With the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort now in high gear, there’s exciting EARidescent magic to discover throughout our four theme parks and beyond – especially at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!

Right now, once-in-a-lifetime 50th offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom include new experiences, celebratory anniversary sips and bites, must-have merchandise, dazzling park decorations and more.  Today, we’re sharing a special look at our magical 50th anniversary celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

At the park’s Discovery River Theater, the magic of nature and Disney storytelling are hitting new heights with “Disney KiteTails.”  Several times a day, performers fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, including elaborate three-dimensional kites – some 30 feet long – that allow Disney animal friends like Simba and Zazu or Baloo and King Louie to soar like never before.

Each 10-minute kite display is a gala performance of color and movement, with original, worldbeat arrangements of favorite tunes from “The Lion King” or “The Jungle Book,” filling the air in an uplifting, vibrant experience for the whole family.

As we have previously shared, each Walt Disney World Resort theme park icon is being transformed into a magnificent Beacon of Magic at night, beckoning all to come and celebrate during the 50th anniversary festivities. And at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Tree of Life is shining like never before!

A warm and glorious light emanates from the Tree of Life on select nights as enchanted fireflies gather to call forth the magic of nature, inviting everyone to join in the celebration. The Tree of Life also continues to awaken from time to time throughout the evening, sharing its animal tales filled with whimsy and heart.

During the celebration, beautiful “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection” golden sculptures can be found throughout all four of the Resort’s parks paying homage to the past 50 years of Walt Disney World while also ushering us into the next 50 years and beyond.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Guests can find sculptures of special Disney characters, including Pumbaa, Timon, Simba, Bambi, Thumper, Dory and Nemo. As Guests encounter the golden sculptures in the parks, they can snap a photo and share on social with #DisneyWorld50.

And for the 18-month celebration, dazzling decorations and magical touches can be found throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom and our other theme parks.  Disney teams have created all sorts of new decorations that shimmer and sparkle all day and into the night!

The magic is also calling all Foodies to the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney chefs and mixologists have created delights that include a touch of EARidescent shimmer – and here’s where to find them:

Drinkwallah

• Hand-dipped 50th Celebration Mickey Premium Bar – Our classic Nestlé Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar dipped in blue raspberry-flavored coating with celebration sprinkles and a little bit of pixie dust

Restaurantosaurus

• Cheese Fries with Walt’s Chili – Crispy fries topped with Walt’s favorite chili and cheddar sauce
• Walt’s Favorite Chili on Foot-long Hot Dog – A foot-long hot dog served on a warm bun topped with Walt’s favorite chili and cheddar sauce

Tiffins Restaurant

• 50th Celebration Chocolate Gâteaux – Almond praline, white chocolate crémeux, ganache, and chocolate-South African cream liqueur sauce

Special merchandise collections have been created for The World’s Most Magical Celebration and they’re now available at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.  The collections, which are filled with must-have mementos for Disney fans of all ages, can be found at several locations across the resort while supplies last, including Island Mercantile at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Also, for the 50th anniversary celebration, the anthem “The Magic Is Calling” can be heard in special live entertainment moments across Walt Disney World Resort, including performances by the Discovery Island Drummers and as the EARidescent Mickey & Friends Flotilla cruises along the Discovery River at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.