The Disney 100 Celebration is here! The anniversary makes its way to Walt Disney World Resort from Sept. 22 to Dec. 31, 2023, with EPCOT (in the midst of its transformation) at the center of it all. The Disney 100 Celebration, which celebrates 100 years of the Walt Disney Company, kicked off in January at Disneyland Resort. With special decor, merchandise, entertainment and more, here's everything we know about the Disney 100 Celebration at Disney World!
Overview of the Disney 100th at Disney World
Did you know the Walt Disney Company was founded in 1923? That's right — it's been one hundred years of timeless, memorable stories. To commemorate the occasion, the "Disney 100 Years of Wonder" celebrates the company's rich history of magic and storytelling. The biggest event in Disney history, the worldwide platinum anniversary showcases new and classic stories through merchandise, movie re-releases and exciting updates to the theme parks. The year-long Disney 100th anniversary celebration started Jan. 27, 2023, at Disneyland Resort and hops over to Walt Disney World from Sept. 22 to Dec. 31, 2023. We are so frogcited to celebrate all things D100!
Disney 100 Entertainment and Characters at Disney World
As part of the D100 Celebration, a new nighttime spectacular will debut at EPCOT. Opening Dec. 5, 2023, Luminous The Symphony of Us will feature fireworks, fountains, lasers, lighting and an original song, along with select beloved Disney songs. The show will remind us that we're more alike than different, connecting our hearts together. This show replaces Harmonious, the nighttime spectacular that debuted for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary. Harmonious had its final show April 2, and EPCOT Forever has returned as the temporary show until the new spectacular's debut later this year.
To top off the celebration, end your night with a special lighting design for Spaceship Earth to a unique rendition of "When You Wish Upon a Star," now showing as of Sept. 22.
Get excited, as you're now able to meet Mickey and Minnie in their fabulous platinum outfits! You can meet our favorite duo in EPCOT at the exit of the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival near the Imagination pavilion. If you're staying on-site, keep an eye out for surprise visitors! Various Disney characters in their platinum best may just stop by for an impromptu photo-op. It could hoppen at any time!
Disney 100 Attractions at Disney World
There are also some exciting attractions you won't want to miss during the D100 celebration at EPCOT. Opening on the exact date of the 100th anniversary, Oct. 16, Journey of Water ~ Inspired by Moana is a walkthrough attraction where guests can learn more about the water cycle and conservation, all while playing with magical, interactive elements like waterfalls, dancing fountains and leaping droplets. Keep an eye out for hidden gems from the film with character carvings and symbols. Plus, you'll be able to meet Moana herself in a new area near the attraction.
As of Sept. 22, Soarin' Around the World is now transformed into Soarin' Over California. This iteration makes occasional appearances at Disneyland Resort, though it has not appeared at EPCOT since 2016! This is a temporary overlay, so be sure to enjoy your flight over the Golden State while you can!
Disney 100th Anniversary Decor
There is also special decor displayed for the D100 celebration. You can now see Disney100 photo backdrops at the entrances of Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, as well as Disney Springs. What a perfect photo-op to commemorate the occasion!
And there's even more over at EPCOT! When you first arrive, World Celebration is decked out in Disney100 banners and decor.
Be sure to take a photo with the D100 sign and platinum Mickey Mouse sculpture, located in the middle of the park between Creations Shop and the entrance to World Showcase. While there, check out a large mural featuring one hundred of your favorite characters along the walkway to World Showcase.
Disney 100 Food and Drink at Disney World
You can't have a party without food and drinks! To kick things off, Amorette's Patisserie in Disney Springs briefly offered the Disney100 Petite Cake — which has layers of vanilla chiffon, berry mousse and berry compote, topped with a Disney 100 Medallion macaron. As of Sept. 22, EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival offers four new marketplaces in honor of the 100th anniversary, and they'll continue through Dec. 30 with EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. And that's just the start! More Disney 100 treats will become available over time.
Disney 100 Merchandise at Disney World
For a special party keepsake, Disney100 merchandise is available throughout Walt Disney World Resort, with the largest selection at The Emporium at Magic Kingdom and World of Disney at Disney Springs. There is also a new Disney100 Cinderella Premium Bucket exclusive to Magic Kingdom, plus a purple Mickey Balloon Premium Popcorn Bucket now available at EPCOT. You can also find new Disney 100 refillable cups, which are now available at the Disney Resort hotels, as well as popcorn buckets at all four theme parks and Disney Springs.
The party is just getting started, so keep hopping back as we learn more about the Disney 100 Celebration at Disney World!
We can't wait to celebrate the Disney 100 Celebration at Disney World later this year! Share what you're looking forward to in the comments below.
Related: Celebrate the Disney 100 Celebration at Disneyland Resort
Keep hopping!
