Disney World Adds Extra Perks For Visitors During Its 50th Anniversary

Walt Disney World already has a lot of bonuses in place for any Disney Guests who visit on or after October 1st of this year, since it marks their 50th anniversary, but now they’ve added additional sweeteners for anyone who stays at the Disney Resorts Collection hotels!

Anyone who is staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel during the “World’s Most Magical Celebration” can officially enter the Disney World theme parks earlier than everyone else. Furthermore, Disney visitors who are residing in the Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort hotels can take advantage of extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks.

Pluto and Goofy at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

There will also be special appearances by Disney “friends” (i.e. Disney characters), who will be wearing new EARidescent garb. Cast Members will also be wearing special-edition nametags. While you’re on your way to the parks, you can also see special 50th-anniversary decor on the Disney monorail, select Disney Skyliner cabins, and select Disney Transportation buses!

If you haven’t picked which Disney hotel to hang your hat in, you may want to give Disney’s Contemporary Resort a try! This Resort has just had a makeover, making it a mix of retro and modern, and characters from the Pixar Incredibles movies are being featured in lots of its decor.

Walt Disney World is also encouraging Guests to book rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, because the resort has new rooms that are based on the Disney film (and Polynesian heroine) “Moana.” The resort has a new entrance with lots of Polynesian detailing, which was only just finished as another part of Disney World’s current refurbishments!

Once you’ve picked a resort to stay in, be sure to try the limited-edition Joffrey’s Coffee blend that’s been formulated just for Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. With two new restaurants opening as well (one French and one futuristic), you won’t go hungry!

First Look: Steakhouse 71 Menus, Opening Soon at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Steakhouse 71, located on the first floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, will open its doors on Oct. 1 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and we are excited to share a first look at all the menus.

The chefs created a terrific dinner menu with all the hallmarks of a family-friendly steakhouse, and offerings at breakfast and lunch are unique and delicious. They even give a nod to Walt Disney with contemporary spins on some of his favorite foods.

And kids get to be creative with their meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They can choose an entrée, select two sides, and a drink from a menu that includes oatmeal with dried cranberries and Mickey-shaped waffles for breakfast and PBJ wings and cheeseburgers for lunch and dinner. They can even create their own ice cream sundae!

Our talented mixologists and sommeliers have crafted fabulous alcoholic and nonalcoholic libations offered in the Steakhouse 71 Lounge or to enjoy while dining.

Check out all the new menus!

Steakhouse 71, which gets its name from the year the resort opened, has a sleek yet comfortable décor with fun design elements from the ‘70s and hints of our Florida heritage with subtle sightings of the beloved Orange Bird and citrus groves.

Guests can start their Disney day with a delicious breakfast at Steakhouse 71. The breakfast menu offers everything from Fresh-baked Pastries and Avocado Toast to Walt’s Prime Rib Hash and Eggs Benedict! Enjoy a variety of wake-up sips like the Steakhouse Bloody Mary and the Bourbon Cold Brew (Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew, bourbon, maple, vanilla bean cream), as well as espresso, cappuccino, latte, freshly brewed coffee, assorted teas, and juices.

Guests can take a lunch break and relax at Steakhouse 71. Check out this fantastic lunch menu!

Now, THIS is a steakhouse menu! Guests can customize their steak entrée with a choice of a side and yummy sauce. Craving something other than a steak? Steakhouse 71 has delicious fish, chicken, and plant-based offerings as well.

One favorite dessert is the Steakhouse 71 Chocolate Cake. It is 15 layers of whiskey-infused chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and raspberries – one layer for every floor at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Before dining (or any time), relax, sip, and nosh in the retro Steakhouse 71 Lounge with comfortable seating at the large rectangular bar.

The mixologists and sommeliers have created unique and refreshing concoctions to enjoy in the Steakhouse 71 Lounge or while dining.

Citrus groves surrounding the resort when first being built were the inspiration for two refreshing cocktails. The Citrus Grove Cocktail (Italian bitter, green herbal liqueur, citrus juices, simple syrup, and orange bitters) evokes the scents of fresh oranges and citrus groves. And the Steakhouse 71 Vodka Gimlet (vodka, green herbal liqueur, herbal blend, lime juice, simple syrup, and Minute Maid Premium Lemonade) is a fresh and herbaceous cocktail inspired by the Florida wetlands. The “Lily” pad garnish is in honor of Lillian Disney.

While Guests enjoy the subtle ‘70s vibe of the restaurant, they can relax with a popular drink from that decade – the Tequila Sunrise! Our mixologists gave their Tequila Sunrise a modern twist with tequila, tropical juices, rosemary simple syrup, and house-made grenadine. A “sharable” Tequila Sunrise is available for lunch and dinner, serving 2-4 guests.

Steakhouse 71 proudly offers a selection of “Disney Family of Wines,” a diverse collection of wines with a personal connection to the Disney name. The wineries display qualities long identified with Walt Disney and The Walt Disney Company – passion, innovation, and quality.

Reservations for Steakhouse 71 are now available. To make reservations, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Special Ceremony

From Disney Destinations;

Aloha! Cast Members at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa celebrated a special moment on Sunday, Aug. 29 in honor of Aulani Resort’s 10th anniversary. Aulani Resort’s own Aunty and Uncle hosted the moment with Disney friends by their sides, including the music loving ‘Olu Mel. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse also revealed their brand-new outfits – reserved just for their visits to Aulani Resort.

And, Guests can experience the music of a new song that premiered celebrating Aulani Resort. Watch the 10th anniversary ceremony celebration with ‘ohana and friends.

