Disney’s a hundredth Anniversary formally begins later in 2023 at Walt Disney World, and there will probably be new issues to do at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the resort motels. This information to the 100 Years of Marvel Celebration affords data, what to see & do, and different assorted ideas.
For starters, Disney100 is in honor of the a hundredth anniversary of the firm and never the Florida theme park advanced. So for those who’re questioning how we went from celebrating Walt Disney World’s fiftieth Anniversary to the a hundredth Anniversary like 2 years later, that’s how. Walt Disney World didn’t go to a rapid-aging seaside from an M. Night time Shyamalan movie or something like that.
Diehard Disney followers seemingly knew that…however not everyone seems to be in our odd little membership. For those who’re only a regular particular person (initially, congrats), you couldn’t be blamed for pondering it’s the a hundredth Anniversary of the Walt Disney World primarily based on the decorations and advertising and marketing…or questioning why the advertisements on tv have gone switched from the fiftieth to the a hundredth Anniversary so rapidly.
With what the Disney100 Celebration isn’t out of the best way, let’s handle the edge query: when will the 100 Years of Marvel Celebration begin at Walt Disney World? Actually, we don’t have the reply to that. Formally, Walt Disney World has indicated that Disney100 will start “later this yr.”
In different bulletins, Walt Disney World has steered that parts of EPCOT which might be anticipated to determine into Disney100 will probably be accomplished or debut in “Late 2023.” In fact, there’s a distinction between the 2 similar-sounding phrases. Technically, tomorrow is “later this yr” as relative to right now. In contrast, “Late 2023” suggests the final quarter of the calendar yr: October via December.
We additionally know that EPCOT would be the epicenter of the 100 Years of Marvel Celebration at Walt Disney World. Nevertheless, there are not any specifics as to what which means past a brand new nighttime spectacular, opening of Moana’s Journey of Water, and filling in of the Big EPCOT Filth Pit.
Our expectation is that the official begin of Disney100 at EPCOT is dictated in twin components by the conclusion of Walt Disney World’s fiftieth Anniversary (and never wanting to begin one other celebration too quickly) and the completion of the EPCOT overhaul. Onerous to host a home celebration along with your front room and kitchen stripped right down to the studs!
Although it’s not a milestone anniversary for the park, we wouldn’t be in the slightest degree shocked to see the Disney100 Celebration begin at Walt Disney World on October 1, 2023. In fact, that assumes the park’s metaphorical kitchen and front room (CommuniCore Corridor & Plaza, I assume) will probably be completed by then. The tempo of these tasks has began to maneuver extra rapidly…at the very least as in comparison with the final couple years.
There’s additionally the query of when the Disney100 festivities will finish. It’s customary for Disney’s milestone anniversary celebrations to final at the very least 18 months–typically so long as 2 years. The World’s Most Magical Celebration was 18 month lengthy; the Yr (singular) of a Million Goals lasted about 2 years.
Regardless of that, I’m going to make a daring prediction: Walt Disney World actively celebrates Disney100 for one yr or much less. For one factor, it’s not an precise anniversary of the parks. For an additional, it’s really centered round Disneyland, and it started in January out on the west coast. Lastly, it simply feels like a stopgap occasion.
My guess is that Walt Disney World followers have already got ‘anniversary fatigue’ and that this celebration goes to do nearly nothing to maneuver the needle on new trip bookings. It’ll transfer merchandise, certain, however that’s about it. And followers would’ve purchased souvenirs regardless–this simply modifications what they purchased.
Given all of that, my intestine says that Walt Disney World will probably be able to “transfer on” by Summer season 2024, and launch a brand new occasion then. Who is aware of, although. I might be completely improper–perhaps I’m underestimating the recognition of Disney100 and it’ll final till mid-2025.
Regardless, Walt Disney World has began to announce stuff for Disney100. A few of this has already appeared within the parks and different parts are on the horizon. Relatively than inundating you with new posts for each minor little element, we figured it’d make sense to create this complete information, so those that have an interest within the occasion can seek the advice of this and examine again all through the approaching months as extra is added.
