Let’s have a ball, Mickey
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, Walt Disney World
Launching on March 1, it promises to be an experience going beyond anything Disney has created before.
Guests will become the heroes of their own stories during a two-night adventure where they see, feel and live Star Wars.
They travel the galaxy in style on a luxury Halcyon starcruiser, known for impeccable service and exotic destinations, staying in wellappointed cabins, enjoying exquisite dining and stellar entertainment.
Wannabe Jedis will feel the Force on the thrill ride Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
TECH TIME
Two new technological innovations will arrive in 2022.
MagicBand+
The next-generation wearable will retain the original’s popular features and add new functionality to unlock experiential magic moments throughout the parks.
Once in a park, the band will come alive at various times with colour-changing lights, haptic vibrations and gesture recognition, allowing them to engage with Disney moments in new interactive experiences.
‘Hey Disney!’ voice assistant
Disney is creating its own
custom voice assistant using Alexa technology for supported Amazon Echo devices.
It will work alongside Alexa in Disney hotel rooms to respond to vocal prompts, bringing Disney characters and stories to life.
Access to the service will be offered as an optional free feature to provide updates on weather forecasts, plus timers and alarms all assisted by characters such as
Mickey, Olaf and C-3PO.
LIGHT STUFF
New Beacons of Magic are illuminating the parks at night for the 50th anniversary. Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom has a dazzling radiance and pixie-dust sparkle. At Animal Kingdom, a warm light emanates from the Tree of Life as fireflies gather.
The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is bathed in a light evoking the golden age of imagination and adventure.
At EPCOT, lights shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, creating a mesmerising symbol of optimism.
SONG OF PRAISE
The Magic Is Calling is an inspiring tune written especially for the 50th anniversary and guests will hear it when the Beacons of Magic light up.
And listen out for it at selected live entertainment events such as Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade, Discovery Island Drummers at Animal Kingdom and Voices of Liberty at EPCOT.
MINNIE DRESS
Disney characters will be more dressed to impress than usual for the next
18 months.
Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale – otherwise known as the “EARidescent 8” – will be sporting sparkling new custom-made multitoned
fabric with dashes of gold. Disney characters appearing at on-site hotels will also be clad in their EARidescent finery.
MAGIC BUS
The Disney parks transport is getting a birthday boost too – special artwork has been added to selected Skyliner gondola cabins, buses and a monorail train.
MOUSE MERCH
It’s not a Disney holiday without a pressie or two. Special merchandise includes Cinderella Castleinspired attire, the retro Vault Collection clothes and souvenirs and the EARidescent Collection – a shimmering array of themed fashions and accessories.