Refurbishments Update For Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

From Disney Destinations

The Contemporary Feature Pool at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be unavailable in winter 2023 while it undergoes maintenance work. As an alternative, Guests staying at this Disney Resort hotel may enjoy the Bay Pool, leisure pool at the Contemporary Resort.

Additionally, the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will be unavailable beginning January through April 2023 while it undergoes maintenance work. As an alternative, Guests staying at this Disney Resort hotel may enjoy the Wilderness Swimmin’ pool.

During this time, it is possible that Guests may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms, Guest cabins and campsites between dusk and 9 a.m.

Disney Announces Attraction Lineup for Early Theme Park Entry & Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

Announced earlier this year, one of the new benefits of staying at a Walt Disney Resort will be a new 30-minute early entry. Extra Magic Hours have been retired and will not return. This new benefit allows guests to enter any theme park, ahead of non-resort guests to get a jump on the day. Another benefit, available only to guests of Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts, gives guests extended evening hours in the parks. Disney has announced the attractions that will be open during the Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.

Early Theme Park Entry

Starting October 1, 2021, as part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, Disney Resort hotel Guests and Guests of other select hotels will be able to enjoy more fun with 30-minute early entry to any Walt Disney World theme park, every day. It’ll be a great way to get a jump start on your Disney day, no matter the day!

Valid theme park admission, park reservation, and Resort ID are required.

Participating HotelsEarly theme park entry is a benefit for registered Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and select other hotels, which include:

  • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
  • Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
  • Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
  • Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World® Resort
  • Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
  • Waldorf Astoria Orlando
  • B Resort & Spa Lake Buena Vista
  • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
  • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
  • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
  • Holiday Inn Orlando
  • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
  • Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
  • Four Seasons Resort Orlando

What’s Available at the Theme Parks

During the early entry period, select attractions, merchandise, and food and beverage locations will be operating.

In addition, the following attractions are planned* to operate:

Magic Kingdom Park

  •     “it’s a small world”
  •     Astro Orbiter
  •     Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  •     Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  •     Mad Tea Party
  •     Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  •     Peter Pan’s Flight
  •     Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
  •     Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  •     Space Mountain
  •     The Barnstormer
  •     The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  •     Tomorrowland Speedway
  •     Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
  •     Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
  •     Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Epcot

  •     Beauty and The Beast Sing-Along
  •     Frozen Ever After
  •     Mission: SPACE
  •     Soarin’ Around the World
  •     Spaceship Earth
  •     Test Track
  •     The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  •     Alien Swirling Saucers
  •     Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
  •     Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  •     Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
  •     Slinky Dog Dash
  •     Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
  •     The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ™
  •     Toy Story Mania!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  •     Avatar Flight of Passage
  •     DINOSAUR
  •     Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
  •     It’s Tough to be a Bug!
  •     Na’vi River Journey
  •     TriceraTop Spin

*Please note that attractions are subject to change and may not always be operational. To learn about any unplanned closures or long-term refurbishments, please view details about the attraction on our website or mobile app.

What You Need to Know

  • Be aware that a valid theme park admission ticket and park reservation are required.
  • Guests without the Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option must spend the day at the same park where they’d like to enjoy the Early Theme Park Entry benefit.
  • Not all Walt Disney World attractions are available during Early Theme Park Entry. Early Theme Park Entry schedule and available attractions are subject to change without notice.
  • Applicable theme park, days and times of operation, attraction and service availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity and cancellation.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

With the kickoff of the 50th anniversary, enjoy extended evening hours on select evenings in select theme parks when you stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort or, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort or other select hotels. This exciting benefit begins in October 2021—so you can celebrate the spectacular 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort!

Participating HotelsExtended evening theme park hours is a benefit for registered Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, which include:Disney Deluxe Resorts

  •     Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  •     Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  •     Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  •     Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  •     Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  •     Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  •     Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  •     Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

  •     Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  •     Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  •     Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  •     Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
  •     Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  •     Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  •     Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  •     Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  •     Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  •     Disney’s Riviera Resort
  •     Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  •     The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Other Select Hotels

  •     Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
  •     Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
  •     Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
  •     Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World®

What’s Available at the Theme Parks

During the extended evening theme park hours, select merchandise and food and beverage locations will be available.

In addition, the following attractions are planned* to operate:

Magic Kingdom Park

  • “it’s a small world”
  • Astro Orbiter
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  • Country Bear Jamboree
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Mad Tea Party
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  • Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Space Mountain
  • Swiss Family Treehouse
  • The Barnstormer
  • The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Tomorrowland Speedway
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
  • Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Epcot

  • Beauty and The Beast Sing-Along
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
  • Mission: SPACE
  • Soarin’ Around the World
  • Spaceship Earth
  • Test Track
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends

*Please note that attractions are subject to change and may not always be operational. To learn about any unplanned closures or long-term refurbishments, please view details about the attraction on our website or mobile app.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours Schedule

The chart below show the available Extended Evening Theme Park Hours schedule at the time of publication.

DateTheme ParkExtended Hours
Monday, October 4Epcot10:00 PM to midnight
Wednesday, October 6Magic Kingdom9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Monday, October 11Epcot10:00 PM to midnight
Wednesday, October 13Magic Kingdom9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Monday, October 18Epcot10:00 PM to midnight
Wednesday, October 20Magic Kingdom9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Monday, October 25Epcot10:00 PM to midnight
Wednesday, October 27Magic Kingdom9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Monday, November 1Epcot10:00 PM to midnight
Wednesday, November 3Magic Kingdom9:00 PM to 11:00 PM