Walt Disney World Resort opened Oct. 1, 1971, to guests \u2013 and an entire world \u2013 eager to see how Walt Disney\u2019s genius had pixie-dusted the trackless flatlands of Central Florida into a Magic Kingdom. Ten thousand guests, their smiles as wide as the October skies, streamed into Walt\u2019s fairytale park on that historic day, ready to be transported to a world of fun and fantasy, where teacups spin, elephants fly and life\u2019s cares melt away at the gates.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place \u2026 a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn together.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>\u2013\u00a0Official Dedication, Oct. 25, 1971<\/p>\n

These words were spoken by Walt\u2019s brother, Roy O. Disney, at the official grand opening of Walt Disney World. Mickey Mouse, sporting the world\u2019s largest bass drum at the time, led 5,000 marchers in a festive parade through the five lands of Magic Kingdom Park. Guests were also treated to a high-stepping marching band 1,076 performers strong.<\/p>\n

Walt did not live to see that day, but after years of planning and construction (and Roy postponing retirement to help see it through), his much-anticipated \u201cFlorida Project\u201d was open and ready to welcome the world. From one theme park, two resort hotels and two golf courses, Walt\u2019s dream today is a world unto itself including four theme parks, two water parks, more than two dozen resort hotels, Disney Vacation Club properties, Disney\u2019s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, 63 holes of championship golf, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney\u2019s BoardWalk entertainment enclave and Disney Springs, a waterfront entertainment, dining and shopping district.<\/p>\n

And now 50 years and millions of memories later, Walt Disney World Resort is on the brink of an exciting new era of family entertainment as it kicks off the next 50 years. All of it inspired by the ultimate dreamer, Walt Disney.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at some of the many milestones in the 50-year history of The Most Magical Place on Earth:<\/p>\n

1965<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nov. 15 \u2013 Walt Disney and his brother Roy publicly announce plans for Disney World in a press conference held in downtown Orlando, Florida.<\/p>\n

1966<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oct. 27 \u2013 Walt Disney records a film outlining plans for the Florida Project \u2013 including details for Disney World and the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT).<\/p>\n

1967<\/strong><\/p>\n

May 30 \u2013 Groundbreaking officially kicks off construction of Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney\u2019s brother, Roy O. Disney officially named the project \u201cWalt Disney World\u201d to ensure the world will always remember the man behind this historic dream.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1970<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jan. 16 \u2013\u00a0The Walt Disney World Preview Center<\/strong>\u00a0opens in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., becoming the first location to welcome guests on Walt Disney World property. It features scale models and artist renderings for many of the diverse experiences being created for the \u201cVacation Kingdom of the World.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1971<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oct. 1 \u2013 Walt Disney World officially opens to the public. Phase one includes\u00a0Magic Kingdom Park,<\/strong>\u00a0Disney\u2019s Contemporary Resort<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Disney\u2019s Polynesian Village Resort<\/strong>. The resort is a showplace of innovation, featuring a transportation system of monorails, watercraft, trams and motor coaches, as well as a centralized computer network and other groundbreaking systems supporting the many guest offerings and attractions.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Oct. 25 \u2013 The\u00a0Electrical Water Pageant\u00a0<\/strong>debuts, bringing twinkling lights and a colorful synthesizer soundtrack to become a guest favorite along the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.<\/p>\n

Nov. 19 \u2013\u00a0Disney\u2019s Fort Wilderness Campground<\/strong>\u00a0opens, nestled among acres of scenic pine and cypress forest and evoking the timeless beauty of the American frontier.<\/p>\n

1973<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dec. 15 \u2013 Walt Disney World Resort expands with a new hotel, now known as\u00a0Shades of Green<\/strong>, and a new attraction,\u00a0Pirates of the Caribbean,<\/strong>\u00a0in Adventureland.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1974<\/strong><\/p>\n

June 30 \u2013 The\u00a0Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue\u00a0<\/strong>premieres at Disney\u2019s Fort Wilderness Resort.\u00a0 Today, it is one of the longest-running dinner shows in American history.<\/p>\n

1975<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jan. 15 \u2013 Tomorrowland expands with\u00a0Space Mountain\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0GE Carousel of Progress\u00a0<\/strong>opens, further enhancing Tomorrowland with the latter currently holding the record for longest-running stage show in the history of American theater.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

March 22 \u2013\u00a0Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village<\/strong>\u00a0opens with 28 shops and four restaurants.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0It will evolve over the decades and become The Marketplace at Disney Springs.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

