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DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Next Generation of MagicBands Announced; Opening Dates Announced; New Shows & Rides Open; Complete 50th Celebration Coverage; Tons of New Food & Restaurants & More

It was a crazy week. On top of all the 50th Anniversary Events, of which we have complete coverage, there were a bunch of big news announcements, and we saw the debut of numerous entertainment offerings and attractions. Perhaps the biggest announcement of the week was the unveiling of the 3rd generation of MagicBands. We also had opening announcements for the new Star Wars hotel and the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster at Epcot. Two new nighttime spectaculars debuted at Epcot and Magic Kingdom, and a third daytime show came to life at Animal Kingdom. There is a ton of new food and new restaurants that opened the past week, along with so much new merchandise we’ll need to win the lottery to get everything we want. The 50th Anniversary celebration touches every part of the Walt Disney World resort, and we’ll run down much of it along with a look back at the highlights of a very magical half-century. All this and more in this week’s news roundup.





 

1 – Disney Unveils New MagicBand+ Unlocking New Interactive Experiences at Walt Disney World Resort in 2022

In 2013, Walt Disney World Resort introduced the MagicBand, a revolutionary way to make the guest experience in its theme parks and resorts more convenient and hands-free. The next-generation MagicBand+ will debut at Walt Disney World in 2022, adding new functionality to unlock experiential moments of magic.

After a guest enters a Walt Disney World theme park, MagicBand+ will come alive at various times with color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition. The wearable will allow guests to engage with favorite Disney moments in new ways and discover new interactive experiences. More details about MagicBand+ and its capabilities will be revealed in the future. Current MagicBands will continue to be available, as well, along with the complimentary Disney MagicMobile service that extends MagicBand features, such as park entry, to smart devices. Learn more at the link below.

Click here for more details on the MagicBand+ coming in 2022.

2 – 50th Anniversary Celebration of Walt Disney World Kicks Off

It’s a moment we’ve been waiting years for. The 50th anniversary of Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World Disney was October 1. It was a busy week for sure, with a lot of new offerings debuting. Friday, October 1, was the official opening day for two new fireworks shows, a new attraction at EPCOT, two new restaurants opened, new merchandise released, and new food and beverage items were released. We were in Magic Kingdom on Friday and had a crazy whirlwind kind of a day with many ups and downs. Thankfully, you didn’t completely miss it if you were not there on October 1. This celebration will last for the next 18 months! Learn more about the celebration and all the new offerings at the links below.

Click here for more on Disney World Celebrates and Begins 50th Anniversary Celebration!

Click here to view our Instagram Story from October 1 with lots of photos and video from the day!

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and pals welcome guests to Magic Kingdom Park in front of Cinderella Castle. (Credit: Disney/David Roark)

3 – Harmonious Debuts at EPCOT

“Harmonious,” one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park, debuted this week at EPCOT. This new show at World Showcase Lagoon is a celebration of Disney music that inspires people worldwide. It is a grand, powerful tribute to the unifying power of story and song, embracing new technical magic that incorporates pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting, massive LED panels, and media in new ways. “Harmonious” features new interpretations of classic Disney songs in more than a dozen languages, performed by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world, including Luis Fonsi, Joy, Danny Gokey, and the Ndlovu Youth Choir.

Credit: @disneyaddicts24




 

4 – Disney Enchantment Debuts at Magic Kingdom

Joining “Harmonious” is another new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park. Created to launch with “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” this evening extravaganza takes guests on a journey filled with adventure, wonder and empowerment. Inspiring everyone to believe in magic, “Disney Enchantment” features stunning fireworks, powerful music, enhanced lighting and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A. The show’s stirring soundtrack is anchored by an emotional original song, “You Are the Magic,” written and performed by multiple GRAMMY® winner Philip Lawrence, whose musical career began as a Disney cast member performing in Walt Disney World shows.

Credit: @disneyaddicts24

5 – Thoughts on the Live Streams, New Fireworks, and Great Expectations

Both of these new firework shows debuted on live stream broadcasts. While Harmonious was open to guests in the park, the Enchantment fireworks debut was a private event, with the vast majority of Disney fans watching online. While we appreciate Disney offering the live streams and trying to build excitement, we wish they had not. “Reviews” poured in after the Disney Enchantment live stream with most people calling it the worst thing ever because it’s so terrible. We appreciate that not everyone is going to love every single thing that Walt Disney World produces. However, we do feel that you can’t really tell what this new show is about until you are there in person. And yes, even on Friday, when thousands of people crammed into Magic Kingdom to watch the show, the reactions were mixed.

