Disney has announced a few of the details of its 50th anniversary celebration. “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” will begin on October 1, 2021, and last for 18 months. As a Vacation Specialist who helps Canadian families plan magical vacations, I think this is excellent news, as families will have until April 2023 to experience the festivities. So what does Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary announcement really mean for Canadian travellers? First, let’s explore the news so far.

The duration of Disney’s “EARidescent” anniversary celebration means there will be plenty of time for Canadian families to experience the sounds, tastes and sights of the celebration. So far, we’ve learned that:

• Disney teams are creating all sorts of new decorations that will shimmer and sparkle all day and into the night.
• Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom will continue to be enhanced since its new paint job last year. During the celebration, the castle will feature golden bunting and a 50th anniversary crest as part of its festive new look.
• At night, pixie dust will be added to Cinderella Castle.
• Magical fireflies will inhabit the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
• Special new touches will come to life on the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• New lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT, connecting to one another and resembling stars in a nighttime sky. Disney tells travel advisors, “This permanent new lighting will continue beyond The World’s Most Magical Celebration as a defining feature of the park.”
• Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will have sparkling new looks for the celebration, dressed in custom-made fashions of EARidescent fabric with gold highlights.

Disney will continue to share additional plans for the 18-month long celebration in the future, and I’ll continue to share this news right here on the blog.

In this short video, you’ll see guests and cast members talk about what this magical celebration means to them, and get a sneak peek of what’s to come.

Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations for Canadian Families

So, what do all of these exciting announcements mean for Canadian families who want to experience Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration?

Travel Restrictions and Vaccines

While some Canadians have started expressing their wish to travel to Walt Disney World in late 2021, the majority of folks I’ve spoken to have shared their wish to visit Florida in 2022 or beyond.

Most Americans should have access to Covid-19 vaccines by mid- to late May or early June. And the Canadian federal government recently announced an updated vaccination timeline, which is great news for Canadians who want to travel. We can now predict that Canada will have enough vaccine supply to vaccinate up to 42 million citizens by the end of September, a number that exceeds the population of Canada. This means that most Canadians, with the possible exception of children, will be vaccinated before the 50th anniversary celebration begins.

We can therefore speculate that by the fall of 2021, the U.S./Canadian border restrictions and mandatory 14-day quarantine for cross-border travellers will be loosened, making it easier for families to plan travel to Walt Disney World toward the end of 2021 or later.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO–Welcoming You Back to Walt Disney World

Features Returning to Walt Disney World Vacations

Throughout the pandemic, features such as FastPass+, Extra Magic Hours and dining plans have been reduced or eliminated temporarily. Although no announcements have been made by Disney about the resumption of these services and features, it’s hopeful that they can make a safe return well before the end of the celebration run in April of 2023.

Reopening of Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Although select resort hotels at Walt Disney World have been open over the last several months, there are still many that have not re-opened to the public since the pandemic closures began in March of 2020. 

We hope to see more progress as increased capacity for guests is safely possible, and more rooms and properties are opened up in 2022 and into 2023.

Covid-19 Precautions at Walt Disney World Theme Parks

At this time, all of Disney’s travel-related websites include the following disclaimer:

We have taken enhanced health and safety measures. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.

Certain parks, hotels, restaurants and other offerings may be modified or unavailable, limited in capacity and subject to limited availability or closure, and park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.

To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for Guests ages 3 and up.

For more information, please contact your Travel Professional.

Earlier this month, however, Bob Chapek, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, shared that vaccine rollouts mean that social distancing and mask wearing policies could be relaxed in 2022. On the first quarter earnings call which took place February 11, 2021, Chapek stated, “Do we also believe that we’ll be in the same state of six-foot social distancing and mask wearing in ’22? Absolutely not.”

In summary, there are a lot of moving parts for Canadians hoping to travel to Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebrations, with adjustments being made on a daily basis. When we consider the rollout of vaccinations, possible lifting of public health measures, cross-border travel policies and the 18-month duration of the celebration, it’s highly likely that Canadian families who wish to do so will comfortably be able to participate in “The World’s Most Magical Celebration!”

During this challenging time, at Pure Magic Vacations, we think it’s important to remember that “tomorrow is just a dream away.”