As we get closer and closer to Disney World’s 50th anniversary on October 1 more details are being released. The latest announcement includes information about nighttime spectaculars and entertainment in the parks.
Harmonious
The biggest news is that we finally have a debut date for Harmonious in EPCOT. This show will be debuting on October 1 and it’s been a long time coming. IllumiNations ended on September 30, 2019 and Epcot Forever started on October 1, 2019 as a placeholder show until Harmonious begins.
Harmonious will incorporate pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting, and media in a show that pays tribute to the stories and songs that unite people. Guests will hear new interpretations of classic Disney songs, which are reimagined in more than a dozen languages. So Harmonious will take guests around the world, right from World Showcase Lagoon.
As you can see in Disney’s picture above, it’s going to be a bright and colorful show. The colors, along with the backdrop of Spaceship Earth and the reflections in the water, are going to give guests some great pictures. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see this show in person!
Disney Enchantment
It wouldn’t be a 50th anniversary celebration without Magic Kingdom getting a special show too! So Disney has created a new nighttime spectacular for Magic Kingdom, as well. This show is called Disney Enchantment and it too will debut on October 1 of this year. Not only will this show feature music, lighting, and fireworks, but there will also be immersive projections that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street U.S.A.! This is a first and it will be exciting to see it in person.
Disney KiteTails
Good news! Animal Kingdom is getting a new daytime show! Disney KiteTails will take place several times a day, beginning October 1, at the Discovery River Amphitheater. The show features all shapes and sizes of windcatchers and kites, including three-dimensional kites on the water. Those three-dimensional kites are designed after Disney animal friends like Simba, Zazu, Baloo, and King Louie. Of course, it’s not just the kites. Disney performers will be moving these kites to the beat of favorite Disney songs. You can see a quick video clip of an artist’s rendering for the show below.
Disney Characters
As you can see in Disney’s picture above, some of the characters will get to wear special outfits for the 50th anniversary. The design of these outfits is being dubbed as “EARidescent.” They will be out in Magic Kingdom several times a day, so guests can see them (let’s hope meet and greets are back by then!). In addition to being in the park, guests will be able to spot them several times a day in the new “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade.”
Characters with Special 50th Anniversary Outfits
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
- Donald Duck
- Daisy Duck
- Goofy
- Pluto
- Chip
- Dale
Not only will these eight characters have special outfits for the celebration, but they will also be featured in special golden character sculptures in Magic Kingdom. Those sculptures are part of the 50 character sculptures in total that will be around all four Disney World theme parks. Disney is calling this the “Disney Fab 50” and says that there will be ways for guests to interact with the sculptures. I’ll keep an eye out for more info to be released on that!
Disney World’s 50th anniversary is shaping up to be a fun and exciting time. Remember, the celebration begins on October 1, 2021 and it runs for 18 months. So even if you can’t get to Disney World this year, you have plenty of time to plan a trip and enjoy the festivities.
I’m so excited to finally see a debut date for Harmonious! What are you most excited to see with these recent announcements?
Thanks for reading!
Liz
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Liz
I love all things Disney, but my main love is for Disney World and I'm always planning for the next trip. Before becoming a Disney blogger, I was a radio DJ, so I guess I'm just continuing in the communication industry, just in a different form. I love talking Disney and I could talk about Disney all day. That's why I started blogging and created the Facebook group. The Disney community is full of friendly, helpful, and happy people...and I love being a part of it! If there is any Disney subject you would like to see covered just let me know! Need help planning your Disney vacation. Feel free to contact myself or Melissa at Never Stop Dreaming Travel Co. We love helping people plan their trips! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to check out our Countdown to Disney app! Feel free to email me with suggestions of things you would like to see in the app :-)
Thanks for these updates. My husband and I are celebrating our 50th anniversary in July and are headed to Disney World in December to celebrate there as well. So exciting after having to cancel last year’s trip. Have a great day.
You’re welcome! Congratulations on 50 years together, that’s awesome! And what better place to celebrate than in Disney World. 🙂 I hope you guys have a wonderful trip in December!