June 7 \u2013 Walt Disney World Resort honors America\u2019s bicentennial with\u00a0America On Parade<\/strong>. With 50 floats and more than 200 performers paying tribute to America\u2019s history, people and traditions, it stands as the largest daily parade ever staged in a Disney park.<\/p>\n

July 1 \u2013 The\u00a0WEDway PeopleMover\u00a0<\/strong>(now known as Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover) is added to Tomorrowland, providing new views along its highway in the sky.<\/p>\n

July 14 \u2013 Preliminary plans for\u00a0EPCOT\u00a0<\/strong>are announced.<\/p>\n

1976<\/strong><\/p>\n

June 20 \u2013\u00a0Disney\u2019s River Country\u00a0<\/strong>water park opens next to Fort Wilderness. The popularity of River Country eventually inspires Disney\u2019s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney\u2019s Blizzard Beach water parks.<\/p>\n

1977<\/strong><\/p>\n

June 11 \u2013 The Magic Kingdom is aglow as\u00a0The Main Street Electrical Parade<\/strong>\u00a0makes its first Florida appearance, which followed its 1972 debut at Disneyland park in California.<\/p>\n

1979<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oct. 1 \u2013 After years of planning, construction begins on EPCOT.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1980<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sept. 23 \u2013\u00a0Big Thunder Mountain Railroad<\/strong>\u00a0opens in Frontierland, expanding the mountain range at Magic Kingdom Park.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1981<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oct. 1 \u2013 A year-long\u00a0Tencennial Celebration<\/strong>\u00a0begins, bringing new entertainment to Magic Kingdom Park. Later in the year, the EPCOT Preview Center opens on Main Street, U.S.A.<\/p>\n

1982<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oct. 1 \u2013\u00a0EPCOT\u00a0<\/strong>opens with five Future World pavilions \u2013 Spaceship Earth, Universe of Energy, World of Motion, Journey Into Imagination and The Land \u2013 and nine World Showcase pavilions representing Mexico, China, Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, France, United Kingdom and Canada.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Disney expands its legacy of work with\u00a0Make-A-Wish<\/strong>\u00a0as the first wish is grated at Walt Disney World Resort. Since 1982, more than\u00a0176,000 life-changing wishes have been granted for children facing critical illnesses in partnership with more than 250 wish-granting organizations around the globe.<\/p>\n

1983<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dec. 16 \u2013 The first\u00a0Mickey\u2019s Very Merry Christmas Party<\/strong>\u00a0is held at Magic Kingdom, starting a tradition of popular Disney After Hours events, combining special entertainment and offerings with extra time in the park.<\/p>\n

Dec. 25 \u2013 The\u00a0Walt Disney World Christmas Parade<\/strong>\u00a0is broadcast live from Magic Kingdom on ABC, going on to become a holiday tradition and growing to include parades and performances from both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.<\/p>\n

1984<\/strong><\/p>\n

May 11 \u2013 The\u00a0Disney<\/strong>\u00a0Dreamers & Doers\u00a0<\/strong>program begins recognizing young people who demonstrate excellence in their schools, families and communities. Since 1984, Walt Disney World Resort has recognized nearly 14,000 students from public and private schools across Central Florida.<\/p>\n

Sept. 7 \u2013 EPCOT World Showcase expands with the opening of the\u00a0Morocco<\/strong>\u00a0pavilion.<\/p>\n

1986<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jan. 15 \u2013\u00a0The Living Seas\u00a0<\/strong>(now The Seas with Nemo & Friends) opens at EPCOT, home to more than 200 species of sea life in a 5.7 million-gallon \u201cocean\u201d of saltwater.<\/p>\n

1987<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jan. 25 \u2013 The iconic\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m Going to Disney World!\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0commercial debuts. New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms is the first to shout the now-famous phrase following his team\u2019s Super Bowl XXI victory.<\/p>\n

1988<\/strong><\/p>\n

June 3 \u2013 EPCOT World Showcase expands with the opening of the\u00a0Norway<\/strong>\u00a0pavilion.<\/p>\n

June 28 \u2013\u00a0Disney\u2019s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa<\/strong>\u00a0opens as the flagship of Walt Disney World Resort hotels. It\u2019s followed Oct. 1 by\u00a0Disney\u2019s Caribbean Beach Resort<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

1989<\/strong><\/p>\n

May 1 \u2013\u00a0Disney\u2019s Hollywood Studios<\/strong>\u00a0opens with Tinseltown glamour, major entertainment attractions and behind-the-scenes looks at movie-making.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

