Walt Disney World® has been a destination for families for 50 years. In that time, it’s grown from one theme park to four and added countless attractions and experiences. Disney World has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. There are tons of special events taking place that you should know about if you plan to visit during this celebration. For the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary, they are going all out with special guests, unique experiences, and more to celebrate 50 years of magic. Join the World’s Most Magical Celebration at Walt Disney World® Resort and stay in a Casiola vacation home just minutes away!
What to expect
The Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration is a celebration of the magic that Disney has brought to the world. Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration is a 18 month long celebration that will take place throughout the year. You can expect to see special events and activities throughout the park, including:
- Disney World 50th Anniversary Entertainment
- Meet & Greets with characters from your favorite films
- Special dining experiences at some of your favorite restaurants (ex: Chef Mickey’s)
Entertainment
- Catch characters from newer films: Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade and Beacons of Magic are both returning to the Magic Kingdom for the 50th Anniversary. These two shows will feature some familiar faces, such as Woody and Jessie from Toy Story 4.
- There are also several new shows, like Harmonious. The largest nighttime spectacular ever created for Walt Disney World®, opened at EPCOT. It features fireworks, lasers, and other effects set to classic music from “Fantasia” and “Mulan”.
- A new daytime show premiered at Animal Kingdom. Disney KiteTails features an impressive display of kites with music from your favorite Disney films including “Moana”, “The Lion King” and more …
New restaurants
It’s not all celebrations. You can also expect new restaurants and dining experiences at Disney World for its 50th anniversary.
The first one is Space 220 in EPCOT, it has a futuristic feel and serves dishes inspired by space travel.
The next restaurant is Le Crêperie de Paris at France Pavilion in EPCOT, it features crepes and other French food such as pâtisseries made from scratch.
Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort features prime steak cooked over an open fire grill and side dishes that pay homage to Texas-style barbecue with smoked meats like pulled pork ribs, brisket, and chicken wings served alongside cornbread muffins and jalapeño cheddar grits.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser restaurant is now open at Hollywood Studios where guests can enjoy drinks while watching Star Wars-themed movies on large screens surrounded by props from the movies including models of ships used throughout the series’ history like Darth Vader’s TIE Advanced X1 ship or Captain Phasma’s First Order Special Forces Tie Fighter among others!
Disney FAB 50 statues
The Disney FAB 50 statues are located in various parts of the parks, with each one featuring a different character from the past 50 years. They’re all made out of golden bronze and have been designed to look like they were taken straight out of Disney’s history books.
These statues will be available for a limited time, so make sure you get down there and take photos while they’re still around!
Decor
The Cinderella Castle 50th Anniversary decoration features 113 pieces of jabot and swag, blue bunting, golden swirls, and more! The Magic Kingdom will be decorated in 50th celebration decor. In addition to the decoration at Cinderella Castle, there’s a new mascot named “Dapper Day” who will appear as an anniversary character throughout the park. He’s also available on merchandise such as plushies, pins, and stickers. There are also 50th anniversary banners throughout the park.
Merchandise, food, and more …
The 50th Anniversary will be celebrated with new merchandise and food items, which will be available at the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. The following merchandise will be available:
- Limited-edition pins (available in two designs)
- Vinylmation figures (available in two designs)
- T-shirts (available in four designs)
- Mickey Mouse ear hats (available in four designs)
How to plan
The best way to plan for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration is by using the My Disney Experience app. You can get this by downloading it from the App Store or Google Play Store. It will allow you to keep track of all your reservations, see wait times and park hours and find out what special events are happening.
The second best option would be using the Disney Genie, which has all kinds of great planning tools and tips on how to best enjoy each park during the celebration.
If neither of these options are feasible, then there’s still good news. All four parks will also have extended evening hours during certain days of this event!
We hope you’ll join us at Casiola vacation homes in celebrating Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th birthday this year! Whether you’re planning to attend a special event, or just want to reconnect with friends and family at the Happiest Place on Earth, we invite you to stay at one of our amazing vacation rentals and make this milestone your own.
-
Stylish Townhome in Storey Lake Resort, just 10 min. from Disney!
Townhome - Storey Lake Resort - Orlando
This stylish 4 bedroom/3 bath townhome in Storey Lake Resort has everything you need for an unforgettable Orlando vacation! This vacation home offers a washer and dryer (in-unit), complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen TV's in each bedroom, and more. Storey Lake is just minutes from Disney and Universal, but also boasts its own cool attractions like lazy river, water slides and outdoor sports. The main living area was made for entertaining with the kitchen, living room and dining room all part of an open concept. While you throw together some appetizers in the kitchen, keep up the conversation with your guests in the living room. The kitchen space is updated and modern with large center island and beautiful solid surface counters. Stylish furniture in the living room offer an upscale vibe and plenty of seating space. Just off the kitchen and living room is the dining area with six-person table. Soak up the sun on the back patio with outdoor dining space and a pool. Families will appreciate the safety fence around the pool to keep the little ones safe. **Optional pool heat are available for $35/day + tax. - We recommend adding this option to your reservation between November and April.** Blue jewel tones set off the first bedroom, offering a king bed and en-suite bathroom with double sinks and tub/shower combination. The second bedroom comes with a unique industrial king bed and minimalist accent wall. It’s slumber party time in the third bedroom, where the youngest guests will flip over the two sets of bunk beds. The fourth bedroom also has extra sleeping space with one twin and one full bed. Storey Lake is just minutes from Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and all the best sites in Orlando. You don't have to leave the resort though to find plenty to do - Storey Lake offers a swimming pool with lazy river, two water slides, splash pad, beach area, fishing, kayaking, canoeing and other outdoor sports. Guests also have access to the poolside café, clubhouse, fitness facility and business center.- 11
- 4
- 3
from
$146/night -
Lakeview * next to Convention Center * 10 min to Disney!
