Disney World 50th Anniversary Merchandise

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

Via DisneyLists.com

For 50 years, no trip to the Walt Disney World Resort has been complete without bringing home a treasured souvenir – a special something that told everyone, “I went to Disney World!” In honor of the resort’s 50th anniversary, guests will discover new merchandise collections and shopping experiences all across The Most Magical Place on Earth.

1 – 50th Anniversary Merchandise

“The merchandise celebrates the legacy of the past 50 years with a nod to the next 50,” said Marianne Sharpe, vice president of merchandise for Walt Disney World Resort. “It includes authentic product replicas, modern fashion trend collections, artist collaborations, and even matching attire for the entire family. The 50th merchandise is truly for the Disney fan in us all.”

The collections offer something for everyone, from fun and creative celebration-themed items to an entire line of products inspired by Cinderella Castle. There are also throwback and retro-themed pieces, and even a shimmering collection of fashion and accessories inspired by the EARidescent decor that is a hallmark of the celebration.

2 – Shopping Locations

The new merchandise collections are complemented by enhanced shopping experiences at select locations across Walt Disney World. Each one-of-a-kind display was designed to honor the storied past behind five decades of merchandise and memories at The Most Magical Place on Earth.

With Disney Springs serving as the primary shopping destination for all 50th-anniversary collections, the new merchandise will also be available at all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Certain items will also be available at select Disney Resort hotels and on shopDisney.com.

Find 50th Anniversary Merchandise at These Locations:

  • World of Disney at Disney Springs
  • Emporium at Magic Kingdom Park
  • Creations Shop at EPCOT
  • Keystone Clothiers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • Island Mercantile at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
  • Bayview Gifts at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Two New Pop-up Shops Carry the Vault Collection (see #5):

  • Main Street Cinema at Magic Kingdom Park
  • The Vault Collection Experience at Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs

3 – Celebration Collection

The Celebration Collection includes a wide-ranging assortment of commemorative merchandise for the whole family. Perfect for mixing and matching, the collection features accessories by Dooney and Bourke, festive headwear, coordinating mommy-and-me ensembles, fashionable t-shirts and collectable 50th anniversary character plush.

  • Celebration Soap Dispenser – The pump-action soap dispenser delivers a perfectly sized dollop of Mickey Mouse-shaped foaming soap.
  • Celebration EARidescent Jacket by Wes Jenkins – Ideal for styling complementary looks that celebrate the 50th anniversary, the EARidescent Jacket by Wes Jenkins is offered in both adult and youth sizes.
  • Celebration 50th Anniversary Pandora Charm – This dazzling addition to Pandora Jewelry bracelets captures the essence of the historic Walt Disney World celebration.

4 – Disney Castle Collection

Drawing inspiration from the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park, the Disney Castle Collection features everything from collectibles – like ornaments and charms – to castle-inspired attire and a light-up, 50th anniversary-edition Minnie Mouse ear headband. Items in the collection pick up on the castle’s royal, EARidescent makeover created just for the celebration.

  • Disney Castle Dress Shop Dress – Debuting in December, the Disney Castle Collection Dress Shop Dress features a whimsical Cinderella Castle-inspired print and a classic silhouette honoring the pale- pink hues of the icon’s dreamy exterior.
  • Disney Castle Minnie Mouse Light-Up Ear Headband – As if they were enchanted by Fairy Godmother’s magic wand, the Disney Castle Collection Light Up Ears glow from within to elevate any Disney ensemble.
  • Disney Castle Camp Shirt – The notched camp collar shirt is timeless and versatile, featuring an illustrated motif of Cinderella Castle and the landscaped gardens of Magic Kingdom against beautiful blue skies.

5 – Vault Collection

Disney fans and those who love all things vintage will be eager to unlock the Vault Collection that pays tribute to 50 years of Walt Disney World magic with an assortment of retro-themed designs right out of the Walt Disney Archives. The collection includes classic opening-day favorites such as the original Walt Disney World Mickey Mouse ear hat design, throwback t-shirt styles, and nostalgic accessories. Additional Vault Collection items will be released throughout the celebration.

