Disney hosted an exclusive and intimate event in London on the 1st October to celebrate Walt Disney World 50th anniversary. Not only were we invited, but we were also honoured with being able to bring a whole bunch of lucky Disney fans who follow Mickey From the UK as well. We held a little competition last month and chose our winners (as much as I'd have loved to have taken you all). This was the first time I've had the opportunity to meet up with some of our followers, and I think I chose a good bunch of Disney fans to join us! It was a pleasure to meet you all, and I am grateful to Disney for the opportunity to attend this event and to be able to extend the joy to some of our followers, many of who I know this meant the absolute world to.
This event was so action-packed, and I'll go over some of the highlights here with you today. The dress code was dress to impress with a touch of Disney, so we all chose our outfits and included many Disney touches. I went for a Steamboat Willie look, and of course, my lovely Lorna sporting the Steamboat Willie ears to match.
We starting the evening by meeting a few of our followers at the Skyline bar before heading down to the Tobacco dock. We walked around until we found a something we're all very fond of, a queue of people. The entrance was all done up in a 50th style and the excitement continued to grow!
We were greeted by cast members who gave us all a goody bag with a few 50th themed merchandise items inside and headed in through the beautiful balloon arch, up the stairs, and started to take in the atmosphere.
After we made our way around I already felt my eyes start to swell because I could hear an orchestra playing the Fantasmic soundtrack. How much I love and miss that soundtrack and show was very overwhelming.
We were given light-up bracelets so we know when we can enter each of the themed rooms. It was like wearing Magic Bands again!
We were then invited into a room with lots of seating laid out. On the big screens, they played the show they broadcasted at Magic Kingdom including words from Josh D'Amaro and a performance by Christina Aguilera.
After the show was over, Amanda Holden came on stage and talked about her history with Disney, alongside her daughter. (Frankie Bridge and her husband Wayne, Dr Ranj and Aston Merrygold and his wife Sarah Louise Richards also attended the event mingling around with everyone else, and while some enjoyed getting celeb selfies, I was more interested in what the mice were doing.) We then got a live performance of the new song "The Magic Is Calling" and then about halfway through the song, the whole room roared into applause as Mickey and Minnie (jeez I'm getting choked up just thinking about it again) came out dancing in their new 50th anniversary outfits.
When the show ended, we kept an eye on your light-up bands and when they flashed a certain colour it meant we could enter one of the four themed rooms. Each room was themed after each of the four theme parks. There was also a "Main Street USA" section which was the main area where characters would come out and you could grab selfies with them. We got a few, of course!
There were a lot of Disney pals that were hanging out on the Main Street USA area including, but not limited to:
We first went into the Epcot room and it looked like we went straight for dessert first as the theme was food & wine! There was mac 'n' cheese and an assortment of different desserts to fill your boots with the new "Harmonious" soundtrack playing in the background. There was a photo opportunity with lights and mirrors that sparkled like Spaceship Earth.
In the Animal Kingdom room, Timone and Rafiki were waiting for us dancing around.
There was also a photo booth with an Animal Kingdom backdrop, and while we were in the queue for it, there was a stunning performance of a few Lion King songs.
In the Magic Kingdom room, there was some delicious smelling popcorn along with a selfie opportunity with Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Rapunzel.
There were also many photo backdrop opportunities that you just had to take advantage of.
In the Hollywood Studios room, you're presented with a red carpet walk (with Fantasmic playing in the background) to a 360 camera to take a fun video of yourself. I was totally clueless but the other guys rocked it.
What. A. Night. What an incredible evening. The 4 hours went by so fast, and there was still more I wanted to do! Another big thanks to Disney for inviting me to attend, and for also allow me to bring some of the Mickey From The UK followers with me. I cannot wait to get back to Walt Disney World in 2022 and celebrate the 50th anniversary over there. Remember you can now book your 2022 Walt Disney World holiday and take part in the celebrations and get up to $950 dining credit when you book this month (October).
All Disneyland Paris packages bookings made by 2nd April 2023 will receive a FREE crossing with P&O Ferries when you arrive between 1st April and 30th September 2023.
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