Celebrating A Half Century Of Magic
By Georgina Cruz
Some anniversaries are milestones –the 50th is golden—and when a half century is being celebrated at Walt Disney World in Orlando, well, it is also magical.
To mark its 50th anniversary, Walt Disney World has announced “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” beginning on Oct. 1 –five decades to the day when the resort officially opened—and continuing for 18 months. In store for visitors are what Disney is calling “EARidescent moments” and other surprises.
Central to the celebration will be what Disney has dubbed “Beacons of Magic” in each of the resort’s four theme parks with “EARidescent décor” (Disney’s play on words combining “iridescent” and the “ears” that are symbols of the company). Shining at the center of it all will be the iconic Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, which will add to its royal makeover from 2020 with new gold bunting, sparkling golden embellishments and other new enhancements, including a 50th anniversary crest warmly welcoming guests to the join the festivities. The Castle, which was turned into a gigantic birthday cake for the park’s 25th anniversary, for the 50th will be one of the “Beacons of Magic” which will illuminate the Magic Kingdom at night with an “EARidescent” glow as if sparkling with pixie dust (Tinker Bell would probably approve!).
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a warm light will emanate from the Tree of Life as “magical fireflies” gather to usher in the magic of nature. The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be awash in a brilliance evoking the golden age of imagination and adventure. And at EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another in a symbol of optimism resembling stars in a nighttime sky. The Spaceship Earth’s new lighting will continue beyond the 50thanniversary festivities as a defining feature of the park’s icon.
And, of course, the world’s most famous mice, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, will be on hand, dressed in sparkling new looks, custom-made for this special occasion. Highlights of these celebratory designs include embroidered impressions of Cinderella Castle backed by fireworks, as well as a brocade in multi-toned, “EARidescent” fabric – all punctuated with pops of gold.
Along with Mickey and Minnie, Walt Disney World cast members will be at the heart of this event. They will demonstrate yet again why they are renowned for their commitment to service, consistently exceeding guests’ expectations by going above and beyond to make visits to Walt Disney World special. Disney promises that more details about “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” will be announced in the future.
For more information on Walt Disney World, visit www.disneyworld.com.
–Georgina Cruz is a travel writer based in Vero Beach.