  • Vault Replica Ear Hat – Wearing a Mickey Mouse ear hat is a tradition for Walt Disney World guests that began on opening day in 1971. The Vault Replica Ear Hat lets guests own a piece of Disney history by bringing back the vintage hat design.
  • Vault Replica Loungefly Lunch Box Crossbody – The Vault Replica Loungefly Lunch Box Crossbody pays tribute to the classic character-themed souvenir lunch boxes of decades past and features nostalgic artwork inspired by the cast of The Country Bear Jamboree.
  • Vault Mickey and Minnie Plush – A true blast from the past, the Vault Mickey and Minnie plush toys pay homage to the style transformation exhibited by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from the 1970s to now, sporting their famous vintage fashions.

6 – EARidescent Collection – Late October 2021

In line with new décor seen across Walt Disney World during the 50th anniversary celebration, the EARidescent Collection features a shimmering array of themed fashions and accessories.

  • EARidescent Spirit Jersey – This premium pullover EARidescent Spirit Jersey features a ribbed crew neck, cuffed sleeves, gleaming EARidescent embellishments and puff ink “Walt Disney World” lettering on the back.
  • EARidescent V-Neck T-Shirt – Part of the latest chapter of Disney’s color story merchandise collection, the EARdescent V-Neck is a shiny new twist on a popular t-shirt design.
  • EARidescent Baseball Cap – This sporty baseball cap features EARidescent shimmer and a screen art Mickey Mouse icon as the focal point of the design.

7 – Luxe Logo Collection – November 2021

As the name implies, the Luxe Logo Collection will offer a range of upscale pieces for the Disney collector. Additional details will be revealed closer to its release date in November.

  • Luxe Logo Citizen Watch – Featuring exclusive artwork celebrating the 50th anniversary, the Luxe Logo Citizen watch combines luxury and Disney style.
  • Luxe Logo Jeweled Ear Hat – The Luxe Logo Jeweled Ear Hat is adorned with sparkling gold gemstones from ear to ear and is an elevated take on the classic Mickey ear hat.
  • Luxe Logo Corduroy Spirit Jersey Hoodie and Luxe Logo Corduroy Spirit Jersey Jogger– The textured corduroy material and gold detailing on these posh items achieve a comfortable, yet polished and sophisticated aesthetic. The Corduroy Spirit Jersey Hoodie and Corduroy Spirit Jersey Jogger are separate pieces that can be worn together for a sleek, coordinated look.

8 – Other Brands Join In with Must-Haves

Disney isn’t the only company cranking out 50th-anniversary merchandise. Companies such as Ray-Ban, Lego, Citizen Watch, Pandora Jewelry, and Joffrey’s Coffee all offer must-have souvenirs!

9 – Creation Shop at EPCOT

Open just in time for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” is Creations Shop, the new flagship merchandise location at EPCOT. The store’s recent grand opening marks another milestone in the park’s historic transformation and is the place for guests to find all manner of Disney and EPCOT merchandise.

Creations Shop celebrates Disney’s legacy of creativity by honoring the park’s past and its exciting future. Each thoughtful detail within Creations Shop was purposefully chosen to represent story elements and foster a memorable shopping experience for guests.

Mickey Mouse, who has inspired creativity for generations around the world, serves as a symbol of Disney’s creativity and can be seen prominently in a number of homages throughout the space, including large, dynamic murals and a collection of 10 original sculptures created by Disney Imagineers.

The store’s wide array of merchandise includes the EPCOT Light & Color Collection, an assortment of futuristic gear is inspired by the park’s transformation. In the same way that Disney Imagineers implemented color, materials and light throughout the design of Creation Shop, the EPCOT Light & Color Collection explores the park’s story through the whimsical application of light, the playful use of bold color and iconic EPCOT landmarks and characters.

