“Disney 100 Years of Wonder” Details Announced

The Walt Disney Company will look back on 100 magical years of corporate history next year. To mark this anniversary, “Disney 100 Years of Wonder”, the largest global cross-company celebration in company history, has been announced. This is scheduled to officially kick off during “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” on ABC. The celebration will include new releases in many divisions of the company from theme parks and resorts and film productions to merchandising and an international exhibition.

The Walt Disney Studios announced the upcoming trio of films including “The Little Mermaid”, “Haunted Mansion” and “Peter Pan & Wendy” for 2023, in addition to the animated musical “Wish”. In addition, the new Logo Introduction – produced by Disney Studios Content and Industrial Light & Magic – which will precede every Disney theatrical and streaming film beginning Thanksgiving throughout 2023, was unveiled.

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts are ramping up worldwide with new decorations, F&B options and character experiences, among others. In addition, “World of Color – One” (Disney California Adventure) and the fireworks show “Wondrous Journeys” (Disneyland Park) are two new nighttime spectacles coming to the California theme parks. The long-awaited “Magic Happens” parade also makes its return here in spring. Towards the end of next year, “World Showcase Lagoon” at EPCOT is also slated to shine with a new evening show. Hong Kong Disneyland will enjoy a new statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse (see EAP news of 20 Sep 22).

“Disney100: The Exhibition” is designed to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Disney magic internationally. The North American tour will kick off in Philadelphia on Feb. 18, 2023, with additional scheduled stops in Chicago and Kansas City. The international unit of the exhibition will be available in Munich, Germany, from April 18 and will then also travel to other cities. The nearly 15,000-square-foot (1,400-square-meter) exhibit spans ten galleries that guests can explore using immersive technology to dive into their favorite Disney stories. Each gallery features moving stories, interactive elements and engaging background information that carry visitors through 100 years of Disney history. Disney100 holds more than 250 original artworks, artifacts, costumes and props, and other memorabilia for visitors to enjoy.

“Ten decades of creativity, innovation, and determination created The Walt Disney Company you know today – the most enduring and beloved name in entertainment,” said Disney CEO Bob Chapek. “It’s an awesome responsibility to lead Disney as we begin our second century of telling stories and creating magic that will endure for another 100 years.” (eap)