New and returning entertainment announced for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration
Just announced earlier this afternoon as part of Destination D23 2021, a slew of new and returning live entertainment offerings were announced for Walt Disney World as part of the resort’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Finding Nemo: The Musical
A couple of months ago, Disney announced that a reimagined version of “Finding Nemo – The Musical” would be coming to the Theater in the Wild at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Today, new details have been shared about the revamped show, now titled “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!”
This new show is set in the timeline of the film “Finding Dory,” and when guests sit in the theater, they’ll now find themselves inside the Marine Life Institute.
As the show begins, guests will catch up with the fish from Dr. P. Sherman’s office in “Finding Nemo,” who have made their way across the ocean to California. They will then tell the story of Nemo and how they all got there, incorporating many of the songs and production numbers from the original show.
“Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” will open in 2022.
Fantasmic!
As Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, said in his panel earlier this morning, “Fantasmic!” will also return in 2022 to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Upon its return, the show will incorporate an all-new sequence featuring live performers, stunts, special effects and more.
While the specifics have not been shared, we noticed a few clues in the official show graphic — fractal snowflakes representing the various elements of Arendelle, a magic lamp, and an oar with the symbol of Te Fiti. Based on that, we think that “Frozen II,” “Aladdin,” and “Moana” will have some kind of representation in the show.
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire
At Magic Kingdom, live entertainment returns to the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage early next year with a newly-enhanced show for the 50th anniversary celebration.
“Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” will incorporate scenes from the previous iteration of the show — with sequences inspired by “Frozen,” “Tangled,” and “The Princess and the Frog” — along with a brand-new opening and new finale with Mickey Mouse and friends in their sparkling EARidescent attire.
The show will also include an all-new original song, entitled “When there Magic Feels Like Home.”
Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade
Later this winter, a new cavalcade will debut at Magic Kingdom, titled the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade. This new character experience will feature the most characters of any cavalcade so far, including Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” Baloo and King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” José Carioca and Panchito from “The Three Caballeros,” Miguel from “Coco,” as well as Merida, Moana, The Incredibles and more.
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
And finally, in early 2022, these cavalcades will be joined by the return of the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade. This fan-favorite daytime parade features dozens of Disney characters and stories, from the Disney Princess Garden to a carnival of color presided over by Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
All of these announcements join those previously revealed to be new and returning to Walt Disney World, including “Disney KiteTails,” “Harmonious,” “Disney Enchantment,” and “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.”
We r so happy that Indiana Jones is back can’t wait to c it