Woman and her son celebrate Disney World’s 50th by recreating a special moment

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Via DisDining.com

“I had been to amusement parks before but nothing like that.”

Woman and her son celebrate Disney World's 50th by recreating a special moment - Disney Dining Information

These are the words from Florida resident Susan Kroll when she thinks back about the opening day of Magic Kingdom in October 1971. At the time, Susan and her husband were living in Buffalo, New York, but they had traveled to Florida to visit family along with their one-year-old son, Bill. She just couldn’t wait to go again with her son for the 50th anniversary.

Lucky Susan–she just happened to be in Florida the day Walt Disney World opened to the public. She was one of the nearly 11,000 Guests who first visited Disney’s central Florida park that day.

“I couldn’t even believe how beautiful it was,” she reminisces. “Everybody that was there was just fascinated with the whole place; everyone was very excited to be there.”

Susan visited Disney World that day with her family. Little Bill was there for the momentous day as well, but he says he’s too young to remember anything about the day.

Susan says he was very excited to see all the sights that went along with such an occasion. It was a little like the way Bill acted over the weekend when the two visited Magic Kingdom to celebrate the 50th anniversary. Susan frequents the parks, but Bill, though he lives in Orlando, hasn’t been to Disney World in a long time.

“My first impression turning down Ma

in Street was how beautiful the castle looked all painted and ready for the 50th,” Bill explains. “I’ve been to the parks hundreds of times as a Guest and a seasonal employee as a teenager, but I’ve never stopped being amazed at the genius, creativity, passion, and excellence that Walt started and the employees and leaders have carried on.”

The highlight of the day for the Mother-son duo was the time they took to recapture and recreate a memory from 50 years ago. On opening day at Disney World, Susan was sure to have her picture made with her infant son, and during this celebratory visit, she wanted to do it all over again, so the two headed for the castle and stood for a photo in the exact same spot where Susan had stood 50 years ago while she held Bill in her arms.

After recreating the special moment, Susan and Bill continued their day and celebrated Disney’s 50th by grabbing a popcorn bucket and just enjoying watching others as they passed by, planning their celebratory days as well.

Susan says she has plans to be in the parks two more times this week with friends. She’s going once with her friends and another time with her grandchildren.

Beyond Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration, Susan says she’s looking forward to enjoying the parks once EPCOT’s new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind coaster opens, and she’s also looking forward to the opening of the TRON Lightcycle attraction.

Walt Disney World turns 50 and says ‘thank you’ to Guests, Cast Members

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

Disney World turned 50 last Friday, and might we say, 50 looks good on the parks!

We have dreamed of this day for years, it seems, and Disney has been gearing up for the 50th anniversary celebration of the opening of Walt Disney World for quite a while now. It’s hard to believe the day has come!

There’s a palpable excitement at Disney World this morning as Guests take in the sights and sounds of a sprawling Disney theme park celebrating all the magic and memories over the last 50 years that has made Disney World what it is today.

There are also amazing new attractions, restaurants and experiences that have debuted in the past few days or are debuting today!

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opens to Guests today at the France pavilion on the World Showcase at EPCOT. Guests can climb aboard a Remy-themed ride vehicle and take off on a trackless culinary adventure unlike any other.

Also at EPCOT, over at Mission: SPACE, Guests can dine at the all-new Space 220 Restaurant that opened on September 20. You’ll need a reservation to step into the “stellarvator” and journey 220 miles up into the atmosphere where you’ll dine on cosmic renditions of popular dishes, all while taking in the breathtaking views of earth from 220 miles above its surface.

With names like “Starry Calamari” and “Galactic Lobster Globe,” we’re thinking a stop in at Space 220 is in our future!

We said goodbye to Magic Kingdom’s nighttime spectacular, “Happily Ever After”, and we trade up to “Enchantment,” an all-new nighttime spectacular that combines fireworks with Disney’s first-ever projection show to have projections leap off Cinderella Castle and illuminate every inch of Main Street U.S.A.