With that in thoughts, let’s flip to leisure and different choices within the Florida parks & resorts for the 100 Years of Marvel Celebration…
Beacons of Magic on Spaceship Earth – Launched as one of many centerpieces of the World’s Most Magical Celebration, the Beacons of Magic have been an entire dud, with one very notable exception: EPCOT. This complete providing felt prefer it was designed round Spaceship Earth, and expanded to the opposite park icons (albeit with none artistic imaginative and prescient).
There are at present 3 completely different Beacons of Magic reveals on Spaceship Earth every night time–the everlasting one, the rotating competition one, and the EPCOT fortieth Anniversary one. Walt Disney World has now revealed that one other Beacons of Magic present will mild up the night time with a blinding spectacle of colours and lights as Spaceship Earth honors Disney100.
Walt Disney Imagineering has been dreaming up new methods to honor this necessary milestone by turning to their very own cherished reminiscences. “The Present Lighting Group at Walt Disney Imagineering has been amazed at our friends’ response to the nightly reveals on Spaceship Earth,” mentioned Jason Learn, present lighting designer principal for Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’ve helped rejoice the fiftieth Anniversary of Walt Disney World, EPCOT’s fortieth, and the park’s signature festivals. Now, we’re excited to have Spaceship Earth ring within the greatest celebration but, the a hundredth Anniversary of the Walt Disney Firm.”
“We’re additionally impressed by many issues from the historical past of the corporate, its characters, theme parks and reveals – even the Disney100 opening brand that performs earlier than our function movies throughout this anniversary,” Learn continued. “You might even see homages to every part from the ‘Great World of Disney’ tv present opening to Mickey balloons that we promote on Principal Avenue, U.S.A.”
EPCOT Nighttime Spectacular – Mainly nothing of substance is thought concerning the upcoming nighttime spectacular that’ll debut on and above World Showcase Lagoon in Late 2023. Present Director Tom Vazzana with Walt Disney World Artistic Leisure mentioned the next about it: “This particular present via music, pyrotechnics, lasers, and lighting replicate the commonality in all of us. You may be you, I may be me, and we are able to all be collectively on this one stunning present.” Vazzana added that EPCOT’s new nighttime spectacular will function an unique composition and evocative alternatives from the Disney songbook, all woven collectively to “remind us that we’re extra alike than completely different.”
Our hope is that classes have been discovered from the failure of Harmonious and what informal friends disliked about IllumiNations to create one thing that works for informal friends and Walt Disney World diehards. Past that, construct on the success of the Disneyland Paris thirtieth Anniversary nighttime spectacular additions. There’s undoubtedly a solution to do one thing wow-inducing over World Showcase Lagoon with no bunch of hideous everlasting infrastructure inflicting daytime blight. In a phrase: drones.
Characters – You might discover Minnie and Mickey Mouse plus their buddies in platinum-inspired appears to be like designed to replicate the optimism and creativity which might be on the coronary heart of every part Disney.
These costumes are stylish and chic. We’ve seen numerous creative outfits for Mickey and pals not too long ago, so I’m completely glad with sharp, simple, and trendy appears to be like.
CommuniCore Corridor – Talking of which, Mickey Mouse and pals may even have a brand new residence at Communicore Corridor opening later this yr as a part of the EPCOT transformation. It is a purpose-built location that’ll seemingly be just like the previous one in Innoventions.
CommuniCore Corridor may even be residence to competition programming at EPCOT, and can function a dynamic exhibition house that may rework with every competition all year long. Enjoying with mild, shapes and reflections, the structure of this constructing was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering to rejoice the legacy of EPCOT and the unique CommuniCore buildings. Though unconfirmed, our guess is that it’ll open with a Disney100 exhibition.
See our put up about CommuniCore Corridor and Plaza Coming to EPCOT for extra particulars about this venue as a complete. No different specifics have been shared as to the meet & greets coming to the World Celebration neighborhood of EPCOT.
Character Caravan – The “Caravanning Across the World” RV debuted throughout the bodily distancing period when conventional meet & greets have been suspended (perhaps round Christmas of that yr?) and has been an enormous hit since. For Walt Disney World’s fiftieth Anniversary, the RV and character costumes bought a recent look, and the identical is true as soon as once more.
