For 100 years, The Walt Disney Company has created unforgettable stories and lifelong memories for generations of families. Some of our favorite memories are tied to visits to Walt Disney World, seeing Disney stories brought to life and getting the chance to experience them in magical ways.

The entire Walt Disney World cast is excited to join in the celebration of Disney100, and you’re invited to be part of the fun! We’re thrilled to share that you can now experience magical, limited-time offerings sprinkled throughout the resort. Here are six great ways to commemorate this momentous milestone, with many more to come.

Say Hi to Mickey and Minnie in Their Platinum Best

As previously shared, EPCOT will be the center of the Disney100 celebration later this year at Walt Disney World. Recently opened attractions like the exhilarating family thrill coaster Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and the captivating 4D Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure bring even more family fun to the park where the impossible becomes possible. Even more is in store as the park’s multi-year transformation culminates later this year during the Disney100 celebration.

Have you been looking forward to seeing Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their new dazzling platinum outfits? I know I have! You’ll be able to hug and take photos with the duo in their platinum outfits at EPCOT later this year. What a way to celebrate this major milestone and the legacy that their beloved stories represent for our Company. We’ll have more details on when and where you can meet them soon.

Admire Special Spaceship Earth Lighting

I’m excited to announce that the night sky will light up with a dazzling spectacle of colors and lights as Spaceship Earth honors Disney100 with a special display later in 2023. Here’s your first look at what’s sure to be a memorable moment during the celebration.

Our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering have been dreaming up new ways to honor this important milestone by turning to their own cherished memories and favorite Disney stories as they create this one-of-a-kind display.

“The Show Lighting Team at Walt Disney Imagineering has been amazed at our guests’ reaction to the nightly shows on Spaceship Earth,” said Jason Read, show lighting designer principal for Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’ve helped celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, EPCOT’s 40^th and the park’s signature festivals. Now, we’re excited to have Spaceship Earth ring in the biggest celebration yet, the 100^th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company.”

“We’re also inspired by many things from the history of the company, its characters, theme parks and shows – even the Disney100 opening logo that plays before our feature films during this anniversary,” Read continued. “You may see homages to everything from the ‘Wonderful World of Disney’ television show opening to Mickey balloons that we sell on Main Street, U.S.A.”

Take a Selfie in Front of a Disney100 Backdrop

Whenever I make my way to Walt Disney World, I get a rush of adrenaline thinking about the magic that awaits me. So, you can only imagine my excitement when I saw the Disney100 sign at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park right in front of the entrance. If you’re like me, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to snap a few photos as a way to remember your visit during this very special celebration. This photo op is perfect for the entire family and is a great way to start your day. If you’re not going to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, don’t worry. You’ll be able to snap photos with Disney100 backdrops at all four theme parks plus Disney Springs.

Keep an Eye Out for Surprise Character Visits at Disney Resort Hotels 

If you’ve ever had the joy of staying in one of our enchanting Disney Resort hotels, you may have seen the magic of various Disney characters stopping by for an impromptu photo opportunity. As the Disney100 celebration ramps up at Walt Disney World, you may run into some of your favorite Disney characters in their platinum best as they pop up at various Disney Resort hotels. You never know when or where they’ll show up next!

Celebrate With New Food and Drinks

The celebration doesn’t stop with character greetings and fun photo ops; you’ll also be able to indulge in some Disney100 treats across the resort. Beginning May 1, guests can enjoy the Disney100 Petite Cake for a limited time at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. This mouthwatering dessert has layers of vanilla chiffon, berry mousse and berry compote, all topped with a celebratory Disney100 Medallion macaron.

The Disney Culinary team has been dreaming up all kinds of delicious dishes to commemorate the milestone, and this is just the beginning. I was lucky enough to learn about the inspiration behind this yummy dessert from Chef Amanda.

“The culinary team has the wonderful opportunity to use food for storytelling,” Chef Amanda said. “We get to make special themed treats that bring guests into the story, letting them feel immersed in a tangible and very delicious way.”