Walt Disney World said thank you to Guests and Cast Members alike with a new video. Take a look!

Disney Releases Special Food & Drink Guide for 50th Anniversary Celebration at Disney World

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

During its 50th anniversary celebration, Walt Disney World once again demonstrates how food and drinks can be key ingredients for a fun day at The Most Magical Place on Earth. New menu items for the celebration offer nods to the resort’s past while pushing culinary adventures to exciting new places. These include theme park classics and some of Walt Disney’s favorite items, along with novel dishes and sips full of color, whimsy and a touch of EARidescent shimmer. Disney has released a look at some of the 150-plus new items available. 

From a Disney Cast Member;

The magic is calling all Foodies to the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration – The World’s Most Magical Celebration! Throughout our four theme parks and beyond, Disney chefs and mixologists have created more than 150 sips and bites full of color, whimsy, and a touch of EARidescent shimmer – with even more coming throughout the 18-month celebration beginning Oct. 1.

Walt’s personal recipes, Walt Disney World Resort attractions (past and present), beloved Disney Characters, and nostalgic dishes from 1971 were inspirations for the tasty offerings created for this anniversary celebration.

Walt’s palate was relatively simple – definitely a meat and potatoes guy! Roast lamb, roast beef hash topped with a fried egg, chili, and fried chicken were his favorites, along with lemon, apple, chocolate, and bread pudding desserts. Disney chefs looked to Walt’s recipes from the archives while planning for the 50th anniversary celebration. The result is deliciously reimagined versions of Walt’s favorites. And many of the treats (including the fun EARidescent Sip-a-bration) are infused with EARidescent shimmers to add glimmering touches to the celebratory creations.

I am highlighting just a sampling of the limited-time sips and bites in this Foodie Guide, but we have created a complete online guide for you to view the more than 150 fantastic menu items!

To view all the 50th anniversary celebration food and beverage offerings on your mobile device, click here to download the My Disney Experience app or click here to view at Disneyworld.com.

While you are celebrating with us, be sure to share your favorite sips and bites using the hashtag #DisneyWorld50.

Let The World’s Most Magical Celebration begin!

Magic Kingdom Park

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

    • Uncle Orville Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow Sundae – Chocolate and vanilla soft-serve, brownie pieces, hot fudge, and whipped cream topped with red, white, and blue sprinkles served in a “bathtub”

Be Our Guest Restaurant

    • Squids Revenge Drink – A michelada with a salted rim and garnished with charred octopus and cucumber. Watch out, the giant squid is back!

Casey’s Corner

    • Pressed Penny Silk Pie – Chocolate tart shell, silky chocolate filling, sweet whipped cream, and a chocolate-pressed penny
    • 50th Celebration Hot Dog – All-beef hot dog topped with strawberry bacon jam, crisp funnel cake pieces, and powdered sugar

Cinderella’s Royal Table

    • Royal 50th Celebration Flight – Flight of Enchantée Champagne – a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunière (Enchantée Champagne is sold exclusively at the Walt Disney World Resort)

Columbia Harbor House

    • Happy Haunts Milkshake – Blackberry milkshake topped with a purple chocolate-glazed doughnut covered with black sprinkles

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café

    • Mission to Mars – Burger topped with bacon and macaroni & cheese served on a bun dusted with crushed cheese-flavored puffs

The Crystal Palace

    • Walt’s Favorites on the Buffet – Chicken fried steak, New York strip steak, pork chops, and more!

