Here's the first sneak peek at Walt Disney World's plans to celebrate its 50th birthday across all four theme parks—the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios—this October
This October marks the 50th anniversary of the grand opening of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and to commemorate a half-century of family fun, the Disney team announced today an 18-month long celebration, which will kick off October 1 and will take place across all the theme parks at the Florida resort, including the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
While we (and other die-hard Disney fans) await additional information, including specific programming and special events in due course, the first sneak peek at the festivities ahead include an artist's rendering of Cinderella's Castle and special outfits for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, all of which will debut this October.
For Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary, Cinderella's Castle, which recently underwent a "royal makeover" last summer, updating its gray exterior and blue accents to blush and navy with gold adornment, will receive a new gold bunting (strung flags), a 50th anniversary crest hung above the castle gates, and other sparkling enhancements that will "sparkle with pixie dust," according to the announcement.
Meanwhile, gracious hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be decked out in special 50th anniversary looks: tailored from multi-toned "ear-idescent" brocade and embroidered with images of Cinderella's Castle.
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Elsewhere on the property, the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom will be lit up in warm light; the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be "awash in a brilliance" that evokes the golden age; and Spaceship Earth at Epcot will be illuminated like the night sky. The latter will become a permanent fixture at the theme park.