Our Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration trip
I am so thankful to partner with Walt Disney World to bring you this blog post. All opinions are my own. #DisneyPartner #DisneyKids #WDW50 #hostedbydisney
I am so excited to share with you our trip to celebrate all things 50th Anniversary at Walt Disney World in Florida. We made so many fun new memories, got to see special 50th Anniversary celebration touches all throughout the parks and the new nighttime spectaculars at Epcot & Magic Kingdom.
On travel day, we started the morning with an early sunrise flight with Southwest from Nashville to Orlando. The kids were so excited when we woke them, and they knew it was finally travel day!
We arrived at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort. This was our first stay with this particular Walt Disney World Resort. The location of the resort is perfection. You are just a short walk to the World Showcase at Epcot, the Boardwalk and can easily hop on the Gondolas or a boat ride over to Hollywood Studios.
That evening we met up with our family who also travelled to spend time with us in Walt Disney World and went for a walk in Epcot’s World Showcase. We enjoyed a delicious evening meal in Italy and had some great family time.
The next morning, we were ready to start our adventure. We headed to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. I am always in awe of the vibes of this park. If you know me, I love animals, so the focus of different animal species is so fun to me. The whole park is filled with nature and magic.
After an amazing breakfast full of Mickey waffles, fresh fruit & coffee we headed into the park.
We were excited to get to experience the Festival of the Lion King Live Show & Disney’s KiteTales. Both are full of beautiful music, live entertainment and perfect for all ages to enjoy.
We explored the Valley of Mo’ara and took advantage of Disney’s PhotoPass for a fun family shot in front of the floating mountains. Head to my blog here to see more on how Disney’s Photo Pass works.
We HAD to hop on over to the Dino land U.S.A. and go for a wild ride on the Dinosaur! So much entertainment with this ride. We laughed so hard and got such a thrill! I am a huge Expedition Everest fan but have to say, the Dinosaur is up there with being one of my most favorites in Animal Kingdom.
We met up with family and had a nice churro break in the shade to refuel before heading over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Being a Star Wars loving family, naturally we were SO excited to get the opportunity to see the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The details for this area of the park are beautifully crafted to feel like you are in one of the movies.
Onto Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance we went. This ride did not feel like just any ride, it truly was an experience. You feel like you are in Star Wars, in the center of the action, joining the Resistance in the battle against the First Order.
It is so massive, filled with so many details and was created with various systems for such a unique experience. An absolute must do on our list when we visit again.
We were then off to the adorably fun Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Oh my goodness this was so fun! All of the classic characters are featured including Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Pluto and Goofy! Colorful and full of little surprises throughout, we all had a blast on this one.
Next, we stopped for a little pick me up snack, some shopping and then headed off to the Gondolas back to the resort. The kids got some rest for a bit while we ordered dinner using the Disney Mobile App which was ready just in time to enjoy the fireworks at the end of the night at Disney’s Epcot.
The next morning, we enjoyed a tasty breakfast in Epcot’s France pavilion with a beautiful view of the World Showcase Lagoon. We were then guided to our next stop which was the beautiful new addition to the France Pavilion, Remy’s Ratatouille adventure. You are greeted with the new addition of the La Crêperie de Paris then a gorgeous water fountain in front of the attraction. The kids had so much fun exploring the adorable details like the hidden Remy’s, scooter photo spot and bakery windows. Onto the ride we went!
Similar to that of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the ride is created with a unique structure. No actual track! This ride is 4D and suitable for all ages as well as any height levels. You feel as though you have been shrunk down to Chef Remy’s level and going through a culinary kitchen adventure. The smells and effects do not disappoint!
We explored further throughout Epcot to see what all we could find in each country pavilion with the International Food and Wine Festival. Using our Disney Gift Card wristlet made things so easy. I didn't have to worry about losing or dropping it. Find out more about Disney Gift Cards here.
That evening we easily hopped over to the Disney’s Beach Club Resort for dinner at the Cape May Cafe restaurant. This restaurant has all the beach vibes, it is family friendly, a casual atmosphere and delicious surf & turf cuisine. Being a vegetarian, it was super easy to find plenty to choose from. Find the availability and menu details here.
We headed back out to Epcot, which was just a little walk down the International Gateway, to enjoy more of the World Showcase and get ready for the nighttime spectacular, Harmonious. Harmonious is a beautiful blend of music, stories, people and fireworks. Classic Disney music and visuals are put together for a stunning show including over 240 multicultural artists from across the world. The most beautiful ending to our exploring in Epcot.
