First Look: 3 New Spectaculars Coming to Walt Disney World
Disney World announced 3 new spectaculars starting October 1, 2021 plus new character cavalcade.
Beginning Oct. 1, “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” begins at the Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s a first look at just some of the 50th anniversary events coming to Orlando.
“Disney Enchantment” coming to Magic Kingdom
A new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment,” will help kick off the 50th anniversary festivities when it debuts Oct. 1 at Magic Kingdom Park. Created to launch with “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” this new nighttime show is designed to inspire everyone to believe in the magic, “Disney Enchantment” will feature music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.
Epcot ‘s Harmonious nighttime spectacular
Joining “Disney Enchantment” on Oct. 1 will be “Harmonious” at EPCOT, the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park.
This new show will bring the globe together at World Showcase Lagoon in a celebration of Disney music that inspires people worldwide.
It’s a grand, powerful tribute to the stories and songs that unite us, embracing new technical magic that incorporates pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting and media in new ways.
“Harmonious” will invite Guests to travel the globe through new interpretations of classic Disney songs as you’ve never heard them before, reimagined in more than a dozen languages by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world.
“Disney KiteTails” coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
There’s also new daytime entertainment stirring at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Check out this artist rendering of “Disney KiteTails” which will come alive several times daily at the Discovery River Amphitheater beginning Oct. 1.
Performers will fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, while out on the water elaborate three-dimensional kites – some stretching to 30 feet long.
These colorful creations will dance through the sky to the beat of favorite Disney songs in an uplifting, vibrant experience for the whole family.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be the hosts for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” and they’ll be decked out in sparkling new EARidescent fashions for the 50th anniversary.
As you can see in the photo above, their best pals want to get in on the shimmer, too, as Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale will be sporting their own custom-made EARidescent looks beginning Oct. 1.
Guests will get a chance to see them when they travel through Magic Kingdom Park several times daily in the new “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade.”
Looks like Disney may stick with the Character Cavalcades rather than the parades. Personally, I like how they just spontaneously appear, it adds to the excitement.
Want to be part of the celebration? I’ll help you navigate all the big changes coming to Walt Disney World plus keep you posted as new details become available.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Room Tour: Bay Lake Tower Deluxe Studio
Guide to Deluxe Studios at Bay Lake Tower
Recently I had an opportunity to stay in a Deluxe Studio at one of my favorite hotels: Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Bay Lake Tower is a Disney Vacation Club Resort here at Walt Disney World, but rooms are also available to the general public.
Bay Lake Tower, part of Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World.
Bay Lake Tower is part of Disney’s Contemporary Resort just outside Magic Kingdom. Here you’ll find Deluxe Studios, and 1, 2,and 3 Bedroom Villas. In this guide, we’ll tour a Deluxe Studio.
Bay Lake Tower - Deluxe Studio
Deluxe Studios come with a kitchenette, a queen size bed, a double size pull out sofa and a balcony.
Studios sleep up to 4 adults. Standard rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort sleep up to 5 adults.
There are three types of room views: Standard View, Lake View and Theme Park view rooms are offered.
Bay Lake Tower - Deluxe Studio
The queen bed is very comfortable, on par with other Deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World. The pull out sofa, is decent and easy to set up and put away.
There’s a small table in the room, similar to what you’d find a Disney World Deluxe hotel room. Seating for for 2, but you can also utilize the sofa and ottoman for additional space.
Bay Lake Tower - Deluxe Studio
Deluxe Studios often cost less that a standard room at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Plus, your even closer to Magic Kingdom. You can walk to Magic Kingdom in under 10 minutes.
Bay Lake Tower - Deluxe Studio - Kitchen
The galley kitchen has plenty of storage, a coffee maker, microwave and a small refrigerator - bigger than a mini-fridge but smaller than a regular fridge.
Bay Lake Tower - Deluxe Studio - Kitchen
There is so much storage in this kitchen it made me want to cook something! Check out the pantry that just slides out. I need one of those at home. You’ll also find a toaster, plates, bowls, utensils and paper cups.
