The Wave Restaurant To Be Refurbished for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is scheduled for refurbishment this summer. While Disney has yet to release in depth details about the refurbishment, we do know they are working on the space “in time for the 50th anniversary”.

As shared by Disney: “The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be unavailable this summer as we refurbish this space in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. Reservations will be available through July 15.”

The Disney rumor mill and speculations are hard at work with this refurbishment. Much of the speculations suggest Disney could make this a character dining restaurant with characters from The Incredibles. While we would absolutely love that, there is no confirmation from Disney.

Final Draperies Installed for 50th Anniversary Décor on Cinderella Castle

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

We’re so excited to begin the 50th Anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World! As we gear up for the celebration to begin on October 1, Disney Imagineers are hard at work preparing for the celebration. Even the beloved Cinderella Castle is getting all dolled up for the occasion! Walt Disney Imagineer, Zach Riddley, took to Instagram to share an update on the Cinderella Castle décor.

As shared via Zach Riddley Instagram: “Last night, our @WaltDisneyImagineering and @WaltDisneyWorld teams installed the final dramatic draperies of the 50th anniversary decor on Cinderella Castle. Over the coming weeks, the team will begin to focus on crowning the castle roofs with majestic swirls of golden ribbons as we continue this royal treatment for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” starting Oct. 1, 2021.”

Walt Disney World Announces Magic Kingdom Enhancements Ahead of 50th Anniversary

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Today, the Disney Parks Blog teased a series of ongoing Magic Kingdom enhancements in time for the park’s monumental 50th anniversary celebration beginning October 1st, 2021. By the time “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” begins, many existing park offerings will have a new sparkle.

“Whether it be a freshly painted castle turret being adorned with 50th anniversary décor, or shimmering gold leaf being added to your favorite Fantasyland attractions, our cast members are hard at work making Magic Kingdom Park shine like never before. Be sure to keep an eye out for these enhancements and more in the coming months!”

Laurel Slater, Disney Parks Blog

Of course, this isn’t new information, but it’s the first time Disney has acknowledged the rolling refurbishments.

Here’s just a few of the projects so far:

  • Cinderella Castle repainting
  • Cinderella Castle 50th decor (ongoing)
  • Peter Pan’s Flight refurbishment
  • Peter Pan’s Flight exterior refurbishment (ongoing)
  • “it’s a small world” exterior refurbishment
  • Tomorrowland exterior refresh
  • Tomorrowland Speedway refurbishment
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover refurbishment (ongoing)
  • Swiss Family Treehouse refurbishment (ongoing)

There are likely a few smaller upkeep projects that will take place between now and October as well.

Global Ambassador Appointed for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

As Mickey and Minnie get a fabulous makeover and the park icons are fashioned with themed overlays, it’s going to be a party like no other! Now, in preparation for the celebration, Disney has named its new Global Ambassador

Disney shared that George A. Kalogridis will be the official Global Ambassador for Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary Celebration! Currently, Kalogridis also serves as the President of Segment Development and Enrichment for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. He’s been with the company for nearly 50 years now.

In this new role, Kalogridis will help develop “strategic and operational business initiatives while developing and scaling best practices at Disney sites worldwide.” Additionally, he will lead the Disney Institute and National Geographic Live businesses.

Further responsibilities include serving as a strategic advisor to Disney destination operators and helping to further Disney’s principles of Diversity and Inclusion.

In the past, Kalogridis has served as president of Walt Disney World, president of Disneyland Resort, and chief operating officer for Disneyland Resort Paris, among many other roles.

Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Will Last Until April 2023

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

We previously shared the exciting news that Walt Disney World announced details surrounding their 50th Anniversary celebration. One of the most exciting parts of the announcement is that the celebration is going to last a full 18 MONTHS!

Walt Disney World first opened their gates to guests on October 1, 1971, so it’s only appropriate that the celebration begins on the official date of the 50th Anniversary, October 1, 2021. If you aren’t able to make it on October 1, the rest of 2021, or even 2022… you’ll still have a chance to celebrate in 2023. With an 18-month celebration, you can expect the party to keep on rolling through April 2023!

This 18-month celebratory event 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 50th anniversary crest warmly welcoming guests to the join the festivities.