Varied Disney characters cease by the resorts for impromptu picture alternatives. Because the Disney100 celebration ramps up at Walt Disney World, it’s possible you’ll run into a few of your favourite Disney characters of their platinum greatest as they pop up at varied resort motels. These stops are supposedly random, however I swear that I see the characters on the BoardWalk garden greater than all different places mixed.
Platinum Decorations – EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios will probably be adorned in platinum-infused décor. Count on to see a surplus of glowing platinum banners, Disney100 medallions, and different picture alternatives. (Maybe the Fab 50 statues will probably be repainted platinum and recycled for Disney100?)
The centerpiece of the decor will probably be ready Disney100 backdrops in entrance of all 4 theme parks plus Disney Springs.
Music – This has not but been introduced, however I like this little contact at Disneyland a lot that I need to will it into existence at Walt Disney World. It’d look like a minor factor, however there’s a brand new background music (BGM) loop that performs within the Esplanade and Downtown Disney there that options all-time traditional theme park songs.
The brand new Disney100 loop is surprisingly heavy on EPCOT Heart originals, however includes a good stability of previous and new. Something that features Nation Bear Jamboree, Journey into Creativeness, and IllumiNations is a winner in my guide! (Given the 50/50 mixture of Disneyland and Walt Disney World music, it’s in all probability secure to imagine this BGM was designed with the intention of utilizing it on each coasts.)
Along with this, the band and different musical acts across the California parks are additionally enjoying new medleys for Disney100. These function good blends of music from the parks plus animated and reside motion films of the previous and current. Leisure is the guts of Walt Disney World, and this may make the 100 Years of Marvel Celebration really feel extra alive.
Disney100 Meals – Starting Could 1, friends can benefit from the Disney100 Petite Cake for a restricted time at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. This mouthwatering dessert has layers of vanilla chiffon, berry mousse and berry compote, all topped with a celebratory Disney100 Medallion macaron.
The Disney Culinary crew has been dreaming up all types of scrumptious dishes to commemorate the milestone, and that is just the start. I used to be fortunate sufficient to be taught concerning the inspiration behind this yummy dessert from Chef Amanda.
“The culinary crew has the great alternative to make use of meals for storytelling,” Chef Amanda mentioned. “We get to make particular themed treats that carry friends into the story, letting them really feel immersed in a tangible and really scrumptious manner.”
“The inspiration of this cake pulls from the wealthy purple and platinum colours used for the Disney100 celebration,” Chef Amanda shared. “The material on the perimeters of the cake represents the normal bunting that adorns Principal Avenue, U.S.A. for particular events. And naturally, Mickey Mouse is proudly represented on the entrance of the cake as a result of as everyone knows: ‘It began with a mouse.’”
Disney100 Merchandise – The Disney100 merchandise is now accessible at Walt Disney World. Along with what’s out now, a Disney100 Cinderella Premium Bucket will probably be unique to Magic Kingdom. You’ll additionally be capable of take pleasure in drinks and popcorn within the new Disney100 refillable cups accessible now on the Disney Resort motels and popcorn buckets in any respect 4 theme parks and Disney Springs.
Different limited-release merchandise for Disney100 is on the market throughout Walt Disney World. Cherish nostalgic reminiscences with the brand new 40s-themed Disney100 Many years Assortment that includes Disney classics reminiscent of “Fantasia,” “The Three Caballeros,” “Pinocchio” and “Dumbo.” Different choices embody the Disney100 Platinum Celebration Assortment or the Disney100 Unified Character Assortment.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about motels on our Walt Disney World Inns Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a novel have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the very best place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every part it’s essential to know!
Your Ideas
Are you wanting ahead to the 100 Years of Marvel Celebration at Walt Disney World? What excites you probably the most? Trying ahead to the brand new nighttime spectacular at EPCOT? What concerning the Big Filth Pit being crammed in and CommuniCore Corridor & Plaza debuting? Purchase any of the purple/platinum merchandise but? Planning a visit particularly for the brand new leisure or Disney100 choices? Do you agree or disagree with our information? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions—even once you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!