Signs of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Everywhere
Disney’s 50th anniversary is right around the corner, and the parks already show signs of this hallmark event! Let’s talk about what’s already visible!
Happy Birthday, Disney!
On October 1st, Walt Disney World turns 50 years old. On this momentous occasion, park officials will throw a party that lasts for 18 months.
As Disney Vacation Club members, you know that such multi-park renovations take some time to complete. It’s why Disney’s Christmas decorations go up gradually in early November.
Well, we now have some signs of what the anniversary décor will look like, as Disney has revealed its anniversary wraps on two forms of transportation.
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
The Disney Skyliner and some Disney buses include special looks just for Walt Disney World’s birthday!
Mickey & Minnie Mouse, dressed in their EARidescent garb, smile as Pixie Dust hovers around them. Mickey even adjusts his adorable bowtie!
Obviously, only some of the gondolas and buses feature this style of wrap. So, if you notice something with a giant 50 on it, you’re in luck!
You’ll find other signs of changes afoot when you visit various theme park attractions.
Disney has removed the now-extinct FastPass+ lines, replacing many with Lightning Lane signs.
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
Various attractions across all four Walt Disney World parks feature these new signs, but Lightning Lane isn’t enabled yet.
Disney probably won’t do that until Disney Genie is ready to launch, as that’s how people will book Disney Genie+ passes.
Elsewhere at the parks, Disney has started selling some 50th anniversary merchandise. Disney has tweeted about the development process for the graphics:
https://mobile.twitter.com/WaltDisneyWorld/status/1429875582540648448
By the way, Disney has imposed a two-item limit on much of its 50th anniversary gear. So, you can buy no more than two of each item.
Presumably, the company wants to reduce the volume of eBay resales, giving park guests a better chance to bag some great merch.
Park and Resort Updates
Those of you who are booking cash rooms have another inexpensive option. Disney’s All-Star Music Resort finally reopened after a prolonged absence.
Disney utilized the pandemic to redesign the hotel lobby, albeit modestly.
The main thing you’ll notice is that cast members swapped out the long check-in desk for a series of smaller ones.
Notably, Disney also announced the delay of Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. This property will also receive some updates before its return.
Presumably, the paucity of live events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex plays a factor here. Disney only has three confirmed events for the rest of 2021.
Besides, All-Star Music only opened at 30 percent capacity. So, Disney doesn’t need the inventory yet. We’ll see whether that changes during the anniversary celebration.
At (the top of) Disney’s Contemporary Resort, California Grill just announced its limited-time prix fixe menu.
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
For $89 per adult or $39 per child, guests can enjoy a time-lost menu that celebrates various popular restaurant dishes from past years.
As you know, some form of this restaurant has operated at the top of the Contemporary since the hotel opened in 1971. So, this idea is a nice touch.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Pork Two Ways is NOT on the menu. Ah well. You can read the full menu here.
Finally, you should have received an email about the Beautiful Tomorrows Sweepstakes. Disney’s running a contest wherein the winner receives a 5-night DVC vacation.
You can enter here. If you watch the 30-minute video on the site, you’ll receive another 10 contest entries. So, it’s definitely worth a look!
Access all available Disney Vacation Club resale listings, or learn more about buying and selling with DVC Resale Market.
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