Cool, secret details + photos

The Cinderella Castle makeover was inspired by a Disney legend.

Cinderella’s Castle got a makeover for its 50th anniversary.

The topical details in shades of royal blue, light pink and gold were inspired by the vision and concept art of fantasy Disney Mary Blair for the classic Disney film “Cinderella”.

Blair was a legend who worked alongside Walt Disney – she even designed It’s a Small World at Disneyland.

You can try Walt’s favorite chili recipe.

Over 150 new foods and drinks have been added to menus at the property’s four theme parks and numerous resorts for the anniversary celebration.

Some of these new items feature playful nods to the park’s old attractions, like the Nautilus drink at the Be Our Guest restaurant, which was inspired by the ancient 20,000 leagues under the sea journey: Submarine Travel .

According to D23, one of Walt’s favorite foods was chili, and guests can now order the 1971 meal at Casey’s Corner to try his favorite recipe on a hot dog.

The beloved Main Street restaurant also offers a 50th anniversary hot dog with strawberry jam and bacon and funnel cake pieces.

Non-alcoholic drinks are even served in a special 50th cup.

The next time you need a caffeine break, watch out for new cups.

Disney mugs have always been a focal point, from inspirational quotes from Walt to cute Mickey Mouse prints. The 50th anniversary paper cups now have a whole new look.

They present a large fifty illustrations of the icons of the four theme parks.

You can search for new gold character statues in all four parks.

One of the biggest additions for the 50th anniversary celebration are the gold character statues spread across the four theme parks.

The Fab 50 character collection features large gold-themed sculptures of 50 beloved Disney characters. But if you aren’t actively looking for them, it’s easy to miss them in decorative landscaping.

The collection includes classic popular characters, like Mickey and Minnie, as well as newer characters, like Dante from “Coco”.

Disney also announced that these statues will feature digital interactions soon.

Main Street Confectionery is a fan favorite, but you’ll find something new on the back.

On Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom, you’ll find an upper-level bakery and confectionery store, Main Street Confectionery.

Inside, a new experience has opened up for the celebration where guests can personalize one of the park’s most iconic snacks: popcorn.

At Kernel Kitchen, after selecting a popcorn base, you can flavor it with different syrups and candies.

Don’t forget to explore the Main Street rail tunnels.

People arriving at Magic Kingdom can walk past the historic train station to get to the castle, but Disney has added a series of vintage-style posters throughout the entrance that you won’t want to miss.

The Nostalgic Surprise features some of the same poster designs for rides like Mad Tea Party and Pirates of the Caribbean that guests would have seen 50 years ago.

There’s also a great poster for Magic Kingdom’s new nighttime show, “Disney Enchantment”.

When it gets dark, you’ll want to watch the monorail.

The Monorail is a futuristic and stylish transportation system at Disney World that transports guests between Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and select resorts.

For the 50th anniversary celebration, new LED landing gear lights have been added to the monorails to make them glow at night.

Hear something new during the Magic Kingdom character processions.

Music has been incorporated extensively into the 50th anniversary celebration with several new original tracks.

For example, “The Magic Is Calling” by Alana Da Fonseca and Bobby Studley was created as an anthem for the 18th anniversary celebration.

The inspiring track can be heard in a variety of arrangements in the parks, including during the short Magic Kingdom parades known as character cavalcades.

The pianists from Casey’s Corner are back.

While you enjoy a hot dog at Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom, you can watch a spirited performer perform ragtime tunes outside.

After a hiatus amid the coronavirus pandemic, pianists are back, including Randy Morris who performed 50 years ago on the park’s opening day.

Morris transferred from Disneyland to Disney World in 1971 on a three-month contract that turned into a career spanning over 50 years.

There is a new free activity in Frontierland of Magic Kingdom.

There isn’t a lot you can get for free at Disney World, but as part of the 50th celebration, Magic Kingdom has reopened the Frontierland Shootin ‘Arcade, which is now free to all guests.

After being closed for over a year due to pandemic restrictions, the attraction is back up and running without its old fees.

Look for special nods to old attractions in Anniversary Merchandise.

For the 50th anniversary, Disney World released a ton of new products, from t-shirts and pins to cups and hats.

There are several collections out there, but you’ll want to be on the lookout for the retro-inspired Vault collection. Its vintage style is a nod to old rides, like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

There are also shirts with the Preview Center – the first building in Walt Disney World that opened to the public in 1970. People could tour and see what was happening at the theme park via scale models and artist renderings. until the day before the inauguration of Magic Kingdom. .

There are a number of opening attractions that are still operational in Magic Kingdom.

When Disney World opened on October 1, 1971, Magic Kingdom was the only park and there were just over 20 attractions.

Since then, there have been a lot of changes, but there are a few attractions that are still standing 50 years later.

One of the iconic favorites is the Country Bear Jamboree, which features a cast of song bears and has undergone minimal changes since October 1, 1971.