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New Special “50 Years of Walt Disney World” to Air on ABC

cinderella castle 50th anniversary
Credit: Disney Parks

36 more days to go Walt Disney World fans! It’s hard to believe we are finally almost to October 1, 2021, when Disney celebrates 50 years of magic making. “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” will be filling the Parks with new experiences like Magic Kingdom’s “Disney Enchantment“, EPCOT’s “Harmonious“, Disney’s Fab 50 special golden sculptures spread throughout Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction at EPCOT, and much more! While we impatiently await the arrival of the big day, Disney has announced a new special – and no, this one is not the usual Christmas special you’re used to! Disney will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a debut on ABC of a special show called, “The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World.” Check out the details below!

Disney’s Art Rendering of “Disney Enchantment” (Credit: Disney)

As shared by Disney Parks Blog: “In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, ABC News and Disney Parks have teamed up to present a spectacular television event, “The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World.” This special, hosted by Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, will take you on a journey spanning half a century and beyond at Walt Disney World in Florida. The show will also feature spectacular visuals and musical performances from Christina Aguilera and Halle Bailey in front of the legendary Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. Throughout the special, you’ll see exclusive interviews with iconic actors, actresses, and athletes, Walt Disney World Cast Members, Disney Imagineers, and executives past and present who have all played their unique part in sprinkling pixie dust over “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”

Credit: Disney

“This EARidescent special event will take viewers through Walt Disney World’s humble beginnings in the swamplands of Florida and its evolution into a cultural phenomenon. Through an expansive look into the past, present, and future of the vacation destination, footage never before seen on television will give fans a glimpse into the journey to bring Walt’s vision to life and a look at plans for the future. The special will also spotlight some of Walt Disney World’s most memorable pop-culture moments, from the many sitcoms that filmed episodes in the theme parks to the conception of the ubiquitous “I’m going to Disney World!” campaign. Plus, viewers will get a heartwarming look at how Disney and Make-A-Wish foundation have worked together for over 40 years to make kids’ Disney dreams come true.”

Disney Characters Dressed in their 50th Finest (Credit: Disney)

“Celebrities including Anthony Anderson, John Stamos, Marsai Martin, Gary Sinise, Melissa Joan Hart, and Candace Cameron Bure; NFL athletes Tom Brady, Phil Simms and Doug Williams, and creative forces Kevin Feige, Pete Docter, and James Cameron; Walt Disney World Imagineers including Bob Weis, Mark Kohl, and Ann Morrow Johnson; and Disney executives past and present including Bob Chapek, Bob Iger, and Michael Eisner, will all share their favorite memories of Walt Disney World.”

Credit: Disney

Mark your calendars, set your clocks, and get ready to stream the new Disney 50 Anniversary special on ABC! “The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World” airs on the 50th Anniversary celebration – Friday, October 1 from 8-10 p.m. ET on ABC. If you miss it on ABC, you can also watch it beginning October 2 on demand and on Hulu, and later in the month on Disney+. Will you be streaming on October 1, or will you be one of the Guests in the Disney Park for all the action live?

About Jamie Sylvester

I'm a Disney nerd! A kid at heart who loves the magic and memories of Walt Disney World. I follow all things Disney and enjoy the vacations, day trips, weekend getaways, and geek out over the planning of such events. My goal is to experience as many Disney desserts and cocktails as possible! Married to another Disney nerd and blessed with a daughter and son, we thoroughly enjoy the magic at Disney and are here to help others experience the magic as well.