The 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company is underway all around the world, and one of the best ways to celebrate a century of magic is with a trip to Walt Disney World. In many ways, Walt Disney World represents the culmination of Walt’s life’s work, combining entertainment, innovation, education, and imagination into a singular form of family entertainment. So, it makes sense that it would play a critical role in such a momentous occasion.
In March, Disney announced that Epcot would serve as the epicenter of Walt Disney World’s Disney100 celebration, though each park and property will note it in some way. A release on the Disney Parks Blog noted, “As we honor the legacy of Disney storytelling and unforgettable characters that have entertained and inspired people of all ages for a century, now is the time to relive those beloved Disney memories and delight in making new memories with friends and family in our theme parks.” Here are six ways that you can join the celebration while visiting Walt Disney World.
Check Out Mickey and Minnie Mouse’s New Look
Walt Disney famously declared, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing — that it was all started by a mouse.” However, it might be slightly more accurate to say “a pair of mice.” After all, Mickey and Minnie Mouse share a birthday (which we celebrate on November 18, the release date of Steamboat Willie, though their first cartoon, Plane Crazy, first played six months prior).
The delightful duo will, naturally enough, be part of the Disney100 celebration. In particular, Guests will be able to meet them at Epcot, where they’ll be all decked out in platinum and blue clothing.
Admire the Lights on Spaceship Earth
An opening day attraction for Epcot in 1982, Spaceship Earth is one of the most iconic structures in all of Walt Disney World. During the resort’s 50th anniversary celebration, the structure was transformed into a “Beacon of Magic” with new lighting. Now, those lights have been adapted to celebrate Disney100.
Jason Read, show lighting designer for Walt Disney Imagineering said, “…we’re excited to have Spaceship Earth ring in the biggest celebration yet, the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company. We’re also inspired by many things from the history of the company, its characters, theme parks, and shows – even the Disney100 opening logo that plays before our feature films during this anniversary. You may see homages to everything from the ‘Wonderful World of Disney’ television show opening to Mickey balloons that we sell on Main Street, U.S.A.”
Grab a Pic with a Disney 100 Backdrop
Disney has always understood the importance of a good photo. After all:
Making memories, making memories
Taking pictures is making memories
Catching little pieces of time
Making them yours, and making them mine
That’s why special occasions at Walt Disney World are always jam-packed with special photo opportunities. For the centennial celebration, they’ve placed huge Disney100 signs at all four parks and in Disney Springs. They’re the perfect backdrop for a selfie that will look great on Instagram!
Hang Out with Some Favorite Characters
Mickey and Minnie aren’t the only characters who will be decked out in platinum clothing. Disney also announced that a variety of Disney characters will be making surprise visits to resorts on property. Each will be dressed to the nines for the celebration and ready to have a picture taken with you!
Who will it be? And when will they show up? You never know, so keep your eyes open!
Sink Your Teeth into a Delicious Desert
Delicious snacks are another guaranteed part of any special event and Walt Disney World. A whole range of special treats have been announced for Disney100.
There are a number of snacks to check out, but the show-stopper might just be the petit cake available at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. This scrumptious dessert is made of vanilla chiffon with layers of berry mousse, berry compote, and cream cheese mousse topped with a celebratory Disney 100 medallion macaron.
Speaking with the official Disney Parks Blog, Chef Amanda stated, “The inspiration of this cake pulls from the rich purple and platinum colors used for the Disney100 celebration. The drapery on the sides of the cake represents the traditional bunting that adorns Main Street, U.S.A., for special occasions. And of course, Mickey Mouse is proudly represented on the front of the cake because, as we all know: ‘It all started with a mouse.’”
Find the Perfect Souvenir
Last, but certainly not least, is the chance to find that perfect souvenir or commemorative item while at Walt Disney World.
Early this year, Disney announced that they would be releasing a special popcorn bucket that is exclusive to the Magic Kingdom. Made to resemble Cinderella’s Coach, the bucket costs $28, and can be found at the Town Square popcorn cart near City Hall, the Hub popcorn cart between the bridges for Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, and Maurice’s Popping Machine in Fantasyland. A word of warning, these have been selling out as soon as they become available, so they may be a bit tricky to get your hands on.
Among other special items available are the Three Caballeros earband for $39.99, the limited edition Scrooge McDuck hinged pin for $29.99, the Mickey Mouse and Friends Disney100 Loungefly mini backpack for $78, and Minnie and Mickey Mouse Disney100 plush figures (each available for $29.99). And those are just a few of the offerings available!
No matter what your taste, there is sure to be something that will help you remember this very special moment in Disney history.
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