“The inspiration of this cake pulls from the rich purple and platinum colors used for the Disney100 celebration,” Chef Amanda shared. “The drapery on the sides of the cake represents the traditional bunting that adorns Main Street, U.S.A. for special occasions. And of course, Mickey Mouse is proudly represented on the front of the cake because as we all know: ‘It all started with a mouse.’”

Find Your Perfect Disney100 Memento 

You may have spotted and already started to collect some of the amazing Disney100 merchandise that’s popping up at Walt Disney World. To help you prepare for what’s to come, a little fairy told me about the new Disney100 Cinderella Premium Bucket that will be exclusive to Magic Kingdom. This dazzling souvenir is intricately designed, great for the entire family, and my favorite souvenir thus far. Stay tuned for more details on when this beauty will make its debut. For now, you’ll be able to enjoy drinks and popcorn in the new Disney100 refillable cups available now at the Disney Resort hotels and popcorn buckets at all four theme parks and Disney Springs.

You can also check out the wide variety of limited-release merchandise, available across the Walt Disney World Resort. Cherish nostalgic memories with the new 40s-themed Disney100 Decades Collection featuring Disney classics such as “Fantasia,” “The Three Caballeros,” “Pinocchio” and “Dumbo.” While you’re at it, marvel at all the magic with the Disney100 Platinum Celebration Collection — perfect if you’re looking for even more ways to shine! Or maybe the Disney100 Unified Character Collection is more your style with beloved characters from throughout the history of Disney, including Snow White, Elsa and Simba. Our favorite Disney100 pieces so far are the Unified Characters Backpack and the Three Caballeros Ear Headband, but there is even more merchandise debuting soon.

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T is a lot of people’s favorite things to do with mi familia. It is colorful, interactive and has delicious food inspired by Latin flavors.

Can we tell you how excited we are that the Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina Food Studio is back? With lively, rich and colorful dishes full of flavors, this is the place to experience different cuisines inspired by South America and the Disney animated film “Encanto.”

Located between Morocco & France, this Food Studio features a chorizo and potato empanada with turmeric and annatto aïoli; a spicy ajiaco soup with guajillo and árbol chili-spiced chicken, potato, avocado, corn and crème fraîche (gluten/wheat-friendly). For dessert, there’s a passion fruit mousse with dragon fruit jam. Yum! In addition, you can find beverages like a coconut and passion fruit smoothie (non-alcoholic), a frozen piña colada and a passion fruit daiquiri.

Another favorite Food Studio is El Artista Hambriento near the Mexico pavilion. It’s a fiesta of flavors and features one of my favorite desserts: coconut flan! You can also enjoy dishes like carne asada with chipotle-marinated beef sirloin, sweet potato purée and crispy-fried onion; huarache de champiñones made with guajillo chile and corn masa huarache with pinto beans, oyster mushrooms, nopales, queso fresco and pea tendrils; and of course, my favorite, the flan de coco with guava sauce and whipped cream.

To drink, you have great options like Cielito Lindo artisanal Mexican craft beer; the Bombon Margarita “Marshmallow” with Ilegal Mezcal Reposado, marshmallow cordial, lime juice, agave nectar and a hint of coffee and elderflower served with a toasted marshmallow; and Las Californias, made with Tromba Blanco tequila, strawberry-lime purée and Las Californias Citrus Mexican Gin.

Besides the culinary arts, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts also showcases the performing arts. On select dates, you can catch performances by Mexican-American Broadway star Mandy González (“Aida”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”) as part of the amazing DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series. In addition, Peruvian harpist Victor Espinola performs at the festival. Check the My Disney Experience app for daily show times.

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is included with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date. And remember, there’s still time to enjoy the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary  celebration now through Mar. 31, 2023.  Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more news as we continue to share more of what the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts has to offer.

This year’s festival runs now through Feb. 20. For more information, visit ArtfulEPCOT.com.

Hooray for the holidays! As recently announced, the enchanting holiday season is returning to the Disneyland Resort Nov. 11, 2022 through Jan. 8, 2023, and today there is even more exciting news to share for all things merry and bright, celebrating a variety of cultural festivities with music, food and fun for the whole family!  With sparkling twinkles, and a sprinkle of this and a pixie-dusted pinch of that, welcome you to The Merriest Place on Earth!

At Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure park, take in the sights and sounds of cherished holidays including Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day, starting with a spirited lineup of world-class entertainment! New this year, Tina and The Sounds of Celebration! will bring her powerhouse vocals and dynamic musicians to perform holiday tunes with an uplifting repertoire of salsa, merengue, cumbia and rock Latino! Other fantastic returning acts include the Mariachi Divas, Mostly Kosher, Blue13 Dance Company, Phat Cat Swinger and The Mistletoes, and the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party returns!

Be sure to catch the character celebration “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” and the magically merry rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers performing throughout the day in Disney California Adventure park.

Delight in the treasured traditions of “World of Color – Season of Light” at Disney California Adventure park and “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade and “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks on select evenings at Disneyland park.

With MagicBand+ coming to Disneyland Resort this fall, you’ll be able to light up your Disneyland Resort holiday experience in an all-new way this year! Wear your MagicBand+ for extra magic and watch it come alive with vibrations and colorful holiday lights during the nighttime spectaculars of “World of Color – Season of Light” and “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks.

Ho-Ho-Hello, Santa! Direct from the North Pole, you may mingle with Mr. Kringle as he visits various locations throughout the Disneyland Resort including Critter Country in Disneyland park, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure park and at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort!

Eat, drink and be merry at the Festive Foods Marketplace in Disney California Adventure park, with a seasonal smorgasbord of multicultural cuisine across nine different kiosks! Visions of Sugar Plums is an all-new added marketplace where you will find delicious sweet and savory bites.

And don’t forget, the Disney Festival of Holidays Sip and Savor Pass is a terrific way to sample your way through a glorious day. The pass provides eight easy tabs you can redeem for select food and non-alcoholic beverages at participating Festive Foods Marketplace kiosks and dining locations.* In the spirit of giving, share your tabs with a friend!

Seasonal sweets and treats are always on the list throughout the Disneyland Resort, and here’s just a few to tempt your tastebuds! Keep a lookout for the complete holiday foodie guide coming next month on the Disney Parks Blog!

Disney California Adventure Park:

• Grizzly Peak Churro Peppermint Churro – Churro coated with crushed candy canes, drizzled with chocolate and vanilla sauce

• Lamplight Lounge Peppermint Donuts – Hot cocoa-dusted donuts with toasted marshmallow crème and peppermint-chocolate dipping sauce

• Festive Foods Marketplace Merry Mashups Esquites Carnitas Mac & Cheese – Esquites-style mac & cheese with carnitas, salsa macha, spiced puffed rice, freeze-dried corn and chopped cilantro

• Smokejumpers Grill Loaded Latkes -Traditional Latkes loaded with smoked brisket, topped with dairy-free horseradish cream and scallions

• Sonoma Terrace Mistletoe Mule – A holiday take on a classic mule cocktail with cranberry juice and agave, garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a Cape cranberry

Disneyland Park:

• Red Rose Taverne Holiday Grey Stuff – Traditional Grey Stuff with a holiday twist

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa:

• GCH Holiday Cart – Poinsettia Cookie

To commemorate Diwali at the Disneyland Hotel, The Coffee House will feature an Indian chai Archisha Tea on the menu Oct. 17, 2022 – Jan. 9, 2023.  The Blue13 Dance Company will perform near The Coffee House at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. daily Oct. 17 – Oct. 24, 2022, before they head to Disney Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure park for the season.

Woody and Buzz Lightyear will be lending a hand with this darling holiday popcorn bucket, available for a limited time at select popcorn carts in Disney California Adventure park, while supplies last.

Celebrating the season with their snazzy style, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals will don their holiday finest and newest fashions in Town Square at Disneyland park!  These festive new looks reflect this year’s warm, vintage-inspired holiday celebration. In classic red and green, their holiday attire is being designed in wintry textures and patterns such as velvet, chenille, herringbone and plaid, and accented with gold for a touch of sparkle.

Adorable, cozy and comfy, spirit jerseys are always a hit for your holiday ensemble, inspired by Mickey and Minnie’s holiday looks! In shops through both parks and the Downtown Disney District, you will be able to find the latest apparel, toys, ornaments, home décor and collectibles for every person on your list – and a little something for yourself, of course!

