It’s almost time! Walt Disney World is turning 50 on October 1, but you don’t have to travel to Central Florida in order to celebrate. You can instead stay at home and not worry about the crowds or the heat. That evening The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World will air on ABC. The show will be hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, and will take you through 50 years of magic. I’m sure there will be plenty of surprises! Make an evening of it and hold a Disney-themed party. The show will start at 8:00 eastern. Here’s more information from Disney Parks Blog.
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‘The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World’ to Air Oct. 1 on ABC
by Jessica Safran, Senior Content, Programming & Synergy Manager
Just announced! In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, ABC News and Disney Parks have teamed up to present a spectacular television event, “The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World.”
This special, hosted by Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, will take you on a journey spanning half a century and beyond at Walt Disney World in Florida. The show will also feature spectacular visuals and musical performances from Christina Aguilera and Halle Bailey in front of the legendary Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, accompanied by the renowned Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Throughout the special, you’ll see exclusive interviews with iconic actors, actresses and athletes, Walt Disney World cast members, Disney Imagineers and executives past and present who have all played their unique part in sprinkling pixie dust over “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Check out what’s in store and be sure to mark your calendars!
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, footage never before seen on television will give fans a glimpse into the journey to bring Walt’s vision to life and a look at plans for the future. The special will also spotlight 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.
Celebrities including Anthony Anderson, John Stamos, Marsai Martin, Gary Sinise, Melissa Joan Hart and Candace Cameron Bure; NFL athletes Tom Brady, Phil Simms and Doug Williams, and creative forces Kevin Feige, Pete Docter and James Cameron; Walt Disney World Imagineers including Bob Weis, Mark Kohl and Ann Morrow Johnson; and Disney executives past and present including Bob Chapek, Bob Iger and Michael Eisner, will all share their favorite memories of Walt Disney World.
“The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World” airs Friday, Oct. 1 8-10 p.m. ET on ABC. It can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu, and later in the month on Disney+. Share in the comments what you are most excited to see!