October 1st marks the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Orlando’s grand opening. This will be a celebration like no other and to really mark it, the celebrations will be happening until March 2023!
After 16 months of not being able to travel, this is the perfect reason to go big and fully immerse yourself in the world and imagination of Walt Disney. Although our normal health and safety guidelines of hand sanitising, mask-wearing and social distancing will still apply, the magic of Walt Disney World will make it worth it!
When should you visit Walt Disney World?
We know that people may still be nervous about travel, especially when it involves a transatlantic flight. Although the 50th celebrations kick off in October, to make the most of your visit to Walt Disney World Orlando, you should visit it from next summer onwards. New attractions that were put on hold during the pandemic should be ready by summer 2022 so why not be one of the first to try them?
What’s special about the 50th anniversary celebrations in Walt Disney World?
The theme for the momentous anniversary is “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”. Across the four theme parks within Walt Disney World, there are an abundance of new and exciting additions to really make the celebrations magical.
In Magic Kingdom, the new TRON Lightcycle Run roller coaster will be opening for some futuristic fun in Tomorrowland. The most impressive new attraction will be a brand new nighttime fireworks show called ‘Disney Enchantment’, which is sure to dazzle guests.
In EPCOT, the park is going through a massive overhaul. In time for the anniversary, the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride will be ready to thrill guests. As one of the longest indoor roller coasters in the world, you’ll feel immersed in the world of Star Lord. Those familiar with Disneyland Paris and who know Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be delighted to hear that it’s coming to Florida. A new fireworks show will be ready in time for the opening and later in 2021, the first Moana attraction, Journey of Water, is hoped to open.
In Hollywood Studios, all its new attractions and refurbishments were completed in advance of the anniversary. The biggest attraction in the park is undoubtedly Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance being two of the standout attractions in the galaxy.
In Animal Kingdom, there will be a new daytime show starting in October called the Disney KiteTales. During the show you’ll see elaborate three-dimensional kites, reaching up to 30ft, of your favourite characters will take to the air. Characters like Simba, Zazu, Baloo, and King Louie will dance through the sky to all the classic Disney songs.
How is the vaccine rollout going in America?
At the moment, 56% of the American population have received their first dose of a COVID vaccine and 48.4% are fully vaccinated. That’s a total of 338million vaccine doses! In Florida, 66.6% of the state’s population have received at least their first dose and 57.5% fully vaccinated. Although the vaccine rollout had a lot of momentum at the start as part of Biden’s 100 days, demand for vaccines has begun to slow down slightly. Most states, apart from Mississippi, have at over 50% of their population receiving the first dose of a vaccine.
What are the entry requirements for travel to America?
While America still has restrictions in place for international tourists, this should hopefully be lifted in the coming months. When we can visit America again, its entry requirements, similar to the EU, will depend on whether you’re vaccinated or unvaccinated. Before travelling to the USA, please check the Department of Foreign Affairs website (dfa.ie). Here’s a handy table from the Centre for Disease Control and Protection of what entry requirements could look like when the ban is lifted:
