Category: Celebrations

50th Anniversary Crest Installed on Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom

Overnight, Disney Imagineers installed the much-anticipated golden 50th crest to Cinderella Castle as part of the park’s 50th anniversary celebration.

This celebratory event, called “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”, will feature new experiences at the resort’s four theme parks and beyond, where shimmering “EARidescent” décor will appear as if by magic. Shining at the center of it all will be 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 50^th anniversary crest warmly welcoming guests to the join the festivities.

The Walt Disney World Resort opened its gates nearly fifty years ago, and beginning October 1, 2021 the resort will begin celebrating it’s 50th anniversary with an 18-month long celebration.

July 23, 2021
50th Anniversary Crest to Adorn Cinderella’s Castle in 18 Month Celebration
As part of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration, Cinderella’s Castle will feature golden bunting and a 50th anniversary crest as part of its festive new look.

“The entire castle will shimmer with pearls and jewels, and the turrets and towers will be wrapped in iridescent gold and royal blue ribbons,” said George Adams, Walt Disney Imagineering. “Above the castle gate, a 50th-anniversary crest will warmly welcome guests to join the festivities.”

As part of the celebration, Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park will add to its royal makeover from last year as you can see in this new artist rendering below:

When night falls, the castle and the landmarks of the other three parks will transform into “Beacons of Magic,” adding a shimmering optical element to each, like “pixie dust on Cinderella Castle” and “magical fireflies inhabiting the Tree of Life.”
Beginning Oct. 1, Walt Disney World Resort will throw “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in honor of our 50th anniversary of the Resort.
February 20, 2021
New Enhanced Lighting Design Coming to Spaceship Earth will be Permanent at EPCOT
In honor of Disney World’s 50th anniversary, Spaceship Earth — the parks icon — is recieving an “EARidescence” lighting design that will be a permanent fixture of the park long after the celebration ends.

“This permanent new lighting will continue beyond ‘The World’s Most Magical Celebration’ as a defining feature of the park,” according to Disney Parks.

As we previously reported, a multi-year transformation of EPCOT is underway that will reimagine the park while keeping true to the original vision and the new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another and resembling stars in a nighttime sky as you can see below:
At the 2019 D23 Expo, Imagineer Zach Riddley discussed a new and enhanced lighting package will soon be installed on the exterior of Spaceship Earth, EPCOT’s icon.

Take a look below at all of the transformations underway at EPCOT:
Beginning Oct. 1, Walt Disney World Resort will throw “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in honor of our 50^th anniversary of the Resort.
February 20, 2021
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Celebrates 31st Birthday amid COVID-19 Closure

Hollywood Studios is celebrating its 31st anniversary today and to celebrate, Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro visited the iconic park and made the now-empty space a little louder.

The Disney Parks Blog posted on its Instagram a video of D’Amaro saying he’s heard from many people asking how it sounds inside the Disney parks, so for just a few minutes, he wanted to share a little music and magic from inside Hollywood Studios with the world on its birthday.

Take a look at the video below:

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A post shared by Disney Parks Blog (@disneyparksblog) on May 1, 2020 at 7:39am PDT

The video ends with D’Amaro saying he can’t wait for the time when he can share the parks with everyone.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened to the public on May 1, 1989, as Disney-MGM Studios.

May 1, 2020
Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse! Iconic Character Turns 90 Today

Everyone’s favorite pal Mickey Mouse has been entertaining families for generations. Millions flock to California, Florida and around the world to be with him and his friends every year, and today we’re celebrating his 90th birthday.

On this day in 1928, Mickey Mouse starred in Steamboat Willie, the first commercially successful animated cartoon to use synchronized sound.

It was Disney’s third Mickey short, but the first with sound. It debuted as a sneak preview at Universal’s Colony Theatre – located at Broadway & 53rd Street in New York City. It is shown before the feature film Gang War.

Steamboat Willie is co-directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks and features the first appearance of Minnie Mouse. It is animated by Ub Iwerks, Wilfred Jackson and Dick Lundy. The short also features the work of in between artist Les Clark (who will go on to be one of “Walt’s Nine Old Men”). Walt himself supplies the voices for all the characters – although there isn’t any real spoken dialogue just whistling, grunts, laughter and other vocal sounds.

