Walt Disney World launches spectacular 50th anniversary celebration

Wow, Disney is certainly going to town to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Spectacular new shows, attractions and dining experiences, launched today, will bring even more magic to Walt Disney World Resort over the next 18 months.

Chairman Josh D’Amaro, launching The World’s Most Magical Celebration, hailed Disney as creating 50 years of memories and promised endless more to come. He was joined by Disney legend and British actress Julie Andrews, who was involved in the official opening of the Florida park in 1971, who wished everyone “joy and love and wishing upon a star”.

Let’s take a look at what’s in store for thousands of UK families, who can’t wait to fly to America again to be reunited with Mickey and Co.

Harmonious at Epcot – One of the largest night-time spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. Disney songs are played amid choreographed moving fountains and lights, lasers, fireworks and other pyrotechnics bursting spectacularly above and around World Showcase Lagoon. It’s a celebration of the world with as message of unity and being part of a global community.

Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom Park – guests are invited to join dreamers like Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog,” Miguel from Disney and Pixar’s “Coco,” Rapunzel from “Tangled” and more as they set out on a journey beyond the ordinary to a magic land filled with adventure, wonder, empowerment and enchantment. The breathtaking spectacle will feature music, fireworks, enhanced lighting and immersive projection effects that extend for the first time from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – the family-friendly attraction at EPCOT invites guests into the flavourful world of Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-winning film “Ratatouille”, feeling as if they have shrunk to the size of Chef Remy and are scurrying through Gusteau’s famous restaurant.

EPCOT also has another new restaurant, Space 220 Restaurant, which offers the celestial panorama of a space station, including virtual daytime and night-time views of Earth from 220 miles above the planet’s surface.

Disney Fab 50 Character Collection golden sculptures are spread across the four Walt Disney World theme parks. Fifty characters include Miguel and Dante from Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” at EPCOT and Simba, Timon and Pumba from The Lion King at Animal Kingdom.

Beacons of Magic will see iconic buildings such as Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom and The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios light up like never before at night.

An extravaganza during the day at Animal Kingdom sees Disney KiteTails’ performers fly 30ft-long three-dimensional kites depicting Dinsey characters including Sima, Zazu, Baloo and King Louie.

And there’s more exciting attractions planned for next year – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be the first “other-world” showcase pavilion at EPCOT; Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser where guests are invited to become the heroes of their own stories during a two-night adventure where they see, feel and live Star Wars.