Oh boy! The Walt Disney Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. To commemorate the biggest event in Disney history, the “Walt Disney 100 Years of Wonder” celebration is bringing all sorts of new magic to fans.
On Oct. 19, 1923, brothers Walt and Roy Disney established “The Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio.” For years now, the Disney Company has told countless classic stories and created timeless, magical memories.
“For most people, Disney just has this magic that brings people together. It’s not really something that you can explain, but something that you feel,” said Marina Viray ’24. She added, “It has impacted my life so much because it’s something I can always have fun with and look forward to.”
As part of the D100 celebration, a new nighttime spectacular, “Luminous The Symphony of Us”, will debut at EPCOT on Dec. 5, featuring fireworks, fountains, lasers, lighting, and an original song in addition to some classic Disney songs. A special lighting design for Spaceship Earth with a new rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star” is also showing.
The new attraction Moana’s Journey of Water will be coming to EPCOT. Florida’s Soarin’ Around the World attraction has been transformed into Soarin’ Over California, as of Sept. 22, for a limited time only.
The parks are completely decked out in their D100 celebration decor. Disney100 photo backdrops, banners, and more decorate the entrances of all four parks plus Disney Springs.
The D100 sign and platinum Mickey Mouse sculpture are located in the middle of the park ,and the actual Mickey and Minnie are also sporting their celebratory platinum outfits.
Disney100 celebratory foods and drinks include the Disney100 Petite Cake — layered vanilla chiffon, berry mousse and berry compote, topped with a Disney 100 Medallion macaron — which was briefly offered at Amorette’s Patisserie located in Disney Springs. EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival also offers four new marketplaces in honor of the 100th anniversary.
There is also new Disney100 merchandise available throughout Walt Disney World Resort. The Emporium at Magic Kingdom and World of Disney at Disney Springs offers the largest selection. New Disney100 refillable cups can also be found at the resort hotels, as well as both the Disney100 Cinderella and purple Mickey Balloon premium popcorn buckets at all four theme parks and Disney Springs.
The new entertainment, attractions, decor, food, and merchandise are only the beginning of the big 100th anniversary celebration. Disney’s got more magic in store for fans!
Looking back on these 100 years of wonder, remember that Walt Disney once said, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse.”
