Rumors Updates for Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary

A list of upcoming attractions, theme park rumors, and rides for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary in 2021.

The Walt Disney World Resort may be planning its most ambitious celebration yet! In 2021, the Walt Disney World Resort officially turns 50 years old! While many of the exciting attractions have been confirmed by Disney, there could be some fantastic new offerings on the way. We dive into all of the confirmed rides, rumored attractions, and other expectations we expect for this magical celebration.

According to insiders, the Walt Disney World Resort is planning 50 special enhancements for its anniversary. From new rides to shows and dining options, some of these have already rolled out! It’s also important to note that Walt Disney World may scale some of these back due to recent budget cuts.

When Will the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Begin?

Walt Disney World’s opening day was October 1st, 1971, so we expect the celebration around that same time in 2021. Other rumors suggest that Disney wants to start the celebration earlier, possibly around Memorial Day weekend in May 2021. However, if Disney still needs to limit its capacity, the celebration is likely being aimed for October. With that said, the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary is expected to last 18 months (we update our newsletter readers on these dates —sign up here!)

Tron Lightcycle Power Run (Shanghai Disneyland)

New Rides for the 50th

Tron Lightcycle Run (Magic Kingdom) – A roller coaster opening at the Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland. Construction is underway near Space Mountain. This highly anticipated ride will likely open at the launch of the 50th celebration in 2021. However, recent rumors point to Disney opening this ride in 2022 when the crowds are higher. With that said, TRON may still open within the 18-month window of the 50th anniversary.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (EPCOT) – A family friendly dark ride in the France pavilion at EPCOT. The attraction is a clone of the one in the Disneyland Paris Resort. While Remy’s was supposed to open in 2020, the ride has been pushed back to 2021 for the 50th. Rumors say that Remy’s may open in March 2021, but it could be sooner.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT) – A launch roller coaster and the first Marvel-themed ride at Walt Disney World! Cosmic Rewind may not come until later in the 50th anniversary lineup, possibly not until 2022. Disney is also waiting for Guardians of the Galaxy 3 to begin filming so that they can capture the actors in scenes for the thrill ride. We expect this new coaster to open for EPCOT’s 40th anniversary in October 2022.

Existing Hollywood Studios Attractions – Expect Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway to be listed as part of the 50 enhancements.

Tomorrowland Speedway (Magic Kingdom) – The motorized car attraction is rumored to get a refresh to match with TRON. Though there are conflicting reports, some say Disney wants to move to electric cars. Anything is possible, even the Tomorrowland Speedway staying the same.

Harmonious in EPCOT

New Shows for the 50th

Harmonious (EPCOT) – EPCOT’s newest extravaganza will light up the night sky. Harmonious incorporates enormous screens, special effects, popular Disney stories, and of course, fireworks! While social distancing measures may have an effect on this lagoon show, Disney has already begun installing pieces for the spectacular. Disney originally announced Harmonious for sometime in 2020.

Festival of Fantasy Parade (Magic Kingdom) – Parades have been absent at Walt Disney World since the parks reopened in July 2020. Sources say that Disney looks to bring them back in an exciting way for the 50th. Festival of Fantasy will likely resume at the Magic Kingdom in its original form, but new floats will likely be added for the celebration.

New Fireworks Show (Magic Kingdom) – Though this is just a rumor, we anticipate that the Magic Kingdom will launch a new fireworks show for its anniversary. We expect nods to the past, plenty of Disney characters, and possibly new ways to experience the show if social distancing measures are still in full effect.

Disney Play Pavilion at EPCOT

Other 50th Attractions

Disney Play Pavilion (EPCOT) – In an effort to make EPCOT “more Disney” the Resort began construction on a character-filled new experience. The Disney Play Pavilion incorporates popular Disney and Pixar characters with the use of technology. Only time will tell how “social distancing friendly” this new attraction is. However, we do expect the Play Pavilion to open sometime in 2021 at EPCOT.

Star Wars: Galactic Cruiser (Hotel Experience) – Surprisingly, Disney has not put its Star Wars-themed interactive hotel on hold. In fact, new permits and other construction landmarks have been filled. Guests can step into a galaxy far, far away in this 2-night, 2-day immersive experience. We expect to see the Galactic Cruiser open sometime in 2021. Read more here!

New Castle Look – The Magic Kingdom already painted its Cinderella Castle with gold spires. Finishing touches completed in summer 2020.

Dining – Special menu items and dining packages will likely be offered during the celebration. Some of these may roll out during the 18-month celebration. New restaurants include the Space 220 “space station restaurant” at EPCOT and the Toy Story Backyard BBQ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

When Will the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Begin?

New Rides for the 50th

New Shows for the 50th

Other 50th Attractions

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