To kick off Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration, ABC News and Disney Parks have teamed up for the upcoming “The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World” special, which will air on ABC on October 1, 2021.
Hosted by Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, the two-hour show will look back at the last 50 years of the park’s history, and include musical performances from Christina Aguilera and Halle Bailey, who is set to star in Disney’s upcoming live-action version of The Little Mermaid.
Other celebrities set to appear in the special include John Stamos, Anthony Anderson, Marsai Martin, Melissa Joan Hart, Candace Cameron Bure, Gary Sinise, Tom Brady, Phil Simms and Doug Williams.
Disney executives and creators like Kevin Feige, Pete Docter, James Cameron, Bob Chapek, Bob Iger, and Michael Eisner will also be part of the special, as will Walt Disney World Imagineers Bob Weis, Mark Kohl and Ann Morrow Johnson.
The anniversary special will 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 famous “I’m going to Disney World!” ad campaign.
Viewers also 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.
How can two hours contain all these Disney memories and highlights? We’ll find out when the special airs at 8pm ET on October 1. It will be available the next day on demand and on Hulu, and later in the month on Disney+, according to Disney Parks.
I don’t think any of it will actually air live from the 50th Anniversary kick-off at Walt Disney World. It’s most likely all pre-recorded to get it all edited together.
Are you looking forward to this walk down Walt Disney World memory lane? What do you most hope to see? Let us know in comments.