May 1 \u2013 The nighttime entertainment complex\u00a0Pleasure Island<\/strong>\u00a0opens with a glittering array of restaurants and themed nightclubs. It will close in 2008 to make way for Disney Springs.<\/p>\n

June 1 \u2013\u00a0Disney\u2019s Typhoon Lagoon\u00a0<\/strong>water park opens, featuring a 95-foot-high mountain, eight water slides and a 2.5-acre wave pool.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1990<\/strong><\/p>\n

November \u2013 The first phase of the EPCOT Resort Area opens with the debut of\u00a0Disney\u2019s Yacht Club Resort\u00a0<\/strong>(Nov. 5) and\u00a0Disney\u2019s Beach Club Resort\u00a0<\/strong>(Nov. 19). The following year brings\u00a0Walt Disney World Swan Hotel\u00a0<\/strong>(Jan. 13) and the\u00a0Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel\u00a0<\/strong>(June 4). All within walking distance of the theme park, the collection of resorts significantly expands lodging and convention options.<\/p>\n

1991<\/strong><\/p>\n

November \u2013 The\u00a0Disney Harvest<\/strong>\u00a0program launches. Today this program annually collects more than 823,000 pounds of prepared, unserved food from throughout Walt Disney World Resort for distribution to more than 40 Orlando-area nonprofits served by Second Harvest Food Bank.<\/p>\n

Dec. 20 \u2013 Disney Vacation Club launches with the opening of its first resort, now called\u00a0Disney\u2019s Old Key West Resort<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

1993<\/strong><\/p>\n

April 23\u2013 The Walt Disney Company dedicates 8,500 acres of land purchased at the Osceola-Polk County line to The Nature Conservancy to preserve for future generations as the\u00a0Disney Wilderness Preserve.<\/strong><\/p>\n

1994<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jan. 16 \u2013 The inaugural\u00a0Walt Disney World Marathon<\/strong>\u00a0steps off, eventually growing into the popular\u00a0run<\/em>Disney races today.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

April 29 \u2013 The inaugural\u00a0EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival<\/strong>\u00a0debuts. In the years to follow, festivals dedicated to food & wine, the arts and holidays join the lineup.<\/p>\n

June 12 \u2013 Disney\u2019s Hollywood Studios expands with the opening of its first new themed area, Sunset Boulevard, bringing more shops, dining and entertainment to the park\u2026along with the haunted thrills of\u00a0The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror<\/strong>\u00a0(July 22).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Walt Disney World Resort continues to expand lodging options with the openings of:\u00a0Disney\u2019s Wilderness Lodge\u00a0<\/strong>(May 28),\u00a0Disney\u2019s All-Star Sports Resort\u00a0<\/strong>(April 29) and\u00a0Disney\u2019s All-Star Music Resort\u00a0<\/strong>(Nov. 1).<\/p>\n

The\u00a0African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida\u00a0<\/strong>is established with Walt Disney World Resort as a founding trustee. Walt Disney World\u2019s support and sponsorship of the Chamber includes hosting the its crowning celebration for Central Florida\u2019s most dynamic businesses and entrepreneurs, the Eagle Awards.<\/p>\n

1995<\/strong><\/p>\n

April 1 \u2013\u00a0Disney\u2019s Blizzard Beach\u00a0<\/strong>water park debuts, offering winter-themed fun in a water park setting, including a 12-story drop down the high-speed waterslide Summit Plummet.<\/p>\n

April 22 \u2013 The\u00a0Disney Conservation Fund<\/strong>\u00a0forms to provide support for respected conservation organizations saving wildlife and protecting the magic of nature. To date, the fund has directed $100 million to support nonprofit organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet.<\/p>\n

July 15 \u2013\u00a0Disney\u2019s Wedding Pavilion<\/strong>\u00a0opens on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, part of a vast expansion of options for weddings and vowel renewals. Today, Disney\u2019s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons offers a wide range of nuptial and honeymoon planning around the globe.<\/p>\n

1996<\/strong><\/p>\n

Feb. 9 \u2013\u00a0Disney Institute<\/strong>\u00a0opens, bringing more than 60 interactive programs to guests seeking fun and self-enrichment in customized vacation experiences. In the years to follow, Disney Institute evolves into a renowned training and professional-development organization that helps organizations be more successful using business insights and best practices of Disney parks and resorts.<\/p>\n

