Image Source: AllEars.net

Fifty years back, on October 1, 1970, Disney brought Earth's most magical place into being. Owing to its 50th birthday, ABC aired the 50-year anniversary special of Walt Disney World. 'The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World' is a program that takes viewers on a fantastical joy ride encompassing the magical journey of Walt Disney World over 50 years. The event was hosted by Whoopi Goldberg and also included musical numbers performed by Christina Aguilera and Halle Bailey. The performances took place right in front of Cinderella Castle. The duo was also joined by Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

The event further featured interviews of stars like John Stamos, Tom Brady, Anthony Anderson. The rest that made the special event a fantasy were Walt Disney World cast members, Disney Imagineers, and executives.

Earlier this week, ABC Updates have revealed details about the event through their official website. It went: "This EARidescent special event will take viewers through Walt Disney World's humble beginnings in the swamplands of Florida and its evolution into a cultural phenomenon. Through an expansive look into the past, present, and future of the vacation destination, fans will get a never-before-seen-on-TV glimpse into the journey to bring Walt's vision to life and a look at grand plans for the future."

The 50th-anniversary initiative also featured stories of children of the "Make-A-Wish Foundation," whose lives were changed for the better with a small help from Disney World. "The special will also document some of Walt Disney World's most memorable pop-culture moments, from the many sitcoms that filmed episodes in the theme parks to the conception of the ubiquitous "I'm going to Disney World!" campaign. Plus, viewers will get a heartwarming look at how Disney and Make-A-Wish foundation have worked together for over 40 years to make kids' Disney dreams come true," read the statement. 

The magical special aired on ABC and, according to the streaming site, it will be available to stream on Hulu and later on Disney+. The event is, otherwise, going to span over a term of 18 months and will showcase many new adventures. 

Guests will be welcomed by the Walt Disney Resort and will be lead by the iconic Disney characters, Mickey, Minie, and others. The celebrations apart from the ABC special will also include other stars during the weekend to enjoy the half-century anniversary of the Magical Land. 

Here is more to know about the ABC special and the event:

Halle Bailey performs at the Disney World.

Credits: Hollywood Life

The upcoming film "The Little Mermaid's" star Halle Bailey was one of the performers at the ABC special event. The beautiful actress and singer donned a strapless, shiny black gown to the event for her performance. She is cast as Ariel in the live-action film who will go under the sea for her performance. She had even made an appearance in a white dress, also in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle in the Walt Disney park. Accompanied by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Halle Bailey created magic with her lovely voice, which is, of course, worthy of "The Little Mermaid" portrayal in the film. 

Christina Aguilera performing at the Disney show

Credits: Hollywood Life

Aguilera also presented a soulful musical performance at the 50 years anniversary Disney show. She performed a rendition of the song "Reflection." The song is from Mulan, a Walt Disney Film, and continues to be one of the best Disney songs ever. 

The special anniversary event was hosted by Whoopi Goldberg. 

Here is everything else you need to know about the event:

All Four Walt Disney World Theme Parks Will Participate

The long-running event will be made even more special owing to different tributes of all the four Disney World Themes that will be held over the 18 month period. The four theme parks, Disney's Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom theme park, the Hollywood Studios park, and Epcot, will be hosting performances and celebrations that will include live features from celebrities, athletes, and more. 

The theme parks will also offer exciting new rides and food. This will be paired with magical attractions and entertainment held at the gardens, the Disney Resorts Hotels, and Disney Springs. 

New Attractions to look out for

Credits: Disney Park

The star-studded event on October 1st, 2021, will kick start the launch of many new Disney attractions. One of the best of these attractions is going to be the Remy's Ratatouille Adventure." The immersive attraction will render the viewers feeling like they have become the size of rodents and are looking at the world from a very smaller perspective. Of course, it will feature one heck of a food experience. 

Disney World claimed that the ride "will captivate all your senses as you zip, dash, and scurry through the bustling kitchen, dining room, and walls of Gusteau's famous Paris restaurant."

Disney World to hold new, imaginative fireworks

If you have visited Disney World, you know that the fireworks are to die for, and yet on the 50th anniversary of the theme park, the fireworks are going to surpass all your previous expectations. 

The fireworks show is going to feature a lot of magical music, increased Lightworks and fireworks, and also immersive effects experience to be held from the Cinderella Castle. 

Be sure to visit the Epcot Night-Time Spectacular.

The Disney Night-Time spectaculars are going to be one of the best of all times, "Harmonious." The Disney World website said that it would be "one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for Disney Parks." The show will be a "beautifully crafted medley of classic Disney music and visuals reinterpreted by a culturally diverse group of 240 artists from all around the world."

The show will be featuring a 360-degree view presentation of immersive effects of Disney classics like Moana, Aladdin, Coco, Brave, The Lion King, Mulan, and others. The event will be held at the World Showcase lagoon and will feature an impressive synchronized working of moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers, etc. 

Search for the Disney Fab 30 Collection

Credits: Laughing Place

For the next eighteen months, Disney is going to place 50 gilded character sculptures in the theme park. Hence, Mickey is no longer going to be the only golden sculpture featured in the park. The fun adventure of finding these characters will now span over to Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Pluto, apart from many others that you will find tucked against random or obvious places in the magical world. Be quick to spot something shiny, then!

Disney will be launching a new show, "KiteTails."

If you want to have never-ending fun when at the themed park, you sure will need to visit KiteTails during the eighteen-month adventure at DisneyLand. The KiteTails will be a specially choreographed aerial event that will feature gigantic kites and windcatchers. The Disney characters displayed in the show can range from Simba to Zazu, King Louie, and Baloo. The show will last 10 minutes. 

A whole new Menu of Disney Food collections

The food at DisneyLand is always spectacular, but it will be perfectly fantastic in the next eighteen months of the event. The food is going to feature dishes that will be served in the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. The parks will now provide celebratory eat and drink events that will entail Walt's Chili-Cheese Dog and the EARidescent Firefly mocktail. More on the menu can be found at the My Disney Experience app that will feature a special menu for the 50th Anniversary Celebration. 

Bring back exciting souvenirs

Of course, Disney is going to go all out at the 50th-anniversary celebration and launch a completely new set of merch that will have you awestruck. If you are a fan of the Disney collectibles, you sure should attend the event again for more.