Returning this year is Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Tour, where this specially guided journey of Disneyland park tells stories of Walt Disney and gives unique facts of how Disneyland celebrates the season, followed by guests setting sail on “it’s a small world” Holiday. The 2.5 hour walking tour ends on Main Street, U.S.A., with a reserved viewing area of “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade where guests receive delicious holiday treats and a commemorative pin. For more information, pricing and reservations, visit Disneyland.com.

It’s almost the season of celebrations, a time for togetherness and making holiday memories with your family and friends. We cannot wait to celebrate with you!

Check the latest entertainment details and schedules at Disneyland.com or the Disneyland mobile app. Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.

*A Disney Festival of Holidays Sip and Savor Pass will expire on Jan. 8, 2023, and will not be valid at any other event or at any other time. Passes are nonrefundable, subject to restrictions, and not valid for Theme Park admission. Both valid theme park admission and park reservation required for park entry.

It’s almost spooky season – and by almost, we mean halfway! If you’re anything like us, you love this season all year long. As April 28 approaches, we are soon-to-be halfway to Halloween! And we all know it’s never too early to get in the spirit.

You don’t need a spell book to conjure up these treats because we’ve compiled the wickedly delicious items that are running amuck, amuck, amuck across Disney Parks. From sinister sweets to ghoulish goodies, there are some must-have items you need to try.

These eats are sure to put a spell on you with tasty flavors and adorable eats. See the return of favorites like the Sister’s Elixir Hot Cocoa Bomb at The Ganachery at Walt Disney World Resort or the Spooky Churro from California Churro at Disneyland Resort. And be on the lookout for some new tricks and treats from Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs, including exclusive trading cards to collect.

The time has come to dust the cobwebs off your candy bag because here are the eats and treats for Halfway to Halloween!

Disneyland Resort

Downtown Disney District

Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs (available April 28 through May 1)

• Cheddar Pickle Dog: The pickle dog sprinkled with cheddar cheese for a pop of orange to celebrate Halloween

California Churro (available April 27 through May 4)

• Spooky Churro: A churro rolled in cinnamon sugar cut in half, drizzled with peanut butter and chocolate sauce, and topped with yummy peanut butter candy pieces in seasonal colors

Walt Disney World Resort

Magic Kingdom Park

Sleepy Hollow (available April 28 through August 13)

• Lady on the Gravestone 50th Chilling Chamber Pop: Citrus cake crumbs, raspberry buttercream, and blue crisp pearls (New)

Available at Liberty Square Popcorn Cart and Various Outdoor Vending Carts (available April 28 through May 1)

• Jack Skellington Popcorn Bucket (Limit two per, person per transaction while supplies last)

Disney Springs

The Ganachery (available April 28 through May 1)

• Sister’s Elixir Hot Cocoa Bomb: Dark chocolate cauldron filled with hot cocoa mix and marshmallows topped with an edible image of the Sanderson Sisters and a chocolate broom stirrer

Gideon’s Bakehouse (available April 28 through May 1)

Get an exclusive trading card during Halfway to Halloween. Each four and six cookie box will feature one of the sixteen cards, plus be on the lookout for a bonus card for those waiting in line featuring Barnabas Mephistophelittle! (Limit of one per person while supplies last)

• Pumpkin Spice Shadow Cakes: Chocolate-dipped spice cakes with a pumpkin buttercream filling (New)
• Frankenstein Cake Slices: A three-layer chocolate cake covered in cookies and cream buttercream and loaded with M&M’s
• Valentina Cake: Classic red velvet cake covered in a light and fluffy cookies and cream marshmallow buttercream

Available at Various Outdoor Vending Carts in West Side (available April 28 through May 1)

• Mickey Mummy Popcorn Bucket (Limit two per, person per transaction while supplies last)

Resorts

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (available April 28 through May 1)

• Hocus Pocus “Amuck” Cakes: Rich devil’s food cake with “peanut boo-tter” filling decorated to resemble all three Sanderson Sisters

Happy #HalfwaytoHalloween! Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled on the Disney Parks Blog and our social channels to join in on the celebrations.

(Note: All offerings are subject to change.)