Friar’s Nook

    • The Toad Burger – Brat burger served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and American cheese

Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen

    • Veranda Fried Rice – Spicy chili-garlic shrimp served over pork fried rice with eggs and peas (from the original Verandah Restaurant menu)

Outdoor Kiosks

    • Dumbo Churros – Churros rolled in peanut dust and served with chocolate dipping sauce in a Dumbo-themed churro bag
    • Royal 50th Churro – Churros rolled in strawberry sugar, drizzled with marshmallow cream, and shimmer sprinkles served with  chocolate dipping sauce

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

    • The Banana Boom – Traditional banana split topped with popping candy and a candied shooting star

Plaza Restaurant

    • Cheers to 50 Years! – Chocolate and vanilla ice cream, brownies, cupcakes, cookie crumbles, pretzel rods, and hot fudge topped with whipped cream, EARidescent sugar, and a Mickey pretzel drizzled with caramel and chocolate icing (serves 4-6)

Storybook Treats

    • Heigh-Ho Sundae! – Chocolate soft-serve, hot fudge, graham cracker pieces, chocolate gems, and whipped cream

Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

    • Five Alarm Wings – Wings tossed in a sweet-and-spicy heat served with ranch dressing for dipping

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Drinkwallah

    • Hand-dipped 50th Celebration Mickey Premium Bar – Our classic Nestlé Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar dipped in blue raspberry-flavored coating with celebration sprinkles and a little bit of pixie dust

Restaurantosaurus

    • Cheese Fries with Walt’s Chili – Crispy fries topped with Walt’s favorite chili and cheddar sauce
    • Walt’s Favorite Chili on Foot-long Hot Dog – A foot-long hot dog served on a warm bun topped with Walt’s favorite chili and cheddar sauce

Tiffins

    • 50th Celebration Chocolate Gâteaux – Almond praline, white chocolate crémeux, ganache, and chocolate-South African cream liqueur sauce

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Trolley Car Café

    • Glimmer and Shimmer Pineapple Mousse – Golden pineapple mousse on a toasted coconut crisp with caramel cream and matcha sponge cake

The Hollywood Brown Derby

    • Filet Mignon with Walt’s Hash topped with an egg (just the way Walt liked it!)

The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, Oasis Canteen, Sunshine Day Bar, Animation Bar

    • Shimmer over the Moon – Apple pie moonshine, amaretto, falernum, pineapple juice, and club soda served with a souvenir glow cube

ABC Commissary

    • Chocolate Mousse – Raspberry-dark chocolate mousse, chocolate-almond cake, and a layer of hazelnut crunch and whipped chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake

EPCOT

Coral Reef Restaurant 

    • Key Lime Tart with toasted meringue, EARidescent shimmer, sprinkles, and chocolate garnish

The EPCOT Experience 

    • EARidescent Croissant Doughnut – Croissant doughnut with blue icing and sprinkles

Le Cellier Steakhouse

    • Chocolate Mousse Bar – Dark chocolate mousse, caramel cookie pieces, milk chocolate shell, and chocolate shortbread cookie

Sunshine Seasons

    • Mini Chocolate Bundt Cake – Mini chocolate Bundt cake with chocolate ganache, sprinkles, and icing dusted with EARidescent shimmer and chocolate 50th anniversary garnish

Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie

    • 50th Celebration Petit Cake – Vanilla chiffon cake with celebration blue mousse, blueberry jam, and lemon curd

The Ganachery 

    • 50th Celebration Chocolate Bundle:
      • 50th Celebration Ganache Chocolate Bar – Milk chocolate combined with caramel and crispies for a playful crunch
      • 50th Celebration Ganache Square – Celebration cake ganache mixed with sprinkles, enrobed in 65% dark chocolate, and decorated with a shimmering castle design

Frontera Cocina

    • Chocolate Pigñata – Chocolate shell filled with cajeta mousse, tender cake (infused with whiskey & vanilla), crumble of chipotle bacon, candied orange, and Maria cookies. Yes, there’s a mallet to break your piñata!  Serves two.