During the premiere Walt sat nervously at the rear of the theater to gage the audience’s reaction. To his delight, the Colony echoed with laughs and giggles throughout the short! Steamboat Willie was shown every night for two weeks.

Disney’s imagination created Mickey Mouse, but he drew inspiration from real-life characters. The mouse’s movements were modeled after comedic film stars in the 1920s, including Charlie Chaplin. Mickey’s creator wasn’t only responsible for dreaming the mouse up, he was also responsible for voicing the character. From July 1929, when Mickey said his first words, “Hot Dog!” until about 1947, Disney, himself, was the voice behind the mouse.

Despite the fact that this is not the first Mickey cartoon made or released, this date is still considered Mickey Mouse’s true debut … and birthday!

November 18, 2018
New Vault By Vans Disney Collection Celebrates 90 Years of Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse is an icon and over the past 90 years, he has left his mark on entertainment, pop culture, and fashion. Everyone’s favorite mouse is turning 90 this year and to celebrate this milestone, Vault by Vans and Disney have teamed up once again for a new collection that combines artists and Mickey Mouse.

The new line showcases one-of-a-kind artwork from four artists, including John Van Hamersveld, Mr. Cartoon, Geoff McFetridge, and Taka Hayashi. The designs will be featured on Vans’ OG Sk8-Hi LX, as well as a short-sleeved tee. Each artist brings their own unique interpretation of Mickey, all while celebrating the things we love about this iconic character.

With a mutual passion for California culture, renowned illustrator and graphic designer , John Van Hamersveld is continuously recognized  for his influential graphics and images that are quintessential markers of Southern California culture. Best known for his psychedelic patterns and vibrant color schemes, he is a pioneer in the worlds of art, music, and surf—blending these genres perfectly into his extensive repertoire. For this collection, Van Hamersveld produces bright, punchy graphics featuring the one and only Mickey Mouse.

Legendary tattoo artist Mark Machado, more famously known as Mister Cartoon, is a Mexican-American artist born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Mister Cartoon is recognized and sought after for his richly detailed hand-rendered style of fine line tattooing—a technique that uses diluted black ink to create shadows and depth. What sets his work apart is the textural intricacy and stunning details of his three-dimensional- appearing works. His contribution to the collection depicts a black and grey illustration of the iconic “True Original” mouse driving a vintage car.

To bring a minimalistic and surreal illustrative style to the collection, Vault by Vans and Disney worked with Geoff McFetridge, Canadian designer, illustrator, and animator based in Los Angeles. McFetridge’s work intuitively ignores creative boundaries and spans a broad range of art media. The versatility and simplicity in his work is balanced by the use of elegant line drawings and paintings. His design captures Mickey Mouse in a unique pattern, highlighting his iconic colors – black, red and yellow.

Vault by Vans mainstay, Taka Hayashi, completes the collection with his commitment to detailed craftsmanship and unique design approach. Hayashi’s design features an unexpected hit of pink, conveying a Mickey Mouse inspired hot air balloon.

The Disney x Vans collaboration retails from $78 to $100 and launches globally on August 25, 2018 at select Vault by Vans accounts. Learn more about this special project at vans.com/vault.

August 25, 2018
Mickey Mouse Is Getting His Own Prime-Time Special On ABC Celebrating 90 Years

Mickey Mouse is turning 90 this year and Tuesday, ABC announced the iconic character will be getting his own prime-time TV special.

“Mickey’s 90th Spectacular,” is a two-hour prime-time special that will air Sunday, November 4 at 8:00p.m. EST! The program will feature tributes and never-before-seen short films of The Walt Disney Company’s global ambassador.

The list of performers participating in the celebration will be released at a later date.

Mickey’s birthday is celebrated in honor of the release of his first theatrical film, Steamboat Willie, on November 18, 1928, at the Colony Theatre in New York City. Since then, he has starred in more than 100 cartoons and can currently be seen on Disney Channel in the Mickey Mouse cartoon series and on Disney Junior in Mickey and the Roadster Racers.

August 7, 2018
Happy Birthday Disneyland! The “Happiest Place on Earth” Celebrates 63 Years of Magic

On this day in 1955, the “Happiest Place on Earth” opened its doors for the first time and now Disneyland celebrates its 63rd anniversary!

The original Disney theme park celebrates another year during its first-ever Pixar Fest. The “Happiest March on Earth” included 63 Disney characters, Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, and the Disneyland Resort Ambassadors marching down Main Street U.S.A.

Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955 to over 31,000 specially invited guests, including; Art Linkletter, Ronald Reagan, Bob Cummings, the Mouseketeers, Frank Sinatra, California Governor Goodwin J. Knight and Walt Disney who uttered the immortal words, “To all who come to this happy place, welcome…”

When the theme park opened it was hailed by many as the eighth wonder of the world and admission was $1 including tax for adults and 50 cents for children under 12. To take in all the attractions at Disneyland guests, priced at 15 to 50 cents, it cost an adult $8.70 and a child $5.15.

It was broadcasted on ABC and it was the biggest live telecast to date! The following day, Disneyland officially opened to the public. Disneyland, located in Anaheim, California on what used to be a 160-acre orange orchard, cost $17 million to build. The original park included Main Street, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.

July 17, 2018
New Nighttime Spectacular For Tokyo Disney Resort’s 35th Anniversary Debuts And More

This summer is packed full of new entertainment for Tokyo Disney Resort’s 35th Anniversary “Happiest Celebration!” In addition to the “Dreaming Up!” daytime parade and the “Happiest Celebration on the Sea,” which both premiered on the resort’s anniversary in April, guests can enjoy a stunning new nighttime spectacular and two new stage shows.

During the day, guests can revel in a little N’Orleans fun during “Let’s Party Gras!” at Theatre Orleans in Tokyo Disneyland, where Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Goofy, Max, Clarice and the Three Caballeros have a festive celebration in store. How does a “Party Gras” compare to Mardi Gras? Head over to Adventureland and find out!

From the Big Easy to the Big Apple, guests can visit the American Waterfront Dockside Stage in Tokyo DisneySea for “Hello, New York!” as Mickey and friends discover what makes New York City so unique, from the acrobatics of the street performers to the lights of Broadway.

And when the day comes to an end, Cinderella Castle is transformed during “Celebrate! Tokyo Disneyland,” a colorful nighttime spectacular with fountains, projections, pyrotechnics and a dazzling composition. Guests can purchase an exclusive light-up pendant before the show starts for a little extra magic.

Even more special merchandise is on sale in honor of the resort’s 35th Anniversary, including plush badges of Mickey and Minnie wearing their special show costumes. Distinctly Disney treats are also on sale, such as the corn-on-the-cob-shaped sandwich at the Sweetheart Café.

July 12, 2018
Complete Guide To Fall Season Experiences This Year at Walt Disney World Resort
Fall into the magic this year with parties, races, culinary delights and more during the upcoming fall season. Tastes, toys, treats and more are all on the menu this fall at Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s your complete guide to all the Fall Season Experiences this year, both in the theme parks and all across the resort.

23^rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Offers New Tastes

The aromas and flavors of more than 30 global food and beverage marketplaces, plus a full menu of new offerings such as “Sunday Brunch with the Chef,” welcome guests during the 23^rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Aug. 30-Nov. 12. One of America’s top food festivals since 1996, the 75-day Epcot dine-around extravaganza will surprise guests with new and inspiring sips and bites throughout the park’s World Showcase and several Future World venues. Highlights include:
- The grandest of the festival’s don’t-miss tasting events, Party for the Senses in World ShowPlace, will welcome acclaimed chefs and vintners Sept. 22, Oct. 6, 13, 20 and Nov. 10. They will showcase creative bites and palate-pleasing sips with sensational live entertainment.
- “Eat to the Beat” concerts – 225 in all – will rev up the America Gardens Theatre stage three times nightly with new musical acts including Vertical Horizon, 98 Degrees, Sheila E. and others. Selections span a broad range of eras and genres from rock and pop to rhythm and blues.
- “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” hands-on workshops Wednesdays and Thursdays provide new opportunities for guests to interact with visiting chefs, mixologists and other pros.
Throughout the festival, guests will find something for everyone in the family:
- A Ratatouille-inspired adventure is back as Chef Remy encourages families to play together during Remy’s Ratatouille Hid ‘n’ Squeak scavenger hunt.
- On Friday and Saturday evenings, enjoy an interactive Character Dance Party.
- In the new Junior Chef Kitchen, children become the chefs and eat what they make in this complimentary experience each Sunday in the Festival Center.
This is just an appetizer for what’s to come this fall. The 23^rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is included with theme park admission, but certain programs require a separate ticket and/or reservation; for full details, visit TasteEpcot.com.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Starts Sooner than Ever

Let’s boo this! There are even more nights to celebrate the spooky season this year during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This special-ticket event runs select nights Aug. 17-Oct. 31 at Magic Kingdom Park – the earliest in the calendar year it’s ever started. It’s also the 25^th anniversary of Walt Disney Pictures’ “Hocus Pocus,” so what better way to celebrate the film than the spellbinding Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular at Cinderella Castle, where the Sanderson Sisters take “stage fright” to another level.

