaurant, accessible via “space elevators” that transport you above the earth to the Centauri Space Station, where you’ll enjoy delicious food and amazing views.

  •  Walt’s personal recipes inspired the release of new food items created just for the anniversary celebration, and some of his favorite foods – fried chicken, pork chops, and more – were added to buffets throughout the park.
  • Order a 50th Celebration Hot Dog at Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom. This all-beef hot dog is topped with powdered sugar, strawberry bacon jam, and funnel cake pieces for a sweet and savory treat.
  •  Head to Gaston’s Tavern to sink your teeth into a Mickey Mouse Dome Cake: spiced chocolate cake filled with crème brûlée and topped with Mickey Mouse ears and the 50th anniversary logo.
  •  Cinderella’s castle, the Hollywood Tower Hotel, Spaceship Earth, and the Tree of Life will all be lit with an EARidescent glow every night of the celebration.
  •  You can get married at Disney World! The park’s special division, Disney Fairytale Weddings & Honeymoons, helps make your dreams come true at the most magical place on earth.
  •  Want to look your best for Disney’s most exciting event? Get a haircut at the Harmony Barber Shop in the Magic Kingdom.
  •  Catch the new Cirque du Soleil show, “Drawn to Life,” bringing your favorite Disney animations to life right before your eyes.
  •  Walt Disney World takes health and safety seriously. Celebrate safely with masks and social distancing.
  •  Disney Enchantment is a new nighttime extravaganza on Main Street, U.S.A. (Magic Kingdom), featuring fireworks, lighting, Disney music and amazing projection effects.
  •  Disney Kite Tails takes magic to new heights with a kite and windcatcher performance starring all your favorite characters. Watch Simba, Baloo, and others soar above you in Animal Kingdom.
  •  When you ride the Disney World Railroad around Magic Kingdom, you’re stepping into a history exhibit – the train is from the 1910s!
  •  The fountain at Epcot Innoventions Plaza is one of the most powerful in the world, shooting water 150 feet into the air.
  •  Take a private tour of Animal Kingdom at night! 

  •  Celebrate the 50th anniversary with a helicopter flight over Disney World!