With all the new things coming from the Disney franchise there is so much to be excited about. I’ve put together some of the announcements I’m most looking forward to.
The 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World has been announced and will be celebrated for 18 months from October 2021 till March 2023. Not only will Cinderella Castle be getting an anniversary overlay, but all the parks will be decorated for the celebration. You can currently go to the Magic Kingdom and see some of the castle decorations already. This design, however, is way simple than past celebrations. The most drastic being for the 25th anniversary when Imaginers transformed Cinderella Castle into a pink cake with candy. This reason may be because of the 100-year anniversary of the Walt Disney Company in 2023. Of course, the fab five (Mickey, Mini, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto) will be reserving new outfits for the occasion.
Rides Opening
There has been a lot of construction going on in WDW for the past 5 years in preparation for the anniversary, however because of the pandemic new attraction openings have to be pushed back. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure was originally supposed to open this summer at Epcot. This ride has been highly anticipated by many fans. It was originally opened at Disneyland Paris, but this will be its debut in the U.S. as has now been announced it is set to launch in the opening day celebrations of the anniversary. I’m probably the most excited for this ride. Two years ago, I was lucky enough to go to Disneyland! A good reasoning for this far push back may be because of marketing and optimizing the number of guests in the parks.
Another attraction that got pushed back is Tron. This coaster is also being brought over from another Disney park in Shanghai. Construction for this ride began in 2018 and was projected to open in the Fall of 2021. Due to COVID-19, the construction on the ride slowed significantly and is still heavily under maintenance. Back in September, the skeletal framework for the outside canopy, that will cover the outside portion of the track and change colors, was installed. The canopy will for sure change the skyline of the Magic Kingdom and has the potential to become a park icon.
Films
Luca will be Pixar’s news animated film that takes place in a small seaside town in Italy in 1940’s. The film follows two brothers, Luca and Alberto, in a summer full of fun, gelato, and pasta. There’s only one problem: Luca and Alberto are actually sea monsters from an underwater world and the people of the town are hostile to the myths of sea monsters. Luca is said to be released in Summer 2021. It’s unknown if the film will be released in theater or Disney Primer access for a fee of $30, but it is likely both options will be available like for the release of Raya.
Encanto is the Walt Disney Animation Studio’s six-year animated feature film. The movie is set in Colombia and currently not much information or pictures have been released. One aspect that I am over the moon excited about is to hear the brilliant music written by Lin Manuel Miranda. This will not be the first time Lin has worked on a Disney film, as he also worked on the music for Moana. Encanto is expected to be released in November.
I am so excited to see these movies, go to the rides, and celebrate my favorite place in the world. These movies will bring new cultures to the Disney franchise, rides, and celebrations new experiences to guests.