Guests should keep their eyes open for dancing ghosts, the Headless Horseman, plus Mickey Mouse, Peter Pan and many more beloved Disney Characters in the Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade. There will also be plenty of sweets for all trick-or-treaters around the park, including allergy-friendly options. And each night during the party, the skies above an eerily lit Cinderella Castle come alive during Happy HalloWishes, a magical fireworks extravaganza that definitely goes bump in the night!

Advance tickets start at $75 for adults and $70 for ages 3-9 (plus tax). For a full list of event dates, visit MickeyHalloween.com. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as space each night is limited. For more information, call (407) WDISNEY (934-7639).

New Toy Story Land: A Perfect Place for Fall Fun

Where better to spend a beautiful fall day than playing in Andy’s backyard, the young toy owner from Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Storyfilms. In this extraordinary new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests are “honorary toys” surrounded by Andy’s favorites – Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and many more.

Across 11 fun-filled acres, guests can hop on the all-new Slinky Dog Dash for a family-friendly roller coaster ride, take a spin and enjoy some interstellar beats on Alien Swirling Saucers and go for the high score playing midway games inside the 4D world of Toy Story Mania! When toys get hungry, there’s no better place to grab a bite than Woody’s Lunch Box, a walk-up window featuring a bevy of nostalgic delights – from a grilled three-cheese sandwich to a Lunch Box Tart and much more.

Toy Story Land also offers a collection of new merchandise items, allowing guests to take their special memories home with them. Among the many highlights: a Buzz Lightyear Bubble Blower and a Slinky Dog headband.

Disney Junior Dance Party Shimmies into Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Later in fall, the new Disney Junior Dance Party premieres at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This live performance will feature high-energy music, a vibrant party atmosphere, special effects and characters from popular Disney Junior TV shows. Guests are invited to join all the fun with the stars of “Mickey and the Roadster Racers,” “Doc McStuffins,” “The Lion Guard” and the newest hit series, “Vampirina.”

Two New Restaurants, Reimagined World of Disney Opening at Disney Springs
- James Beard Award-winning Chef José Andrés – one of “The 100 Most Influential People of 2018” according to Time.com – will open a new location of his popular Jaleo this fall. It will offer an extensive menu of tapas that reflects the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. Designed by renowned Spanish designer Juli Capella, the new multi-level restaurant will feature breathtaking exterior architecture and a vibrant, theatrical décor representing the colorful, dynamic culture of Spain. Andrés’ Disney Springs venue will be his largest and most ambitious location to date.
- A new restaurant by James Beard Award-winning Chef Wolfgang Puck will also open this fall. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses – with a touch of elegance. The restaurant will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck’s Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles.
- In late fall, Disney Springs will reveal the newly reimagined World of Disney store, where guests will discover the products they love from Disney Parks in a dynamic and distinctly Disney environment. The flagship store remains open throughout the enhancement process.
Ready, Set, Go for Wine & Dine Half Marathon

The runDisney race season begins Nov. 1-4 with the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, featuring a 5K, 10K, half marathon and kids’ races. It includes the Disney Two Course Challenge – a 10K and half marathon on consecutive days. This is one of five runDisney events scheduled for this race season, which stretches into early 2019. Register at www.runDisney.com.

New Hotel and Ticket Package Available Labor Day Week

The “Ultimate Disney Fall into Magic Package” is available this year for the week of Labor Day. The limited-time offer, available for booking through Aug. 19, includes a five-night stay at a select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resort hotel for arrival Sept. 3 and departure Sept. 8, 2018. The package also features four-day Magic Your Way tickets and an itinerary full of special experiences in all four parks – including access to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and two hours of exclusive evening access to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Packages start at $149 per person, per night for a family of four in a standard room at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!
July 7, 2018