Bay Lake Tower - Deluxe Studio - Kitchen
Bathrooms in the Bay Lake Tower Studios are bigger than you might expect but only one person can get ready at a time.
Bay Lake Tower - Deluxe Studio - Bathroom
We had a lake view room on a top floor. The view of Bay Lake were spectacular. We could actually see I-Drive, Icon Park and Universal Orlando from up here.
Rooms on the other side of the hallway overlook the Magic Kingdom.
Bay Lake Tower at Walt Disney World
Bay Lake Tower - Pool
Transportation Options at Bay Lake Tower
Monorail
Bus
Boat
This hotel is also within walking distance to Magic Kingdom if you choose.
Dining Options at Bay Lake Tower
Contemporary Grounds Coffee Bar at the Contemporary Resort (specialty coffee and pastry)
Contempo Cafe at the Contemporary Resort
Lounges
Top of the World Lounge at Bay Lake TowerOuter Rim
The California Grill Lounge
Pool bars
Cove Bar at Bay Lake TowerThe Sand Bar
Full Service restaurants
California Grill at the Contemporary ResortChef Mickey’s Character Dining at the Contemporary Resort
The Wave at the Contemporary Resort
Have a question about Bay Lake Tower? Use the comments below or contact me here.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
3 Hidden References You'll Find on Test Track at Epcot
3 hidden references you’ll find on Test Track at Epcot
#3
When Imagineers created Test Track at Epcot, they included a few hidden references to the former attraction, World of Motion, plus they give a little nod to Walt Disney’s original plan for Epcot.
World of Motion ran from 1982 to 1996 at Epcot.
World of Motion was an opening-day attraction, a slow-moving dark ride based on the history (and future) of transportation. It was sponsored by GM and featured animatronic figures, similar to Spaceship Earth today. It also had a catchy theme song, It’s Fun to Be Free - remember that now because it’s important later on!
In 1999, Test Track replaced World of Motion as a high speed thrill ride but used the same show building.
Did you know Test Track is the fastest ride in Walt Disney World? It reaches speeds of 65 mph.
Test Track 2.0
In 2012, Test Track underwent a refurbishment, same track, different theme - Test Track 2.0 you could say. That’s when some pretty cool references to World of Motion began to appear.
The original logo for World of Motion from the 1980s (credit Walt Disney Co.)
In the 1980s each Epcot pavilion had its own circular logo.
Look carefully around Test Track and you might spot the original World of Motion logo cleverly hidden in a few places.
World of Motion logo found on Test Track exit signs.
The World of Motion logo can be found on numerous signs around the pavilion like here on this exit sign, just as you get off the ride.
World of Motion logo hidden in plain sight inside Test Track.
The trash cans at Disney World are great aren’t they? I even have a few miniature versions in my office. There’s no detail too small at Disney World, and the trash cans are great proof of that!
Here we can see World of Motion logo on the Test Track trash cans.
The Epcot logos are actually making a comeback as part of the park’s transformation project. Each of the FutureWorld pavilions will be represented by a circular icon once again and it appears Test Track will adopt World of Motion’s logo.
#2
My favorite part of Test Track is when the doors open, the car blasts outside and picks up speed. Next time you’re on the ride, see if you notice 2 road signs on your left, just after you exit the show building.
First road sign on Test Track, referencing the original plans for Epcot Center.
The first sign shows a small cityscape, likely a reference to Walt Disney’s original plan for Epcot.
Walt Disney’s plan for his Florida project was to build an actual, futuristic city called Epcot, or Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
Part of Walt’s plan was to showcase the future of transportation by having separate roadways for cars and trucks, and a monorail system.
You’ll find another reference to Walt Disney’s Epcot just after the brake tests inside the pavilion. There’s a model of a futuristic city on your left. Even World of Motion had a model city inside, that was probably a nod to Walt’s version of Epcot too.
Model of a futuristic city inside Test Track references the original plan for Epcot.
If you want to see part of Walt Disney’s actual model of Epcot, take a ride on the PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom Park.
Now, scroll up to look at that road sign again. See the reference?
