100 Years of Magic was, and most likely always will be, one of the most memorable and unique Disney Parks experiences throughout all of Disney History! This event kicked off at the Walt Disney World Resort on October 1, 2001. Although the celebration kicked off on the 30th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort, 100 years of Magic was a celebration of the life and legacy of Walt Disney!
Walt Disney’s Legacy
I often say that Walt Disney is my favorite Disney character. Born on December 5, 1901, Walt and I share the same birthday. But 93 years apart. Walt Disney of course founded the Walt Disney Company. And the legacy he left behind has shaped and guided my own life, along with the lives of thousands of others. In 2001, Walt Disney would have turned 100 years old. So, to mark the momentous occasion, the 100 Years of Magic celebration was born!
Facts and Figures
From the very beginning, this event was poised to be unlike any other. The host park of this grand event would be Disney-MGM Studios, now called Disney’s Hollywood Studios. An interesting choice, most likely meant to pay homage to Walt’s cinematic career. Throughout the celebration, Disney fans would have the opportunity to experience all-new attractions, buy limited-edition, interactive merchandise, and see once-in-a-lifetime shows and parades! Another fun, interactive addition to the parks was the 100 Years of Magic kiosks. On the kiosks were virtual trivia games, that tested your Disney knowledge! These could be found for brain-busting fun in each park. Of course, most iconic of all, guests could see a 12 story tall Sorcerer Mickey hat in Disney-MGM Studios, which would become an icon for the event and for the park for years to come.
100 Years of Magic Parades
For the first time in Disney History – and possibly the only time to date – each park at Walt Disney World received a new or newly updated parade, specifically for the event! Each parade showcased music written for the celebration as well, called Suite of Dreams! In Magic Kingdom, the Share a Dream Come True parade, which featured Mickey Mouse and 100 of his Disney character friends. In EPCOT, guests could see an update to the Tapestry of Nations, which premiered in 2000 for the Millenium celebration. Now, rebranded and revamped as the Tapestry of Dreams. Next, at Disney-MGM Studios, Disney Stars, and Motor Cars! This EPIC parade featured iconic Disney characters and partnerships – plus themed cars! Lastly, in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade
New Attractions
To kick things off with a bang, the Magic Kingdom received its first new ride since the opening of Pirates of the Caribbean in 1973! Magic Carpets of Aladdin was added to Adventureland, where it still stands today. At the time, guests could also take part in a live game show with the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire show in Disney-MGM Studios! The Dino-Rama mini-land was still new to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, so it was showcased as a new attraction for the event. Saving the best for last, we can also thank the 100 Years of Magic for Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream!
Want More 100 Years of Magic?
In all honesty, this article is just the tip of the iceberg! This was an incredibly cool event that I could talk about for hours, so well – I did! For the finale of The Carousel Project, a Disney history podcast, my fellow host, Kait Killebrew and I dive into all the magic behind the 100 Years of Magic celebration!
Want even more Disney history? Learn more about The Carousel Project Podcast here!
