It’s an event five decades in the making!

Beginning Oct. 1, Walt Disney World Resort will throw “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in honor of their 50^th anniversary, bringing new experiences to all four theme parks and beyond. This milestone is such a big deal, they’ve even coined a new word – “EARidescence” – to describe what Guests will see when they visit. Disney teams are creating all sorts of new decorations that will shimmer and sparkle all day and into the night.

As part of the celebration, Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park will add to its royal makeover from last year. The castle will feature golden bunting and a 50^th anniversary crest as part of its festive new look.

The castle will add even more magic at night, joined by icons at each of the other three theme parks as they transform into Beacons of Magic, including pixie dust on Cinderella Castle, magical fireflies inhabiting 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.

And at EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another and resembling stars in a nighttime sky. This permanent new lighting will continue beyond “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the park.

Guests will also want to keep an eye out for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, who will have sparkling new looks for the celebration. As hosts of the event, they’ll be dressed for the occasion in custom-made fashions of EARidescent fabric with gold highlights.

We’ll have more to share about our plans for this 18-month long “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in the future as we ramp up to the big day on Oct. 1!