The BOATHOUSE

    • Sweet Nostalgia Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – Pineapple upside-down cake with  caramel glazed with Chantilly cream

Terralina Crafted Italian,

    • Whimsical White Chocolate Mousse –White chocolate mousse with salted caramel and cotton candy

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, 

    • Caramel Banana Chocolate Sphere – Dark chocolate sphere, vanilla pudding, banana caramel compote, gold dust, and chocolate pearls

Resorts

The Mara, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

    • Chocolate Mousse with a cardamom financier

Contempo Café, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

    • 50th Anniversary Peanut Butter-Banana Pie – Sweet tart shell filled with peanut butter mousse and banana sauce topped with chocolate glaze and chocolate décor

Toledo–Tapas, Steak, and Seafood, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

    • Braised Lamb Shank with olive oil-potato purée, rosemary-roasted garlic gravy, huckleberry jam, and English peas

P&J’s Southern Takeout, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds

    • Chicken Dinner Cupcake Trio
      • Fried chicken-apple fritter, apple pie moonshine filling, and vanilla buttercream ​
      • Peas and carrots-strawberry moonshine custard, white chocolate frosting, and  M&M’S Mini “peas
      • Mock mashed potato-SNICKERS mousse cupcake, caramel buttercream, and STARBURST “butter”

Grand Floridan Café, Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort & Spa

    • 50th Anniversary Vintage Minnie’s Brown Betty Profiterole – Crunchy-topped cream puff filled with one of Walt’s favorite flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and Chantilly cream

Olivia’s Cafe, Disney’s Old Key West Resort

    • Spam-Cheddar Biscuits with white gravy and drizzled with honey

Capt. Cook’s, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

    • 50th Celebration Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with DOLE Whip pineapple center, tropical fruit salsa, and pineapple macaron

Le Petit Café, Disney’s Riviera Resort

    • 50th Celebration Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake, cake-flavored mousse, and caramel-buttercream icing garnished with crisp pearls, 50th anniversary sprinkles, and a whimsical gold Mickey

Roaring Fork, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

    • Petit Stump Cake ​– Chocolate cake with birthday cake buttercream filling surrounded by chocolate “bark” fondant topped with 50th anniversary chocolate coin

The Market at Ale & Compass, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

    • 50th Celebration Tart – Birthday cake mousse dome on top of a milk chocolate mousse-filled vanilla tart shell with mini chocolate crisp pearls, buttercream, fondant, and chocolate décor

Available at select table-service restaurants, lounges, and pool bars throughout our four Theme Parks and Resorts 

    • EARidescent Sip-a-bration (Non-Alcoholic Beverage) – Minute Maid Premium Lemonade and fruity strawberry punch served in a souvenir 50th Celebration Cup with a surprise Character and a little bit of magic!
    • Magical Beacon Cocktail – Gin, blue curaçao, Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, orgeat (almond) syrup, lemon, hibiscus grenadine, and a souvenir glow cube

Our classic Nestle Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar has a festive new wrapper showcasing Mickey in his EARidescent finest!

Opening Show Returning to Magic Kingdom?

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Live entertainment at Walt Disney World has been hard to find in the last year since the parks reopened in July 2020. Only a handful of shows have returned. Thankfully, it appears another fan-favorite may be about to return, just in time for the 50th-anniversary celebration.

Let the Magic Begin is a five-minute welcome show at Magic Kingdom. The show, which has not been operating since March 2020, showcases many favorite characters and ends with Mickey and Minnie welcoming guests to the park and wishing them a great day. While the Walt Disney World Website lists “Let the Magic Begin” as temporarily unavailable, showtimes are now listed beginning October 1! In the photo below, the time is listed at 7:55 pm, but we’re sure that’s just a typo since it’s the show that opens the park. The park opens at 8:00 am on Friday and 9:00 am on Saturday, so the times listed are 5 minutes before park opening, just as before. While there has been no official announcement regarding the show, the show times on the website certainly indicate it is coming back and the timing seems to make sense as well.

No word has been given if the show will be updated for the 50th-anniversary celebration. Mickey and the gang will be wearing new celebration outfits, so we expect to see those characters in celebration outfits at the very least.

We’ll be there on October 1 and we’re crossing our fingers that our day starts out with Let the Magic Begin!