I (Cindy) really liked the show, got emotional, and loved the music. I also really enjoyed Harmonious. If you didn’t, that’s fine. I think it all comes down to expectations. We think the problem comes down to people thinking this would be a 50th-anniversary fireworks show. And it’s not. It’s the next fireworks show that debuted as part of the 50th anniversary. There’s a difference. It wasn’t designed to go through the history of the park, or the company, or the classics, or anything like that. Yes, much of the music and projections comes from the new movies – so did Happily Ever After. When that show debuted, people made the same complaints. We talked to several friends that didn’t care for Disney Enchantment but hope it will grow on them once they see it again. On the flip side, they had low expectations for Harmonious because they heard the mixed reviews, went over there, and loved it! All we’re suggesting is to give the new fireworks a chance. It makes a huge difference when you are standing there, taking it all in, being in the park, and having a full multi-sensory experience. Watching the fireworks at home on a small screen isn’t the same.

6 – Celebratory Food and Drinks Look to the Past for New Inspiration

During its 50th anniversary celebration, Walt Disney World once again demonstrates how food and drinks can be key ingredients for a fun day at The Most Magical Place on Earth. New menu items for the celebration offer nods to the resort’s past while pushing culinary adventures to exciting new places. These include theme park classics and some of Walt Disney’s favorite items, along with novel dishes and sips full of color, whimsy and a touch of EARidescent shimmer. Of the 150-plus new items available, examples include:

  • Cheese Fries with Walt’s Chili at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
  • Filet Mignon with Walt’s Hash at The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • Mission to Mars burger at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Magic Kingdom Park
  • EARidescent Croissant Doughnut at EPCOT
  • EARidescent Ice Dream Cone at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
  • 50th Celebration Ganache Chocolate Bar at The Ganachery in Disney Springs
  • 50th Celebration Soufflé at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Chicken Dinner Cupcake Trio at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
  • Magical Beacon Cocktail found at many table-service restaurants, lounges, and pool bars at Walt Disney World

Novelty items developed for the celebration, including popcorn buckets, mugs, and sippers, are now available and will continue to roll out across Walt Disney World throughout “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”

Click here for the Food and Drink Guide to the 50th Anniversary Celebration at Walt Disney World.





 

7 – A Walt Disney World Retrospective – We’re Looking Back at the Top Milestones in Each Decade for 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World!

Walt Disney World celebrated its 50th Anniversary on October 1, 2021. So, we’re looking back at each decade! Learn about the ten most magical milestones of the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s at the links below.

Click here for A Walt Disney World Retrospective: Ten Magical Milestones of the 1970s.

Click here for A Walt Disney World Retrospective: Ten Magical Milestones of the 1980s.

Click here for A Walt Disney World Retrospective: Ten Magical Milestones of the 1990s.

Click here for A Walt Disney World Retrospective: Ten Magical Milestones of the 2000s.

Click here for A Walt Disney World Retrospective: Ten Magical Milestones of the 2010s.

8 – Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser – Opening March 1, 2022

Two of the most highly anticipated new experiences at Walt Disney World Resort will debut in 2022 as part of the 50thanniversary celebration. On March 1, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will immerse its first official guests in a galaxy far, far away by going beyond anything Disney has created before. As part of this first-of-its-kind vacation experience, guests become the heroes of their own stories during a two-night adventure where they see, feel and live Star Wars. General bookings for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser begin October 28, 2021. Learn more at the link below.

Click here for the announcement of the opening of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

9 – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Will Debut in 2022

Also opening in 2022 as part of the historic transformation of EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be the park’s first “other-world” showcase pavilion. The family-friendly adventure features a new storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus guests on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster. Guests will learn more about the treasures Xandar has to share – until the moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive, and an intergalactic chase through space and time begins!

Click here for more about the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

10 – Expanded EPCOT France Pavilion Serves Up New Attraction, Restaurant

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is finally open. This attraction invites guests into the flavorful world of Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning film “Ratatouille.” In this family-friendly attraction, guests feel as if they shrink to the size of Chef Remy and scurry through Gusteau’s famous restaurant. They discover Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in World Showcase as part of a newly expanded France pavilion, where the real is made fantastic in a reimagining of Paris inspired by the film.

