Walt Disney World To Celebrate 50th Anniversary With 18-Month Event

I'm not sure there's a faster way to make ourselves feel old than to realize how long the things we loved when we were younger have been around.

But while it may be shocking to learn that Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP or the first Final Destination movie came out a little over 20 years ago, we're more recently faced with the reality that Walt Disney World is now turning 50.

That's right, the sprawling park that emerged as the bigger and better version of the classic Disneyland is now old enough to be some of our parents.

And as the park reaches such a major milestone, it seems that Disney has found an even bigger way to celebrate.

If there's one word that the Walt Disney Company wants to use to describe this banner event, it's apparently "EARidescent."

I know, it's a pretty painful pun but it goes a long way to describe how Disney sees fit to mark the occasion.

According to Good Morning America, the event will kick off on October 1 — the same day that Disney World first opened in 1971 — and go on for the following 18 months.

Although Good Morning America said the marathon event will see the expansion of new attractions and other entertainment features, it appears that Disney wasn't so forthcoming when it comes to what those will be.

What we do know is that some of the park's biggest signature icons will be getting a huge makeover for the celebration.

As you can see, this includes Mickey and Minnie mouse themselves, who will be sporting these shiny custom outfits while the celebration is going on.

I suppose this is what they meant by "EARidescent."

And if you were to look at Cinderella's Castle in Magic Kingdom Park when the event kicks off, it may look a little different from what you're used to.

As WDW News Today reported, this is partially due to change in outer decor that took place last year, but it will also feature a 50th anniversary crest and golden bunting when the time is right.

The magical effect is supposed to be particularly pronounced at night as the castle will appear to shimmer with pixie dust.

Of course, Cinderella's Castle won't be the only Disney landmark to get this festive treatment.

According to WDW News Today, the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom will resemble Mickey and Minnie's attire when the time comes and appear to host magical fireflies when night falls.

The Hollywood Tower hotel at the nearby Hollywood Studios attraction will be similarly decorated.

But while it appears that these changes in decor will be there for this celebration's 18-month run, it also presents an opportunity to make a more permanent change at EPCOT.

As WDW News Today reported, the park's iconic Spaceship Earth dome will feature new lights across its reflective panels that connect to one another and are intended to look like a starry night sky.

As for what else is in store for this massive celebration, we'll just have to wait and see.

h/t: WDW News Today

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