Condo - Vista Cay Resort - Orlando
Recently renovated, this beautiful lakeview 3 bedroom ground floor condo boasts new laminate flooring (in all rooms), furniture, and appliances. The bright and cheerful decor will set the mood for your dream vacation. It is also in close proximity to the pool and clubhouse. The open floor plan makes this an ideal unit for a large family to share while vacationing in Orlando. From anywhere in the common area a view of Lake Cay can be enjoyed. Open the blinds and take in the breathtaking view just outside your door. The master suite features a king bed and shares the same gorgeous lakeview as the living room! The second bedroom houses a queen bed and the third bedroom has two full beds, perfect for kids or teenagers. There are also 2 sleeper sofas that sleeps an addition 4 people. All rooms have smart TV's. Vista Cay Resort is right next door to the Orange County Convention Center, and less than 15 minutes away from all major theme parks, including SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Walt Disney World.- 10
- 3
- 2
from
$135/night -
Beautiful Vista Cay Condo! *Minutes from Universal and I-Drive*
Condo - Vista Cay Resort - Orlando
The fully equipped kitchen offers everything you need to cook up your families favorite home cooked meals! The open floor plan creates the perfect environment for the whole family to gather and enjoy these delicious home cooked meals and laughs together! In the master bedroom you'll find a king size bed and en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower! Bedroom 2 offers a queen size bed and in bedroom 3, you'll find 2 full size beds. Just across the hall is a spacious shared bathroom with ample counter space as well as a shower and tub. **Each bedroom has it's own flat screen TV!** The private balcony is the perfect spot for your morning coffee or evening night cap to unwind after a long day out at the theme parks! This home is also equipped with a full size washer and dryer, so you can pack light! Free Wi-Fi is also included! Vista Cay Resort is right next door to the Orange County Convention Center, and less than 15 minutes away from all major theme parks, including SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Walt Disney World.- 10
- 3
- 2
from
$135/night -
Modern Townhome w/ Pool+ Spa | Game Room | BBQ
Townhome - ChampionsGate Resort - Orlando
This stunning 5 bedroom, 5 bath townhome in ChampionsGate is spacious, expertly designed, and equipped with unbeatable amenities such as a game room, pool/spa, BBQ, and themed bedrooms that will make your Orlando vacation one for the books! With sleeping space for up to 10 guests, this vacation home is perfect for groups or families. As a guest of ChampionsGate Resort, you will have free, unlimited access to all resort amenities, including: -25,000-square-foot "Oasis Clubhouse" -Zero-entry Family Pool and Whirlpool -Kids Pool and Splash Pad -3 Waterslides -Lazy River -Adults-only Pool -Tiki Bar -Spa -Full-service Restaurant and Bar -Fitness Center and Aerobics Room -Game/Arcade Room -Movie Theater -Volleyball and Tennis Courts -And more! THE SPACE: The large fully equipped kitchen features beautiful counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of easy to use amenities. Enjoy meals together in the nearby dining area, breakfast bar, or even outdoors on the patio. The kitchen area includes four barstool seats and the dining table nearby offers seating for eight guests. Open and inviting, the living room space features high ceilings, show-stopping appointments, a plush sectional, large flat-screen television, and a stunning view via sliding glass doors of the private outdoor pool area. For additional lounging and entertainment space, there is also a loft area with a Smart TV. Beautifully furnished and tastefully styled, the Bedroom #1 is a rich and vibrant space, featuring a luxurious king-size bed with an elegant wood headboard, complimented by a dark green accent wall. Bedroom presents a tasteful light blue color scheme and also includes a king size bed. For your privacy and convenience, it is equipped with an en-suite bathroom with a shower. The third bedroom is a king-size room as well and is also equipped with an en-suite bathroom with both a shower and bathtub. Mickey Mouse décor and bright red color accents make this space fun and lively . Any wizards in your group? The fourth bedroom offers a luxurious king-size bed and boasts a Harry Potter theme! Lastly, showcasing two twin beds and a Guardians of the Galaxy theme, the fifth bedroom is perfect for kids! *All rooms are complete with Smart TV's and ceiling fans.* The outdoor space is perfect for grilling while watching the kids having fun in your own private swimming pool and spa! **Optional pool and spa heat is available for $35/day + tax. We would recommend adding pool heat to your reservation between the months of November and April.** For fun indoors, this home offers a incredible game room with poker table, Smart TV, and arcade games! Whether it’s the location, the amenities, or the style – you can’t go wrong with stay at Champions Gate Resort! You will be staying less than 20 minutes from Universal Studios, Disney World and other Orlando theme parks. As part of the ChampionsGate community, numerous restaurants, grocery store, drug stores, and other retailers are close by and easily accessible.- 10
- 5
- 5
from
$162/night
4 of 209 properties