July 1 \u2013\u00a0Disney\u2019s BoardWalk Inn and Villas<\/strong>\u00a0open along with their lively namesake boardwalk that brings new restaurants and nightspots to the EPCOT Resort Area.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Oct. 1 \u2013 Walt Disney World Resort celebrates its\u00a025th anniversary<\/strong>\u00a0with a year-long celebration, new entertainment and Cinderella Castle decorated as a giant birthday cake.<\/p>\n

1997<\/strong><\/p>\n

March 28 \u2013\u00a0ESPN Wide World of Sports<\/strong>\u00a0Complex\u00a0<\/strong>opens. The\u00a0220-acre complex includes multiple outdoor playing fields, baseball\/softball diamonds, a track & field complex,\u00a0a fieldhouse and\u00a0a\u00a09,500-seat\u00a0ballpark. Over the years it will grow to encompass\u00a0two additional fieldhouses, an ESPN broadcast center and even more outdoor playing fields. It will also serve as an official training site\u00a0for various American and international professional teams, as well as host of several major sporting events such as the Invictus Games, the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament and the 2020 NBA restart of the regular season.<\/p>\n

Aug. 1 \u2013\u00a0Disney\u2019s Coronado<\/strong>\u00a0Springs Resort<\/strong>\u00a0opens. With 1,900 guest rooms and a 220,000-square-foot convention center, it is the largest of the Disney resort hotels that cater to meetings and events.<\/p>\n

1998<\/strong><\/p>\n

April 22 \u2013\u00a0Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom Theme Park\u00a0<\/strong>opens on Earth Day. At 500 acres, it is Disney\u2019s largest park and home to approximately 1,800 animals representing 200 species. The park\u2019s icon, the Tree of Life, is a tribute to nature, featuring more than 300 intricately carved animal images.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Oct. 15 \u2013 \u201cFantasmic!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>premieres at Disney\u2019s Hollywood Studios in the newly-constructed Hollywood Hills Amphitheater. The larger-than-life show features more than 50 live performers, massive sets, a brilliant display of lights, lasers, fireworks, and water animation all set to rousing music.<\/p>\n

1999<\/strong><\/p>\n

March 18 \u2013 Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom Theme Park expands with\u00a0Asia<\/strong>, a new themed area featuring Kali River Rapids and the Maharajah Jungle Trek that introduces tigers and other animal species to the park.<\/p>\n

Oct. 1 \u2013 The\u00a0Millennium Celebration\u00a0<\/strong>begins at EPCOT. The 15-month event marks the debut of the popular nighttime spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, that will run for 20 years. Also new is Millennium Village, celebrating the cultural achievements of 25 countries, and the Tapestry of Nations parade. The celebration also brings pin trading to the forefront for Disney collectors everywhere.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2001<\/strong><\/p>\n

April 16 \u2013\u00a0Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom Lodge<\/strong>\u00a0opens, featuring spectacular views of lush savannas home to more than 200 animals. The resort is also home to one of the largest collections of African art in the United States.<\/p>\n

Oct. 1 \u2013\u00a0100 Years of Magic<\/strong>\u00a0Celebration commences, honoring the 100^{th\u00a0<\/sup>anniversary of Walt Disney\u2019s birth. New parades debut in all four parks, a 122-foot-tall Sorcerer Mickey hat becomes an icon for Disney\u2019s Hollywood Studios, where Walt Disney: One Man\u2019s Dream also opens to take guests on a journey through the life of Walt Disney.<\/p>\n}

<\/p>\n

2004<\/strong><\/p>\n

December \u2013\u00a0Disney\u2019s PhotoPass\u00a0<\/strong>launches, offering guests an innovative way to view and retrieve professionally captured photos online.<\/p>\n

2005<\/strong><\/p>\n

May 5 \u2013 Walt Disney World joins in the\u00a0\u201cHappiest Celebration on Earth,\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0with Disney parks around the world saluting the 50^{th<\/sup>\u00a0anniversary of Disneyland Resort in California. Opening as part of the celebration:\u00a0Soarin\u2019<\/strong>\u00a0at EPCOT and the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney\u2019s Hollywood Studios.<\/p>\n}

2006<\/strong><\/p>\n

April 7 \u2013\u00a0Expedition Everest<\/strong>\u00a0opens, bringing new thrills to Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Oct. 1 \u2013\u00a0\u201cThe Year of a Million Dreams\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0begins at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. A new \u201cDream Squad,\u201d randomly selects guests to win an array of prizes. These include priceless, \u201cdream come true\u201d experiences like a night\u2019s stay in the new\u00a0Cinderella Castle Suite<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2008<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jan. 17 \u2013 The first\u00a0Disney Dreamers Academy<\/strong>\u00a0event brings 100 exceptional African American high school students from around the U.S. to a four-day, immersive, transformational mentoring experience at Walt Disney World Resort. Becoming an annual event, the free program has since encouraged more than 1,000 participants to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the lives of others.<\/p>\n

