A popular photo spot in front of a Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary medallion sign has just been removed from EPCOT.
50th Anniversary Medallion Photo Spot Removed
We stopped by EPCOT today to check on the progress of the removal of the Harmonious barges, and noticed that the 50th Anniversary medallion photo spot sign has been removed from the center garden area facing Spaceship Earth.
Although the 50th Anniversary celebrations concluded on March 31, there have still been some decorations that remained. The hole in the bushes you see in the above photo, was home to a popular 50th Anniversary medallion photo spot since the celebration kicked off in October 2021.
The circular sign, pictured above, was blue and gold with an “EARidescent” shimmer. It featured a golden Cinderella Castle with a blue “50” in the center.
It said “Thank You For Celebrating With Us” and below that was the Walt Disney World logo with the tag line “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”.
There used to be 50th Anniversary banners behind the sign on either side, but those were removed as well.
For a very brief period, the banners were was removed, but the medallion remained. The banners then returned for a few days, Now, the entirety of what was there is gone.
We have been seeing more and more 50th Anniversary decorations being removed around Walt Disney World. Most recently, the ’50’ on Cinderella Castle was removed, along with the bunting. The moat around the castle was also drained to facilitate the removal of other castle decorations.
End of the 50th Anniversary
Now that the 50th Anniversary celebration has ended, decorations are being taken down and merchandise is going away.
Mickey is back in his magician outfit at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom instead of his EARidescent suit. There is a new Magic Kingdom welcome show and an updated Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire with the characters wearing new outfits instead of their 50th costumes.
Guidemaps for all four Walt Disney World parks have been updated to no longer mention the 50th Anniversary.
Cinderella Castle is expected to keep its EARidescent pink and royal blue color scheme but 50th Anniversary decorations will be removed. The golden Fab 50 character statues will stick around for now.
50th Anniversary messages were replaced on Walt Disney World buses.
There is a new Annual Pass design now that 50th Anniversary-related cards have retired. 50th Anniversary merchandise is significantly discounted at World of Disney.
Disney 100 Years of Wonder
Now that “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” is over, Disney 100 Years of Wonder is moving in.
Walt Disney World announced monthly themes to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company over the next several months. April celebrates Earth Day, the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s conservation efforts. Moana will have a meet and greet in Animal Kingdom beginning on Earth Day, April 22.
As previously announced, Disney100 will be celebrated at EPCOT with Mickey and Minnie in their platinum outfits and a platinum Mickey sculpture. A new Spectacle of Light show will debut on Spaceship Earth and, in late 2023, a new nighttime spectacular will premiere to replace “Harmonious.” Journey of Water, CommuniCore Hall, World Celebration Garden, and Dreamers Point are all scheduled to open in late 2023 at EPCOT.
Mirabel will have a meet and greet at Magic Kingdom beginning “this fall” in the Fairytale Garden. She will be replacing Merida, and the area will be redesigned to look like the Casita Madrigal.
Check out some Disney100 merchandise and our full list with locations of Disney100 pressed pennies at Walt Disney World.
What was your favorite part of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary? Let us know in the comments below.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.