A small part of Walt Disney’s model of Epcot, seen on the PeopleMover ride at Magic Kingdom Park.
#1
The second sign you pass says, “FN2BFRE” or “Fun to Be Free.” This is a reference to the World of Motion theme song, “it’s fun to be free.”
Want to hear it? Click here. But fair warning, it’s could stick in your head for a bit!
If you have a secret about Test Track or any other attraction at Walt Disney World, share in the comments below or on social media!
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Dates and Prices for Boo Bash Halloween Party at Disney World
Disney After Hours Boo Bash ticket prices and dates 2021
Update: Additional nights have been added for Disney Boo Bash!
Due to popular demand during the early-purchase period for guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Disney World is adding five new dates for Boo Bash!
Sunday, September 5, 2021
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Sunday, October 10, 2021
Sunday, October 17, 2021
These dates will be available on sale Tuesday, June 15
Tickets for Disney After Hours Boo Bash at Walt Disney World will go on sale to Disney resort guests on June 8, 2021. If you’re not staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you can access tickets for Boo Bash on June 15, 2021.
Disney World Boo Bash ticket prices and event dates
Boo Bash Tickets Prices
$129 - $139 USD, plus tax for August/September nights
$159 - $169, plus tax for October nights
$199, plus tax for Halloween
Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of a $10 discount for event nights in August and September.
A limited number of tickets are available.
Dates for “Disney After Hours Boo Bash” at Walt Disney World 2021
Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021
Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021
Friday, Aug. 20, 2021
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021
Friday, Aug. 27, 2021
Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021
Friday, Sept. 3, 2021
Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021
Friday, Sept. 10, 2021
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021
Friday, Sept. 17, 2021
Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021
Friday, Sept. 24, 2021
Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021
Friday, Oct. 8, 2021
Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021
Friday, Oct. 15, 2021
Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021
Friday, Oct. 22, 2021
Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021
Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021
Friday, Oct. 29, 2021
Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021
See more information about Disney After Hours Boo Bash
“Disney After Hours Boo Bash” will take place on 23 select nights Here are some more fun details on what Guests will experience during this event:
Special cavalcades will pop up throughout the night including “Mickey’s Happy Halloween Cavalcade,” with Mickey Mouse and friends dressed up for the occasion. In the “Disney Villains Halloween Cavalcade,” villains will take to the street and celebrate their favorite time of the year. “Jack’s Nightmare Cavalcade” will feature Jack Skellington, Sally and Oogie Boogie riding down the parade path to “This is Halloween,” and last, but definitely not least (we would never say that about her!), Maleficent will also make an appearance in the form of a fire-breathing dragon.
Some favorite friends will be lurking about – from the lovely Miss Carlotta at the Haunted Mansion to Goofy and Chip ‘n’ Dale in their Halloween best, with other surprise characters popping up across the park, too. Guests can even stop and listen to the Cadaver Dans during their special comeback (from the dead) performance.
Select complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties and popcorn, along with select beverages, are included in the cost of the event.
After the park closes to day guests, enjoy less time waiting in line for more than 20 attractions including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Haunted Mansion attraction, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain and more.
A variety of specialty food and drinks will be available for purchase including an Apple Ginger Dale frozen drink (frozen apple cider mixed with ginger ale and topped with whipped cream) and a Foolish Mortal Funnel Cake.)**
Disney PhotoPass will also be available to take magical and spooky shots throughout the night.
“Disney After Hours Boo Bash” tickets will grant admission to Magic Kingdom park as early as 7 p.m., giving Guests time to enjoy even more of their favorite Magic Kingdom haunts before the event begins. These dated event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation.
This fall, the decorations on Main Street, U.S.A., will receive a magical transformation for the event nights in October as “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” begins. Walt Disney Imagineering, in partnership with the Walt Disney World Resort Holiday Services team, will blend a fall look with the enchanting story of Cinderella by creating special pumpkin coach decorations that will add to the park’s sparkling EARidescence during this magical time.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney has started piloting an airport luggage assistance program at select Disney World hotels!