2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

September \u2013 The luxury residential resort community\u00a0Golden Oak<\/strong>\u00a0at Walt Disney World Resort\u00a0<\/strong>welcomes its first residents. Designed by Disney Imagineers, the community offers distinctive neighborhoods, expansive nature preserves and concierge-style resident services.<\/p>\n

2012<\/strong><\/p>\n

May 31 \u2013\u00a0Disney\u2019s Art of Animation Resort<\/strong>\u00a0opens with a new style of accommodations \u2013 Family Suites for parties of up to six people.<\/p>\n

Dec. 6 \u2013\u00a0New Fantasyland<\/strong>\u00a0opens at Magic Kingdom Park. The 26-acre expansion of the original land initially includes three new attractions and Be Our Guest Restaurant. Other phases of the new land include Seven Dwarfs Mine Train that opens May 28, 2014.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

MagicBands\u00a0<\/strong>and the\u00a0My Disney Experience\u00a0<\/em>mobile app<\/strong>\u00a0launch for all guests, bringing innovative new enhancements to help guests plan and experience Walt Disney World Resort.<\/p>\n

2015<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sept. 29 \u2013 Culminating a three-year reimagining of what was previously Downtown Disney,\u00a0Disney Springs <\/strong>comes to life. The retail, dining and entertainment district will continue to grow, encompassing four \u201cneighborhoods\u201d all themed to Florida towns of the early 20^{th<\/sup>\u00a0century.<\/p>\n}

<\/p>\n

2016<\/strong><\/p>\n

April 12 \u2013 A 48,000-panel, five-megawatt\u00a0Mickey-shaped solar array<\/strong>\u00a0debuts near EPCOT. The facility is able to produce enough power equal to 1,000 residential rooftop systems.<\/p>\n

2017<\/strong><\/p>\n

May 27 \u2013\u00a0Pandora \u2013 The World of Avatar<\/strong>\u00a0opens as an entirely new themed land at Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, featuring two attractions, dining, retail and instantly iconic floating mountains.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2018<\/strong><\/p>\n

June 30 \u2013\u00a0Toy Story Land\u00a0<\/strong>opens at Disney\u2019s Hollywood Studios, allowing guests to play with their favorite toys in Andy\u2019s backyard in three attractions.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

July 9 \u2013\u00a0Gran Destino Tower\u00a0<\/strong>opens with 500-plus new guest rooms along with new dining and convention spaces, completing a multiyear transformation of Disney\u2019s Coronado Springs Resort.<\/p>\n

Aug. 29 \u2013\u00a0Star Wars<\/em><\/strong>:\u00a0Galaxy\u2019s Edge\u00a0<\/strong>opens at Disney\u2019s Hollywood Studios. The 14-acre land invites guests to experience their own\u00a0Star Wars\u00a0<\/em>stories like never before. One of the most ambitious and technologically advanced attractions created for a Disney park,\u00a0Star Wars:\u00a0<\/em>Rise of the Resistance<\/strong>\u00a0opens Dec. 5 inside the land.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sept. 29 \u2013\u00a0Disney Skyliner<\/strong>\u00a0takes flight. This grand, state-of-the-art gondola system connects EPCOT and Disney\u2019s Hollywood Studios to four Disney Resort hotels.<\/p>\n

Dec. 16 \u2013\u00a0Disney\u2019s Riviera Resort\u00a0<\/strong>opens, a Disney Vacation Club property inspired by Europe and imagined by Disney.<\/p>\n

December \u2013 A new 270-acre,\u00a057-megawatt\u00a0<\/strong>solar facility<\/strong>\u00a0goes online, generating enough renewable clean energy to operate two of Walt Disney World Resort\u2019s four theme parks annually.<\/p>\n

2020<\/strong><\/p>\n

March 4 \u2013\u00a0Mickey & Minnie\u2019s Runaway Railway\u00a0<\/strong>opens at Disney\u2019s Hollywood Studios, the first ride-through attraction in a Disney park dedicated to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2021<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oct. 1 \u2013\u00a0\u201cThe World\u2019s Most Magical Celebration\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>will begin, saluting the 50^{th<\/sup>\u00a0anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. The 18-month event will feature new experiences at all four theme parks and beyond, with shimmering EARidescent d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n}