Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration is in full swing over in Orlando, Florida, with EARidescent magic everywhere you look.
Now, Disney Parks Blog has just released the guide to all of the magical experiences, food, and merchandise over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park for the 50th anniversary (AKA The World’s Most Magical Celebration), and we’re so excited to share it with you today!
From new shows to new foods, we will cover every aspect of what’s happening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the 50th! Disney Parks Blog writes:
Right now, once-in-a-lifetime 50th offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom include new experiences, celebratory anniversary sips and bites, must-have merchandise, dazzling park decorations and more. Today, we’re sharing a special look at our magical 50th anniversary celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Entertainment
Disney Kitetails
This brand-new show previewed shortly before October 1 and takes place over the waters of Discovery River Theater. Several times a day, performers flying windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes bring characters from The Jungle Book and The Lion King to life, complete with a Disney soundtrack. Disney writes:
Hearts and imaginations will soar as elaborate, 3-dimensional kites and incredible windcatchers dance through the air to the beat of beloved Disney songs during this high-flying performance at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
The show sounds completely fitting for the animal-centric Orlando theme park, but in reality, the show has become a viral sensation (arguably, for all the wrong reasons).
Beacon of Magic
As we’ve covered previously, each Walt Disney World Resort theme park icon is being transformed into a beautiful “Beacon of Magic” at night. And at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Tree of Life is shining like never before to keep the magic alive for the 50th anniversary. Disney Parks Blog describes the new experience:
A warm and glorious light emanates from the Tree of Life on select nights as enchanted fireflies gather to call forth the magic of nature, inviting everyone to join in the celebration. [,,,] The Tree of Life also continues to awaken from time to time throughout the evening, sharing its animal tales filled with whimsy and heart.
The Magic is Calling
And something extra special for the 50th anniversary. The new anthem “The Magic Is Calling” can be heard in special live entertainment moments across Walt Disney World Resort, including performances by the Discovery Island Drummers and as the EARidescent Mickey & Friends Flotilla cruises along the Discovery River at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Decorations
During the celebration, Walt Disney World will feature 50 sculptures made to commemorate the event. The sculptures showcase 50 Disney characters who have helped bring Disney magic to Guests for years, while also ushering us into the next 50 years and beyond. You can find the sculptures across all four Disney World theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom).
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can find sculptures of special Disney characters, including Pumbaa, Timon, Simba, Bambi, Thumper, Dory, and Nemo.
And for the 18-month celebration, 50th anniversary magical touches can be found throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom and our other theme parks. Disney Parks Blog writes that “Disney teams have created all sorts of new decorations that shimmer and sparkle all day and into the night!”
Dining
For those Disney foodies out there, the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration has some unique and special additions to the menus. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney chefs have created new treats with a touch of EARidescent shimmer:
Drinkwallah
- 50th Celebration Mickey Premium Bar – The classic Nestlé Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar dipped in blue raspberry-flavored coating with celebration sprinkles.
Restaurantosaurus
- Cheese Fries with Walt’s Chili – Crispy fries topped with Walt’s favorite chili and cheddar sauce
- Walt’s Favorite Chili on Foot-long Hot Dog – A foot-long hot dog served on a warm bun topped with Walt’s favorite chili and cheddar sauce
Tiffins Restaurant
- 50th Celebration Chocolate Gâteaux – Almond praline, white chocolate crémeux, ganache, and chocolate-South African cream liqueur sauce
Merchandise
We love new merchandise and are excited to see new collections have been revealed for The World’s Most Magical Celebration at the Walt Disney World theme parks. The collections, which are filled with must-have mementos for Disney fans of all ages, can be found at several locations across the resort while supplies last, including Island Mercantile at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
As Disney continues their 50th anniversary festivities at Walt Disney World Resort, stay posted for future guides on how to enjoy the celebration!