You’ve probably heard Walt Disney World® Resort referred to as, “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Now, the magic is calling everyone to “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” – commemorating 50 years of operation in Orlando, Fla. This is a can't miss celebration of monumental proportions!

This October, Walt Disney World kicked off an 18-month event that will make you want to don your Mickey ears and head to Florida. Here are the Top 5 reasons you will want to visit soon.

1. Everything has gone “EARidescent” with shimmering color!

First up is Cinderella Castle. This iconic landmark of Magic Kingdom® Park has a magical transformation with gold accents and pink additions.

The turrets and roofs are painted a brighter, shimmering blue and dramatic draperies now appear under each turret. The recently installed golden “50” rests upon an EARidescent background – simply stunning! Plus, Mickey, Minnie and friends will be ready to welcome guests, of course, all decked out in their best new EARidescent outfits.

2. New fireworks! 

This fall marked the debut of not one but two new nighttime spectaculars. Disney Enchantment takes place at the Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT® has welcomed Harmonious.

Disney Enchantment features fantastic fireworks, Disney music and immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle all the way down Main Street U.S.A.®. Over at EPCOT on World Showcase Lagoon, Harmonious transports you with Disney music classics that inspire and unite. Using floating giant screens, moving fountains, pyrotechnics and lasers, you’ll enjoy the music of Brave, The Lion King, Moana and other classic Disney songs.

3. New attraction! 

The newest expansion in EPCOT is finally open. Here you’ll find three new areas to discover: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction, La Crêperie de Paris restaurant and an expanded France pavilion, making you feel like you're part of the animated film.

4. Magic at new heights! 

The 50th Anniversary celebrations continue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®

Theme Park. Check out the Disney KiteTails, where you’ll be in awe of threedimensional kites and wind-catchers as they soar through the air while dancing to Disney songs. See Simba, Zazu, Baloo and more take flight at the Discovery River Amphitheater. 5 Golden sculptures!

Found throughout all four theme parks, Disney Fab 50 golden character sculptures are waiting to pose for that perfect selfie. Of course, Mickey and Minnie will be in attendance, but there will also be some other favorite characters you might have forgotten, including the Cheshire Cat, Pinocchio, Jaq and Thumper.

5. Golden sculptures! 

Found throughout all four theme parks, Disney Fab 50 golden character sculptures are waiting to pose for that perfect selfie. Of course, Mickey and Minnie will be in attendance, but there will also be some other favorite characters you might have forgotten, including the Cheshire Cat, Pinocchio, Jaq and Thumper.

Plus, here’s one more reason you’ll want to visit soon… 

Beacons of Magic! 

During The World’s Most Magical Celebration, each theme park icon will illuminate and glitter, beckoning all to come and enjoy.

While we’ve listed the Top 5 reasons to visit Walt Disney World Resort, the list does not stop there. For a celebration this large, the “must do's” are plenty. If you’re looking for more, be sure to check out the newest Cirque du Soleil® show, Drawn to Life. Drawn to Life couples Cirque du Soleil’s acrobatic mastery with an animator’s desk that becomes the stage and drawings that – you guessed it – come to life.

If you’re looking for an “out-of-this-world” place to eat, check out Space 220 located in EPCOT. As you enter, you’ll board a special elevator that will seem to take you 220 miles up, complete with spectacular views of Earth. Unwind with some out-of-this-world cocktails and some unique food.

AAA Western and Central New York, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, is honored to have achieved the special recognition of EarMarked Platinum Producer. Our Travel Advisors are proud graduates of the College of Disney Knowledge and specialize in selling all Disney destinations.

With so many new attractions to complement the Walt Disney World Resort historic theme parks, now is the time to plan a vacation that’s 50 years in the making.

Let AAA’s travel experts plan your magical Disney vacation!

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