The Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary Merchandise Collection Is (Almost) Here!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Via Disney Destinations

Can you believe “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort is less than two months away? 

Today we are excited to share with you details – literally – about the much-anticipated Walt Disney World 50th anniversary merchandise collection. We can’t unveil specific items just yet, but simply could not resist sharing hints of what’s to come. 

Here are a few sneak peeks: 

You may be able to guess some items from these pictures, but we’ll tell you it is all going to be… well…magical. Stay tuned this Friday, Aug. 6 for exciting new details about our 50th anniversary merchandise collections. 

Bob Gurr Featured in Upcoming 20/20 Special

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Legendary Imagineer Bob Gurr posted on Instagram that he is filming interviews with 20/20 for an upcoming special on Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.https://www.instagram.com/p/CR7ybfsnoSS/

Bob Gurr is a Disney Legend and Imagineer who was hired by Walt Disney to work with WED Enterprises back in 1954. He has designed Autopia cars, the Monorail, Matterhorn Bobsleds, the Omnimover ride system used in The Haunted Mansion and so much more. His handprint is left in nearly everything that moves, in one way or another, at a Disney park. As such, he will be a wealth of knowledge on not only the last 50 years of Walt Disney World, but the workings of Imagineering and the creation process in general.

No other details were made available, but it can be assumed that the special will likely air around the date of the 50th anniversary, October 1, on ABC. Check back with WDWNT for more details as they are announced.

Joe Gardner from “Soul” Fab 50 Statue Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

It was announced today via the Pixar Instagram that Joe Gardner will be joining the lineup of Disney Fab 50 statues for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.

Soul directors Pete Docter and Kemp Powers took to Instagram to announce the newest statue honoring the lead from their film. Joe is seen seated, playing a stream of piano keys. The statue will be showcased at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, alongside Edna Mode who was recently announced as part of the Fab 50 Character Collection at the park as well.

California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Unavailable After October 2

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Guests looking to secure a dining reservation at California Grill will need to do so before October 2. A message on the reservation page states that the Disney’s Contemporary Resort restaurant will be unavailable after October 2.

california-grill-unavailable-october-2-5669645

“California Grill is currently unavailable for bookings after October 2 as we create a special dining experience for the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort.”

No other information was provided. The 50th Anniversary celebration begins October 1, 2021.