Starting on Oct. 1 – marking the day that guests arrived at the Florida theme park for the first time a half century ago – Walt Disney World Resort will begin celebrating its 50th anniversary with the launch of a celebratory event dubbed “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”

Set to continue for 18 months, the celebration will feature new experiences at the resort’s four theme parks and beyond.

At the centre of it all will be Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, which will add to its royal makeover from 2020 with new gold bunting, sparkling golden embellishments and other new enhancements, including a 50th anniversary crest welcoming guests to the join the festivities.

Additionally, icons at each Walt Disney World theme park are set to transform into magnificent “Beacons of Magic” at night, coming to life with their own glow:

• Cinderella Castle will illuminate Magic Kingdom with a dazzling radiance that sparkles with pixie dust.

• At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a warm light will emanate from the Tree of Life as magical fireflies gather to usher in the magic of nature.

• The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be awash in a brilliance evoking “the golden age of imagination and adventure.”

• And at EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another in a symbol of optimism resembling stars in a nighttime sky. The iconic structure’s permanent new lighting will continue beyond the anniversary celebration as a defining feature of the park.

Meanwhile, as hosts of the celebration, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be dressed in sparkling new looks, custom-made for the special occasion (banner photo). Highlights of the designs include beautifully embroidered impressions of Cinderella Castle backed by fireworks, as well as a brocade in multi-toned, fabric – all punctuated with pops of gold.

More details about the event will be announced in the future, says Disney.