Our final full day was visiting Magic Kingdom Park. We started the day with a mobile order at the resort for breakfast. Don’t forget you have that option to order from the app and simply pick up from the restaurant at the resort and enjoy in the comfort of your room. Mickey waffles were a must!
Once at Magic Kingdom, we enjoyed some time on the Hub Grass in front of the Cinderella Castle. This was the perfect view to see the beautiful 50th Anniversary touches on the castle.
We then headed to the Be Our Guest Restaurant for lunch. One of my favorites, you feel as though you are in the baroque Grand Ballroom straight out of the movie. While we had lunch, we had the opportunity to see the Beast himself come into the ballroom to greet everyone, visit the West Wing to see the rose in display and the castle gallery side of the castle to see the figures of Belle & Beast dancing. One of our favorite touches was that it appeared to be snowing out our window the whole time. Of course, we finished up lunch with a ‘Grey Stuff’ treat.
Find more about the Be Our Guest Restaurant here.
Next on our itinerary were the Princess & Character Cavalcades. Charlie & Meredith were so excited to see their favorite Princesses and classic characters like Mickey & Minnie. It was so fun to get to watch this with so many new friends!
We filled the afternoon with so many rides like the Mad Tea Party Teacups, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the exhilarating Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, The Haunted Mansion, defeated the Evil Emperor Zurg in Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, found Captain Jack in Pirates of the Caribbean and so many more.
After a day of fun, we met back at the Hub Grass for the perfect view of Disney’s Enchantment firework show. This show made us feel all the feels. Legit happy tears. Disney’s Enchantment is as the name insists, enchanting. There are beautiful projections from new and old Disney films on the Cinderella Castle as a beautiful display of fireworks and music fill the sky at the end of Main Street U.S.A. Watching the fireworks at the end of a Disney day with family and friends all around is something beyond magical feeling. It was a blessing my family and I will never forget.
Tip- If you stay at a Disney Resort, be sure to check the extended park hours for Resort guests. You get the opportunity to stay longer in the parks with usually lower crowd levels which makes for some fun ride and shopping opportunities.
We went off into the park to meet up with our family, enjoy an end of the night treat of Dole Whip (Charlie’s fav) and squeezed in a few more rides together.
I feel like every time we visit Disney World we get to learn something new, discover new foods or attractions, meet amazing cast members and make new friends. Not to mention, make memories with family we will never forget. It is always inspiring to visit Walt Disney World.
Have you ever visited Walt Disney World? Let’s chat below. What is your favorite Walt Disney World ride or tasty Disney treat?
Be sure to follow along my stories at @charlieandcrewmama for highlights of our trip!
Melissa Cushing on
Looks like you had a fabulous experience with your family there and so happy you guys got to go ;) My sister loves Disney and for a while she had season passes… It has been a long time since I went but honestly am not a huge Disney fan so no biggie to me. I would rather go on a cruise or travel the US and check out the national parks.
Marysa on
It looks like you guys had such a wonderful time! Sounds amazing there.
swathi on
Yes we are planning for Disney trip. looks like you guys had wonderful time .
Jenn @ EngineerMommy on
This looks like such a great trip. We’re planning on a trip to Disney in the next few months.
Kathy on
Looks like an amazing experience. I still haven’t been to Disney before. I hope to take my daughters someday though.
True on
Yay it looks like you guys had soo much fun!!! I have yet to go to Disney but this post just made me even more excited to finally go!
Sandy N Vyjay on
What a time you guys had at the happiest place on earth. Visiting during the 50th year celebrations must have been a different experience altogether.
claudia on
You guys are lucky you had an amazing trip. My family has been planning to take the same trip but it got cancelled
beth pierce on
The Disney’s Enchantment firework sow sounds so much fun and beautiful. I hope I can take my kids here too
Tasheena on
I can’t wait to visit Disney again, thanks for your experience.
Beth on
It looks like you had a wonderful time! It has been a long time since I went to Disney, your photos make me want to go back soon.
Ruth I on
Oh wow. What a great trip for you all. Sounds really nice and fun to spend in Disney World.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN on
Oh wow, how lucky are you guys. It seems like you had such an amazing trip. I would love to take my kids.
Melissa on
Your 50th anniversary trip to Disney world looks amazing! Love all the pics and the smiles say it all!
kelli A on
Sounds like you and your family had a great visit! The food and sites look amazing!