Also in the expanded pavilion is a delicious new restaurant, La Creperie de Paris, offering both table- and quick-service options. The menu features sweet crepes, savory buckwheat galettes (naturally gluten friendly) and authentic French hard cider. The attraction, restaurant and pavilion expansion are all part of the historic transformation of EPCOT currently underway, bringing a breadth of new experiences to the park as a celebration of curiosity, discovery and the magic of possibility.

Click here for our review and what you need to know about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

Click here for what you need to know about the new La Creperie de Paris restaurant and expanded France pavilion.





 

11 – Reimagined Lobby Revealed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort & Steakhouse 71 Opens

As Walt Disney World celebrates its 50th anniversary, Walt Disney Imagineering is continuing to enhance the storytelling at its resorts. This includes one of the opening day resorts, Disney’s Contemporary Resort. All the guest rooms in the iconic A-frame tower are being completely refurbished, blending a sleek Monorail motif evoking Tomorrowland with some favorite characters from Pixar Animation Studios’ Incredibles films. In the lobby, guests see a collection of modern art pieces as well as historical, behind-the-scenes photographs of Disney’s Contemporary Resort in development and under construction. In addition, the resort’s lobby restaurant is aptly renamed Steakhouse 71, offering a reimagined dining experience just in time for the 50th-anniversary celebration. We’ll be dining at Steakhouse 71 soon and will have our review this coming week.

12 – Beacons of Magic Shine at Walt Disney World Theme Parks

During the 50th anniversary celebration, icons at Walt Disney World theme parks transform at night into magnificent Beacons of Magic, coming to life with their own EARidescent glow.

  • Cinderella Castle illuminates Magic Kingdom Park with a dazzling radiance and pixie-dust sparkle.
  • At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a warm light emanates from the Tree of Life as fireflies gather to usher in the magic of nature.
  • The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios evokes the golden age of imagination and adventure.
  • And at EPCOT, new lights shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another like stars in a nighttime sky. The iconic structure’s permanent new lighting will continue beyond “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the park.

13 – ‘Disney KiteTails’ Opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

There’s a new daytime entertainment option at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!  “Disney KiteTails” comes alive several times daily at the Discovery River Theater. Performers fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, while out on the water elaborate three-dimensional kites – some stretching to 30 feet long – depict Disney animal friends, including Simba, Zazu, Baloo and King Louie. These colorful creations dance through the sky to the beat of favorite Disney songs in an uplifting, vibrant experience for the whole family. Check the MyDisney Experience app for showtimes!

Credit: Disney/Kent Phillips

14 – Electrical Water Pageant Adds 50 Anniversary Shimmer

A 50-year tradition, the Electrical Water Pageant sails nightly across Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, delighting guests at nearby Disney Resort hotels with music and lights in a floating parade. For the 50th anniversary celebration, the show added new whimsy with a towering castle, swirling pixie dust and a version of the celebration anthem “The Magic Is Calling, recorded in the pageant’s iconic electro-synth- magnetic sound. Guests staying at the Magic Kingdom Resorts can now see this new addition nightly.





 

15 – Walt Disney World Transportation Features New Magic

Many of the fun and convenient forms of complimentary Walt Disney World transportation have received special 50th-anniversary decor during the celebration. Guests may ride in sparkling style with new artwork added to select Disney Skyliner cabins, Disney Transportation buses, and a golden Monorail train. New this week, each Monorail train also received special nighttime enhancements for the 50th anniversary with the addition of glowing lights that match each train’s specific color, spreading magic everywhere the Monorail runs across Walt Disney World.

16 – Mickey, Minnie and Friends Dress for the Occasion

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale – otherwise known as the “EARidescent 8” – dress in sparkling new looks, custom-made for the 50th-anniversary celebration. Highlights of these celebratory designs include beautifully embroidered impressions of Cinderella Castle backed by fireworks, as well as a brocade in multi-toned, EARidescent fabric – all punctuated with pops of gold. Disney characters will also make appearances at Disney Resort hotels, dressed in their EARidescent best. The characters made their debut in these outfits on October 1 during “Let the Magic Begin,” the park’s welcome show. They also can be seen in these outfits in a new celebration cavalcade, now showing daily.

Credit: @disneyaddicts24

17 – ‘Hey Disney!’ Adds Magic to Amazon Alexa and Echo in 2022

Disney is creating its own custom voice assistant using Alexa technology for supported Amazon Echo devices. Called “Hey Disney!”, it will work alongside Alexa to respond to vocal prompts, bringing Disney characters and stories to life in magical new ways to make guest stays at Walt Disney World Resort more convenient, engaging and enjoyable. “Hey Disney!” will begin rolling out in Disney Resort hotel guest rooms across Walt Disney World in 2022. “Hey Disney!” will also be available for purchase for supported Amazon Echo devices via the Amazon Alexa Skills store, inviting Disney fans to make every day at home more magical. Learn more at the link below.

