A brand new fireworks show at Magic Kingdom!

• New Fireworks Show: Announced this week, we will be getting a brand new nighttime spectacular for the 50th anniversary at Magic Kingdom. “Disney Enchantment” will have new music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks, and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle all the way down Main Street! The show debuts October 1st and we are assuming it will run for the full duration of the anniversary which will be 18 months long.

• Epcot's Harmonious Opening Date: Also debuting on October 1st is Harmonious, the new show at Epcot. We've been seeing those giant barges in the water for months now, and now we have an official opening date. Harmonious is said to use brand new technology that Disney's done before They call it “technical magic” that incorporates pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting, and media in new ways.

• New Show at Animal Kingdom: Also beginning October 1st, there will be a new daytime show at Disney's Animal Kingdom. “Disney’s Kitetails” will happen several times a day at the Rivers of Light amphitheater, with wind catchers and elaborate 3-D kites some up to 30 feet long, all choreographed to music. It sounds interesting but hard to picture. However, I have learned to not underestimate the animal-inspired entertainment at Animal Kingdom. Sometimes the more simple concepts can be incredibly magical when you combine animals, beloved characters, and great musical scores. I think about the projections on the Tree of Life or even the Magical Menagerie puppets they had around the holidays. I'm excited to see this one, and it could be the dark horse that surprises everyone with how good it ends up being.

• More details for the 50th Anniversary: Mickey and friends will get some new outfits like in the photo above, and will have a new cavalcade that will go through the park several times per day with them. Think of this as an updated "Move it, Shake it" type of mini-parade. Also, there will be Golden character sculptures - 50 characters total in this series of sculptures that will be displayed across all four theme parks. See all the details on the 50th and new concept art over at Disney Parks Blog

• Update for Contemporary Resort Rooms: Disney shared the first look at the new room refurbishment for Contemporary Resort. The rooms will feature a subtle Incredibles theme. I think this is the perfect movie to pair with the retro-futuristic style of this resort. They work great together and like the photos they've shared for the Polynesian Resort rooms, the addition of characters is subtle, with the rooms still very clean and modern looking. Check out the photos here, and no date has been given yet for when guests will be able to stay in these new rooms. But once the main building rooms are finished they will then work on the Garden Wing rooms.

In case you missed it:

• Flower & Garden Festival Guide: Since this festival is going to be around until July 5th of this year, we've got lots of time to visit. I imagine it will be here while many of you visit Disney World so a good guide will be helpful to get the most out of your time. I put one together and I'll be adding to it as I find more tips or options. You can find that here: Festival Guide.

• Mask Relaxation Continues Beginning Tuesday, June 15th masks are now optional in most areas of Walt Disney World resort for vaccinated guests. The only areas where they will be required is transportation including Disney buses, monorails, and the Disney Skyliner. See the official update to the guidelines on Disney's site here.

• Fireworks are back: starting July 1st at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Details can be found here.

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