Missing the 50th Anniversary at Disney World? You Don’t Have To! 

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Cinderella Castle 50th Anniversary Crest

Credit: Disney

Disney fans are shortly approaching a monumental moment in Disney World history, as the theme park prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary on October 1. 

50th anniversary
Credit: Screenshot Disney Parks Blog

The celebration will last a whopping 18 months and will have all four theme parks transformed in their own way to honor 50 years of magic. Magic Kingdom is arguably going to see the most of the transformation, which is fitting as it is the only park to actually turn 50! Cinderella Castle has been given an EARidescent makeover, as well as golden shimmers and new paint colors being added to attractions and facades all over Fantasyland. Disney Enchantment will also debut as the park’s new nighttime spectacular. 

50th anniversary
Credit: Disney

Animal Kingdom will have the Tree of Life illuminated with special projections, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will turn the Tower of Terror into a shimmering masterpiece, according to the concept art! EPCOT is having Spaceship Earth permanently redone with points of light shining from the ball. The Park will also introduce Harmonious, Disney’s biggest nighttime spectacular yet, as well as Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. 

walt disney world 50th anniversary commercial
Credit: Disney

Now, Guests at home can get ready to join in on the fun as ABC will be airing a new television special, “The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World” on October 1.

Disney Parks Blog noted:

This special, hosted by Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, will take you on a journey spanning half a century and beyond at Walt Disney World in Florida. The show will also feature spectacular visuals and musical performances from Christina Aguilera and Halle Bailey in front of the legendary Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. Throughout the special, you’ll see exclusive interviews with iconic actors, actresses and athletes, Walt Disney World cast members, Disney Imagineers and executives past and present who have all played their unique part in sprinkling pixie dust over “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Check out what’s in store and be sure to mark your calendars!

Cinderella Castle 50th Anniversary Crest
Credit: Disney

This EARidescent special event will take viewers through Walt Disney World’s humble beginnings in the swamplands of Florida and its evolution into a cultural phenomenon. Through an expansive look into the past, present and future of the vacation destination, footage never before seen on television will give fans a glimpse into the journey to bring Walt’s vision to life and a look at plans for the future. The special will also spotlight some of Walt Disney World’s most memorable pop-culture moments, from the many sitcoms that filmed episodes in the theme parks to the conception of the ubiquitous “I’m going to Disney World!” campaign. Plus, viewers will get a heartwarming look at how Disney and Make-A-Wish foundation have worked together for over 40 years to make kids’ Disney dreams come true.

cinderella castle 50th anniversary
Credit: Disney

There will also be a tonne of Disney-loving celebrities appearing in the special. Take a look at the list below!

Celebrities including Anthony Anderson, John Stamos, Marsai Martin, Gary Sinise, Melissa Joan Hart and Candace Cameron Bure; NFL athletes Tom Brady, Phil Simms and Doug Williams, and creative forces Kevin Feige, Pete Docter and James Cameron; Walt Disney World Imagineers including Bob Weis, Mark Kohl and Ann Morrow Johnson; and Disney executives past and present including Bob Chapek, Bob Iger and Michael Eisner, will all share their favorite memories of Walt Disney World.

50th anniversary
Credit: Walt Disney Imagineering

The special will air on Friday, October 1 from 8-10 p.m. ET on ABC. If you missed it then, or you want to rewatch the show, it can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu, and later in the month on Disney+.

What do you think about Disney creating an all-new 50th anniversary special? 

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