Click here for more on “Hey Disney” Coming to Walt Disney World in 2022.





 

What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort

The New Normal – Visiting Walt Disney World During the Current Covid Restrictions

Click here for what you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World during the current Covid restrictions.

Now Through Spring 2023 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World

Click here to learn more about “The Most Magical Celebration,” celebrating the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World and runs for 18 months.

New Openings at EPCOT – As Part of the Historic Transformation of EPCOT

Click here for what’s new and coming to EPCOT as the Historic Transformation Continues.

Click here for our review and what you need to know about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

Click here for what you need to know about the new La Creperie de Paris restaurant and expanded France pavilion.

Click here for our review of Space 220 at EPCOT and what you need to know about this amazing new restaurant!

Click here for details on the all-new Club Cool at EPCOT.

Click here to learn about the new flagship shopping location at EPCOT – Creations Shop.

Now Through November 20, 2021 – 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Click here for the seven reasons you don’t want to miss the 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.

Click here for photos of the menu boards with pricing for easy planning.

Click here for full menus and lots of photos of items available.

Click here for our Instagram Story with photos of food and beverage items, merchandise, and more.

Now Through October 31, 2021 – Disney After Hours Boo Bash at Magic Kingdom

Click here for our review and the 14 things you need to know about “Disney After Hours Boo Bash.”

Click here to see our Instagram Story with photos and video from our time at Disney After Hours Boo Bash.

Click here for details on where to find Halloween treats at Walt Disney World this fall.

Coming Soon to Walt Disney World

Upcoming Resort Reopenings

  • October 14 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – River Side
  • October 28 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Fall 2021 – Disney Genie – New Planning Tools, Paid Access to New Lighting Lane

Click here for the news announcement about Disney Genie.

Click here for your top 16 questions and answers about the new Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane.

November 8 – December 30, 2021 – Holiday Season at Walt Disney World

Click here for details on the 2021 holiday offerings at Walt Disney World.

Click here for details on the new “Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours” at Magic Kingdom.

Click here for details on the Candlelight Processional returning for the 2021 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.

March 1, 2022 – Star Wars Hotel

Click here for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser-What We Know So Far About the Upcoming Star Wars Themed Hotel Coming to Disney World





 

New and Coming Soon to Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort

Click here for details on the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish – now open!

Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure – Now Open

Click here for more on the Avengers Campus! Now open at Disney California Adventure!

Click here for details on food and beverage offerings inside Avengers Campus.

Click here for information on merchandise available inside Avengers Campus.

Fall Season at Disneyland Resort – Now Through October 31

Halloween Time is Back This Fall at Disneyland Resort

Click here for details on the fall season at Disneyland Resort!

Holiday Season at Disneyland Resort – November 12, 2021 – January 9, 2022

Click here for details on the holiday season at Disneyland Resort.

Click here for all the information on the all-new Disney Merriest Nights at Disneyland Park.

Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line

Return to Cruising

Click here for details on Disney Cruise Line’s return to sailing and the new safety protocols that are in place.

The Disney Wish

Click here for an overview of the next Disney Cruise Line Ship – The Disney Wish – Coming Summer 2022

Click here for information on bookings for the inaugural season in summer 2022.

Click here for more information on new dining experiences on the Disney Wish.

Itineraries in 2022

Click here to learn about Summer 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line

Click here to learn about Early 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line

Click here to learn about Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea in Early 2022

Click here to learn about Halloween and Holiday Themed Cruises in fall 2022

For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.



 

Chad & Cindy Nykamp

After years of multiple Walt Disney World vacations, Cindy and Chad's dream of living in Orlando came true in 2010. After friends and family made them their go-to-people for Walt Disney World advice, Cindy and Chad launched DisneyLists.com in August 2015 to share their knowledge and love of Disney. Chad and Cindy have been Disney World Annual Passholders for years, DVC members, together have raced more than 70 runDisney races, and particularly love cruising on the Disney Cruise Line. Chad and Cindy also regularly represent DisneyLists.com at Walt Disney World media events. While attending these events, they get an insiders view of all the new things that have come to Walt Disney World. These experiences have helped them gain knowledge and expertise they happily pass on to their followers. They still can't believe how lucky they are to have such an amazing opportunity and will continue to share Disney with anyone who will listen!
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