Today on “Good Morning America,” Disney unveiled a first look at plans for the 50th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The park, which opened in 1971, will kick off the “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” on October 1 and continue until April 2023.
Disney stated that in honor of the 50th anniversary, they will bring new experiences to each of the four theme parks and beyond. “Our Disney teams are creating all sorts of new decorations that will shimmer and sparkle all day and into the night.”
The announcement was not heavy on details, but Disney did say that Cinderella Castle will be getting some new embellishments including golden bunting and a 50th anniversary crest. In addition, nighttime lighting and effects will be added to resemble pixie dust floating around the castle.
The Magic Kingdom’s icon did receive a “royal makeover” last spring. “We are excited to share that her story [Cinderella] has inspired a bold, shimmering and royal makeover of her namesake castle at the heart of Walt Disney World Resort,” wrote Jason Kirk, Vice President, Magic Kingdom Park. The entire castle was painted. The turrets received a deep blue/purple shimmer, the upper half is now pinker, and the stones were also touched up.
Currently the castle forecourt is also undergoing a refurbishment. It is believed that these enhancements are for a new castle stage show planned for the anniversary.
Disney states that in addition to Cinderella Castle’s pixie dust, the other three theme park icons will also receive special lighting effects of “Beacons of Magic.”
Magical fireflies will inhabit the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and special new touches coming to life on the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
EPCOT has already been undergoing a major transformation throughout the park including at Spaceship Earth. The park’s icon, which was to undergo reimagining of its namesake attraction but has been put on pause, will see exterior enhancements in the coming months.
Spaceship Earth’s “Beacon of Magic” will coming in the form of new exterior lighting. According to Disney, “new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another and resembling stars in a nighttime sky.” This lighting will be permanent.
Earlier this month, blogger Mike from Blogmickey.com noticed new subwoofers placed among the plantings around Spaceship Earth. “The recent addition of subwoofers might signal their intent to add a show element to the nighttime lighting package already announced for the exterior of Spaceship Earth,” stated the blog.
Recently new permits were filed on behalf of Pro Sound and Video for the installation of lighting equipment and low voltage terminations. “This new permit comes after a number of upgrades have already been made to the sound system in the main entrance area. Four JBL subwoofers have been installed in the planters on the approach to the fountain area,” writes WDWMagic.com. “It would seem that the subwoofers will be providing deep bass frequencies to complement a large number of green tower speakers that were installed as part of the new entrance design. Neither the subwoofers or green tower speakers are currently in use.”
New looks were also unveiled for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. “As hosts of the event, they’ll be dressed for the occasion in custom-made fashions of EARidescent fabric with gold highlights” It is also expected all other characters will receive similar new outfits. Their outfits include embroidered impressions of Cinderella Castle backed by fireworks, as well as a brocade in multi-toned, EARidescent fabric – all punctuated with gold accents.
Disney has yet to announce what else is planned for the 18-month celebration, but typically guests can expect new parades, shows, entertainment, food offerings, merchandise, and more.
