The Mad Hatter is joining the Cheshire Cat in the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary. Ashley Eckstein showed off some of her Alice in Wonderland-themed house in a video on Disney social media to announce the Mad Hatter’s gold statue.
The Mad Hatter’s statue will be at Magic Kingdom.
R2-D2 is joining the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection and rolling into Disney’s Hollywood Studios this fall as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”
Walt Disney Imagineers Ann Morrow Johnson and Scott Trowbridge, who are currently working on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, announced R2-D2’s gold statue in a new social media video.
The next member of the “Disney Fab 50” collection of character statues coming to Walt Disney World for its fiftieth anniversary has been announced… and it stars one fabulous feline!
Direct from Wonderland, the Cheshire Cat will have a statue at the Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle made the announcement on his Instagram account, accompanied by two cast members, Ben (who has been working at Walt Disney World since 1971), and LaTara (who has been working there for two years).
Via Disney Destinations;
Do you remember your first pair of Mickey Mouse ears? What about your first Disney character plush? For almost 50 years, Guests from around the world have commemorated their Walt Disney World Resort trips with sentimental souvenirs that serve as timeless reminders of their vacations.
Over the years, carefully curated merchandise collections have been important piece of Walt Disney World history. Today we are giving you the first look at the merchandise collections inspired by “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” that begins Oct. 1.
If Guests are planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation during the 18-month anniversary celebration and are looking to take home a token of the magic, we are excited to share a preview of the new collections debuting this fall across Walt Disney World Resort, with select items available at shopDisney.com.
Pre-Celebration Must-Haves
Available beginning on Aug. 12, this must-have pre-celebration collection features limited-time products, perfect for Disney fans who are visiting Walt Disney World Resort before the official 50th anniversary festivities begin. Annual Passholders can check out this special long-sleeve T-shirt exclusively for them.
Launching at the start of the celebration, three new collections will appear across Walt Disney World Resort, with select items available on shopDisney.com. Two more 50th anniversary collections will debut later this fall.
Celebration Collection
From accessories by Dooney and Bourke and festive headwear to coordinating mommy-and-me ensembles and – fan favorite – a soap dispenser, the Celebration Collection offers a wide-ranging assortment of commemorative merchandise for the whole family, perfect for mixing and matching.
Disney Castle Collection
The iconic Magic Kingdom Park landmark, Cinderella Castle, serves as the inspiration behind this new collection. Favorite items include the collectable ornaments, the castle-themed mug and, of course, the light-up Minnie Mouse ear headband!
Vault Collection
This collection is sure be a favorite among long-time fans. It offers retro-themed designs inspired by items from the Walt Disney Archives. Paying tribute to 50 years of Walt Disney World magic, the collection includes an assortment of opening-day favorites, such as a 2021 rendition of the original Mickey Mouse ear hat, throwback T-shirt styles and vintage-inspired plush toys. And best of all, there’ll be more blasts from that past joining the collection as the celebration continues!
EARidescent Collection
You may have noticed the new EARidescent décor on Cinderella Castle, and you will soon see more of it around Walt Disney World Resort in honor of the 50th anniversary. The latest color collection, which will debut in late October, is themed to match the EARidescent celebration and features everything from a mini-backpack by Loungefly and a Spirit Jersey to a set of sparkling Minnie ears.
And there’s more to come! This fall, look for one-of-a-kind retail displays that will incorporate Disney storytelling into the 50th merchandise shopping experience. The imaginative displays will pop up at select merchandise locations across Walt Disney World, including World of Disney at Disney Springs. The rendering pictured above was envisioned by our very own merchandise cast members Eric Rachaphoumy and Paul Seus.
You also won’t want to miss upcoming merchandise news, where we will reveal details about the Luxe Logo Collection, a range of upscale pieces for the Disney collector that will debut in November. Stay tuned for exciting updates about “The World’s Most Magical Celebration!”
Showtimes are now available for the new fireworks spectaculars coming to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT beginning October 1. The schedule is currently posted through October 16.
October 1 – October 4: 9:00 p.m.
October 5 – October 16: 8:00 p.m.
Disney Enchantment is replacing Happily Ever After as the new fireworks spectacular at the Magic Kingdom.
October 1 – October 16: 9:45 p.m.
Harmonious is replacing EPCOT Forever as the new nighttime show at EPCOT.
Both shows are debuting October 1 as part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World.