Details on Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Released!

It’s almost here. The 50th Anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World will begin on October 1, 2021, and we are so excited. Disney has released details on what we can expect during the celebration.

From a Disney Cast Member;

It’s an event five decades in the making!

Beginning Oct. 1, Walt Disney World Resort will throw “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in honor of our 50th anniversary, bringing new experiences to our four theme parks and beyond. This milestone is such a big deal, we’ve even coined a new word – “EARidescence” – to describe what you’ll see when you visit. Our Disney teams are creating all sorts of new decorations that will shimmer and sparkle all day and into the night.

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, the castle will feature golden bunting and a 50th anniversary crest as part of its festive new look.

The castle will add even more magic at night, joined by icons at each of the other three theme parks as they transform into Beacons of Magic. With pixie dust on Cinderella Castle, magical fireflies inhabiting the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and special new touches coming to life on the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

And at EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another and resembling stars in a nighttime sky. This permanent new lighting will continue beyond “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the park.

You’ll also want to keep an eye out for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, who will have sparkling new looks for the celebration. As hosts of the event, they’ll be dressed for the occasion in custom-made fashions of EARidescent fabric with gold highlights.

In anticipation of this exciting time, we recently went out across Walt Disney World to talk with guests and Disney cast members about what a magical celebration would mean to them and why they love being here so much.

Speaking for my fellow Walt Disney World cast members, we’re looking forward to welcoming you during this special time in our history. We’ll have more to share about our plans for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in the future as we ramp up to the big day on Oct. 1, and then will be chronicling all the magic to be found during the 18-month-long event. So keep checking back here on the Disney Parks Blog for the latest updates on what promises to be something to remember for the next 50 years.

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Animation Experience Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Get ready to experience Walt Disney Animation Studios’ all-new ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ in a whole new way at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Check out the new animation experience coming to the park beginning February 22 as shared below by DisneyParksBlog.

Continuing the legacy Walt Disney started with “Bambi,” animals have been an integral part of Disney storytelling and continue to inspire the development of new, beloved characters. The Animation Experience at Conservation Station offers guests the chance to learn to draw Disney characters inspired by the animals they may also see in the park.

And beginning February 22, learn to draw new characters from “Raya and the Last Dragon,” including Raya’s faithful companion Tuk Tuk.

Part-pill bug, part-pug, part-high speed off-road vehicle and all adorable, Tuk Tuk has been Raya’s best friend since she could hold him in the palm of her hand. As part of the experience, you’ll see a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration for Tuk Tuk shared by Kelly Marie Tran (voice of Raya) and Awkwafina (voice of Sisu).

Also, at Discovery Island Stage, artists will be working on a 40-ton sand sculpture celebrating the new film.  The display will feature Raya, Tuk Tuk, Sisu the last dragon and the Ongi, all set in the fantasy world of Kumandra. It takes a team of two talented artists over 24 hours to build and carve the display made entirely from sand. Guests will have the opportunity to watch the artisans at work February 19 through 21 and the carving will remain on display at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a limited time through the end of March.

Experience the fantastical world of Kumandra in these two brand new offerings coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and take a look at the latest trailer for “Raya and the Last Dragon.”

Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon will be released simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access March 5.

Walt Disney World Park Hours Released Through April 24, 2021

Planning your visit to Walt Disney World? You’ll want to keep an eye on your My Disney Experience App for the latest update in park hours. The Walt Disney World website now shows parks hours have been released through April 24! As you plan your vacation to the most magic place on earth, here are the current posted park hours for February, March and April.

Magic Kingdom:

  •  February 8 – 11: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  •  February 12 – 16 : 9:00am to 10:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 10pm)
  •  February 17: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  •  February 18: 9:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  •  February 19 – 20: 9:00am to 10:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 10pm)
  •  February 21 – 25: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  •  February 26: 9:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  •  February 27: 9:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  •  February 28: 9:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  •  March 1 – 31: 9:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  •  April 1 – 24: 9:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)

EPCOT:

  • – February 8 – 11: 11:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  • – February 12: 11:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  • – February 13 – 14: 11:00am to 11:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 1pm)
  • – February 15 – 19: 11:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  • – February 20: 11:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  • – February 21 – 25: 11:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  • – February 26: 11:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  • – February 27: 11:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  • – February 28: 11:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • – March 1 – 31: 11:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  •  April 1 – 24: 11:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

  • – February 8 – 27: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • – February 28: 10:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  •  March 1 – 31: 10:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • – April 1 – 24: 10:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

  • – February 8 – 12: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  • – February 13 – 15: 8:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  • – February 16 – 19: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  • – February 20: 8:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • – February 21 – 26: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  • – February 27: 8:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  • – February 28: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  • – March 1 – 31: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  •  April 1 – 24: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)

Keep checking the My Disney Experience App before visiting as Disney has been known to add an extra hour or two on select days due to higher crowd levels. 

Walt Disney World Park Hours Released Through April 10, 2021

Planning your 2021 visit to Walt Disney World? You’ll want to keep an eye on your My Disney Experience App for the latest update in park hours. The Walt Disney World website now shows parks hours have been released through April 10! As you plan your vacation to the most magic place on earth, here are the current posted park hours for January, February, March and April.

Magic Kingdom:

  •  January 23: 9:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  • – January 24 – 29: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  •  January 30: 9:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  •  January 31: 9:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  •  February 1 – 4: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  •  February 5 – 6 : 9:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  •  February 7: 9:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8:00pm)
  •  February 8 – 11: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7:00pm)
  •  February 12 – 13 : 9:00am to 10:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 10pm)
  •  February 14 – 28: 9:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  •  March 1 – 31: 9:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  •  April 1 – 10: 9:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)

EPCOT:

  •  January 23 – 31: 11:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  •  February 1 – 6: 11:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  •  February 7: 11:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  • – February 8 – 11: 11:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  • – February 12 – 13: 11:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  • – February 14 – 28: 11:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • – March 1 – 31: 11:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  •  April 1 – 10: 11:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

  • – January 23 – 31: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • – February 1 – 13: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • – February 14 – 28: 10:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  •  March 1 – 31: 10:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • – April 1 – 10: 10:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

  •  January 23 – 24: 8:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  • – January 25 – 29: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  • – January 30: 8:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  • – January 31: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  • – February 1 – 12: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  • – February 13: 8:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • – February 14 – 28: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  • – March 1 – 31: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  •  April 1 – 10: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
pandora _ tree of life _ animal kingdom _ disney fanatic

Actors’ Equity Association Statement on Return of Disney’s Festival of the Lion King

We previously shared the exciting news that Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be bringing back Festival of the Lion King with modifications this summer! The excitement doesn’t just impact us Disney fans, but the Cast Members that will be returning to work. Check out the statement below from the Actors’ Equity Association in response to the return of this special entertainment.

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As shared via Actors’ Equity Association: New York – Actors’ Equity Association, the national labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, has released the following statement in response to Walt Disney World announcing the return of its Festival of the Lion King this summer.

“Equity is pleased that Walt Disney World continues to find safe ways to bring live entertainment back to the parks, in particular this Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King,” said Brandon Lorenz, national director for communications and public policy for Actors’ Equity Association. “The Festival of the Lion King is a favorite for cast members and guests alike, and its return offers an important ray of hope while the vast majority of our members who work at Walt Disney World remain laid off because of the pandemic.”