The Disney 100 celebration is now at Walt Disney World! This special event is in honor of the Walt Disney Company's 100th anniversary. That's right — we've cherished 100 years of wonder, magic, timeless storytelling and innovation that truly changed the world. What a reason to celebrate!
While we have our full guide to the D100 at Disney World, we wanted to make this not-to-miss guide so you can be sure to experience our favorite elements of the Disney 100. While most of the special experiences can be found at EPCOT, you'll find sprinkles of the celebration at all four parks and Disney Springs. We love the touches of silver and purple!
The Disney 100 at Disney World lasts from Sept. 22 to Dec. 31, 2023, so you still have plenty of chances to experience these limited-time offerings.
Without further ado, here are the top five ways to celebrate the Disney 100 at Disney World!
Top Ways to Celebrate the Disney 100 at Disney World
1. Meet Mickey and Minnie
Every time I think Mickey and Minnie's outfits can't get any better, our favorite mice do it again! A perfect way to commemorate the occasion, guests can meet Mickey and Minnie in their platinum outfits. Exclusive to the Disney 100, these outfits can only be seen at EPCOT. They greet guests from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the exit of the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival (at the Imagination pavilion). Be sure to hop over and tell them your favorite thing from the D100!
2. Ride Soarin' Over California
While at EPCOT, be sure to experience a limited-time attraction — Soarin' Over California! Soarin' Around the World has temporarily transformed into the original version of this ride, now featuring the wonderous sights of the Golden State. While this iteration sometimes appears at Disneyland, those on the East Coast have not experienced it since 2016! There is not a confirmed end date yet for this attraction, so it is not yet known if Soarin' Over California will remain beyond the celebration or not. So be sure to hop on this frog-favorite version while you can.
3. Savor Specialty Food and Drink
It wouldn't be a party without some specialty food and drink! In honor of the Disney 100, four unique marketplaces have opened at EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.
- Char & Chap — hearty meats and alcoholic offerings
- Wine & Wedge — for the cheese and wine connoisseur
- Bubbles & Brine — seafood offerings
- Swirled Showcase — refreshingly cool drinks and desserts (a Mickey chocolate cake dipped in liquid nitrogen? Yes, please!)
And never fear, these booths will remain open through Dec. 30 with EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, so you have plenty of time to try them all!
4. Enjoy Nighttime Entertainment
End your festive night with special nighttime entertainment in honor of the D100. Periodically throughout the night, Spaceship Earth features a special projection show to a unique rendition of "When You Wish Upon a Star."
And stay tuned for EPCOT's newest nighttime spectacular, debuting Dec. 5, 2023! Luminous The Symphony of Us will feature fireworks, fountains, lasers, lighting and beloved Disney songs, including a new original song. The show will remind us that we're more alike than different, connecting our hearts together. We can't wait to see the new EPCOT fireworks!
5. Grab Memory Keepsakes
A great way to remember this special celebration is with a souvenir! There are tons of Disney 100 merchandise featuring beautiful silver and purple colors. From bags and appeal to pins and plushies, there is something for everyone! You'll find the majority of D100 merchandise at The Emporium at Magic Kingdom, Creations Shop at EPCOT and World of Disney at Disney Springs, though other shops may also carry some smaller selections. We like having a keepsake that reminds us that we visited Disney World during a special celebration.
Another of our favorite ways to remember our Disney experiences is with lots of photos. Enjoy special D100 backdrops at the four parks and Disney Springs as a great "I was there!" memory.
Honorable Mention: Make Way, Make Way for a New Attraction
Splash your way into the Disney 100 by experiencing Disney World's newest attraction, Journey of Water ~ Inspired by Moana. This walkthrough attraction at EPCOT teaches guests about the water cycle and conservation all through whimsical, interactive waves. Keep an eye out for nods to the "Moana" film and even meet Moana nearby. Journey of Water opens Oct. 16 — the exact date of the 100th anniversary — so it's a perfect addition to your celebration and beyond.
What are you most excited about for the Disney 100? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Here's What is Coming to EPCOT in 2023
Hoppy planning!
