New Restaurants and Experiences
During the 50th anniversary celebration, we saw the addition of several new dining locations across Walt Disney World. From Roundup Rodeo BBQ and Connections Café at EPCOT to Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, there have been a variety of different dining experiences added to the already diverse list of offerings. All these locations have been met with mostly positive reviews. In fact, I highly recommend a visit to La Creperie de Paris or Steakhouse 71 on your next visit to Walt Disney World.
During the anniversary celebration, Walt Disney World also welcomed guests aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. This immersive 2-night resort experience was met with mixed reviews even before it opened in March of 2022. The price tag attached to this interactive experience was much more than many guests could stomach.
Additionally, to get a lot out of the experience, guests are required to put forth a decent amount of effort into interacting with the environment and characters around them. The experience isn’t necessarily good for those who are more introverted. So, although those who love Star Wars and enjoy dressing up and engaging would enjoy this experience, popularity for the simulated cruise has dwindled over the past year.
MagicBand+ also launched during the World’s Most Magical Celebration. These new bands include upgraded features like lighting and sound effects. They are said to light up during certain nighttime shows and rides. Though, due to technical issues with the band, this isn’t always the case.
They also made sounds and lit up while interacting with the Fab 50 statues scattered throughout the parks. This is a fun feature; however, you do have to get close to the statues and that can be difficult with other guests around. Finally, you can use the Play Disney Parks mobile app to accept and collect bounties while visiting Galaxy’s Edge.
Did The World’s Most Magical Celebration Live Up to Its Hype?
Overall, of the new attractions, experiences, and offerings during the 50th-anniversary celebration, the restaurants and rides were great additions to Walt Disney World. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is arguably one of the best indoor roller coasters in the world, and many believe Steakhouse 71 has the best burger on Disney property. Plus, is it even possible to have too many dining options?
However, some of the offerings lacked that special wow factor. From Enchantment to Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, these experiences have not lived up to guests’ expectations. A few attractions that we thought were going to be opening during the 50th-anniversary celebration also got delayed due to the pandemic. While this is understandable, it doesn’t eliminate all the disappointment.
What do you think? Did The World’s Most Magical Celebration live up to your expectations? Are you excited about what is to come with Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder celebration? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
Comments
I was very disappointed by the 50th celebration. I remember watching how fun the Disneyland 60th looked, and how their newer entertainment was so good! I know Covid wrecked a lot of Disney World's plans but I think they used that as an excuse also. I was mostly disappointed with the fireworks shows, the fact it didn't tie to the legacy of the parks and their rides at all. I don't know who headed that but it doesn't make sense! I ultimately felt that the 50th celebration was just a way to sell more merch. I bought a few things but it just seemed they were only focused on releasing products vs. focusing on meaningful experiences tied to celebrating 50 years. And don't get me started on Remy, I do enjoy that ride, but come on, it came out almost 10 years ago in France and they're acting like it's new and cool....Even Tron is a copy from almost 7 years ago...I'm not a fan of the homogenizing all the parks, local and international