Walt Disney World has kicked off its 50th anniversary showpiece and the fabulous Florida festivities to mark it will last a mouse-tastic year and a half. Billed as 'The World’s Most Magical Celebration', visitors to the Orlando theme parks can expect an epic array of new attractions, glittering decor, nighttime spectaculars and more to mark five decades of delight.

Walt Disney’s magical theme park dream from 1971 only gets bigger and better, with some highly-anticipated openings including a new Ratatouille themed attraction and a space-inspired restaurant, as well as new parades and dazzling shows.

Here’s our pick of the Big Five-O highlights…

Newly opened

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, EPCOT

This flavourful family-friendly attraction invites riders into the tasty world of Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-winning film Ratatouille. You’ll feel as if you’ve shrunk to the size of Chef Remy, scurrying through Gusteau’s restaurant.

Harmonious, EPCOT

One of the largest nighttime spectaculars created for a Disney theme park, it’s a joyous journey through new interpretations of classic Disney songs, inspired and influenced by cultures and people from around the world.

The sounds play amid ­choreographed moving fountains and with lights, lasers and fireworks burstingabove and around the World Showcase Lagoon.

Disney Enchantment, Magic Kingdom

Visitors can join dreamers such as Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, Miguel from Disney and Pixar’s Coco, Rapunzel from Tangled and more as they set out on a journey beyond the ordinary.

Their arrival in a land filled with adventure, wonder, empowerment and enchantment is showcased with a spectacle featuring Disney music, fireworks, lighting and immersive projection effects that extend from the iconic Cinderella Castle down Main Street USA.

Space 220 Restaurant, EPCOT

This restaurant in World Discovery offers a CGI culinary experience in a space station, with virtual views of Earth from 220 miles above the planet’s surface.

Diners board a space elevator for a simulated journey to the Centauri base, where they experience the ultimate “height cuisine” with backdrops that are out of this world.

Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World in Florida (
Image:
Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Disney Fab 50 Character Collection, all parks

Golden sculptures are spread across the four Walt Disney World theme parks and feature 50 characters including Miguel and Dante from Coco at EPCOT and Simba, Timon and Pumbaa from The Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Disney KiteTails, Animal Kingdom

Head to the Discovery River Theater for a vibrant family-friendly experience.

Performers fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, while out on the lake elaborate kites up to 30ft long depicting Disney animal friends such as Simba, Zazu, Baloo and King Louie will be towed by jet skis.

50th anniversary food

Celebration Sips and Bites

The magic caters for foodies too, with Disney chefs and mixologists creating more than 150 items to eat and drink, all offering a dash of colour, a helping of whimsy and a touch of EARidescent shimmer. Examples include:

  • Cheese Fries with Walt’s Chili at Animal Kingdom.
  • Mission to Mars burger at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Magic Kingdom.
  • EARidescent Croissant Doughnut at EPCOT
  • Magical Beacon cocktail at many restaurants, lounges and pool bars.
  • EARidescent Ice Dream Cone at Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park.

More tasty treats will follow over the next 18 months.

New for 2022

Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT

A family-friendly adventure will start in the Galaxarium, a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and the Guardians’ world Xandar.

Visitors will learn about the treasures Xandar has to share…and then the Guardians Of The Galaxy gang arrive and guests go on a thrilling intergalactic chase through space and time.

The hi-tech attraction will also feature a brand new innovation from Walt Disney Imagineering – a storytelling roller coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus riders on the action itself, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, Walt Disney World

Launching on March 1, it promises to be an experience going beyond anything Disney has created before.

Guests will become the heroes of their own stories during a two-night adventure where they see, feel and live Star Wars.

They travel the galaxy in style on a luxury Halcyon starcruiser, known for impeccable service and exotic destinations, staying in well-appointed cabins, enjoying exquisite dining and stellar entertainment.

Wannabe Jedis will feel the Force on the thrill ride Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Tech time

Two new technological innovations will arrive in 2022.

MagicBand+

The next-generation wearable will retain the original’s popular features and add new functionality to unlock experiential magic moments throughout the parks.

Once in a park, the band will come alive at various times with colour-changing lights, haptic vibrations and gesture recognition, allowing them to engage with Disney moments in new interactive experiences.

‘Hey Disney!’ voice assistant

Disney is creating its own custom voice assistant using Alexa technology for supported Amazon Echo devices.

It will work alongside Alexa in Disney hotel rooms to respond to vocal prompts, bringing Disney characters and stories to life.

Access to the service will be offered as an optional free feature to provide updates on weather forecasts, plus timers and alarms all assisted by characters such as Mickey, Olaf and C-3PO.

Light Stuff

There will be Beacons of Magic across the resort (
Image:
Walt Disney World)

New Beacons of Magic are illuminating the parks at night for the 50th anniversary.

  • Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom has a dazzling radiance and pixie-dust sparkle.
  • At Animal Kingdom, a warm light emanates from the Tree of Life as fireflies gather.
  • The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is bathed in a light evoking the golden age of imagination and adventure.
  • At EPCOT, lights shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, creating a mesmerising symbol of optimism.

More highlights

The Magic Is Calling

An inspiring tune written especially for the 50th anniversary and guests will hear it when the Beacons of Magic light up. And listen out for it at selected live entertainment events such as Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade, Discovery Island Drummers at Animal Kingdom and Voices of Liberty at EPCOT.

Minnie Dress

Disney characters will be more dressed to impress than usual for the next 18 months.

Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale – otherwise known as the “EARidescent 8” – will be sporting sparkling new custom-made multi-toned fabric with dashes of gold. Disney characters appearing at on-site hotels will also be clad in their EARidescent finery.

Magic Bus

The Disney parks transport is getting a birthday boost too – special artwork has been added to selected Skyliner gondola cabins, buses and a monorail train.

Mouse Merch

It’s not a Disney holiday without a pressie or two.

Special merchandise includes Cinderella Castle-inspired attire, the retro Vault Collection clothes and souvenirs and the EARidescent Collection – a shimmering array of themed fashions and accessories.

You can find the latest 50th anniversary news at disneyworld.co.uk/50th-anniversary and book holidays to Walt Disney Word at disneyholidays.co.uk.

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