First listen - Music for Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary

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Beacons of Magic concept art

Posted: Friday August 13, 2021 9:09am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has today revealed more about the music for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World with a first listen of the original anthem created by Alana Da Fonseca.

50th crest added to Cinderella Castle

Platinum-selling songwriter and music producer Alana Da Fonseca collaborated with award-winning composer Emily Bear and singer Journi on "The Magic Is Calling."

"It's such a tremendous honor to write something that celebrates a place that brings so much joy to so many people," said Da Fonseca. "There's magic all around us, and when you're there, you are feeling it at every turn."

The music will be featured in all four theme parks during the "Beacons of Magic" projection shows, with different arrangements of the piece.

Beacons of Magic concept art

"The Magic Is Calling" will also be included in special live entertainment moments across Walt Disney World Resort. You'll hear the anthem during Mickey's Celebration Cavalcade, featuring the "EARidescent 8" each day at Magic Kingdom, and listen for custom arrangements of the song performed by everyone from the Main Street Philharmonic and Dapper Dans to the Discovery Island Drummers and Voices of Liberty.

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CreathirDec 10, 2023

I thought they were a fun addition to the parks. Personally I’d have made the replacement medallions the same bronze/gold color, but that’s just me.

nickysDec 10, 2023

Why? When I go back, whether that’s in a year, 2 years or further out, I’d love to be able to use my MB+ to activate them again. They were fun last year, why not let guests who didn’t get to see them at the time have a chance? You’re free to ignore them if you’re not interested.

Vegas Disney FanDec 10, 2023

The Tinkerbell one looks fantastic, the rest don’t match and look horrible. I wonder why they chose to use silver on bronze statues?

MagicHappens1971Dec 10, 2023

Gotta sell those MagicBand+ somehow

BrianDec 09, 2023

I just wish they'd take them out at this point. The hidden ones, like Tinkerbell and Abu are fun, but the ones out in the open seem out of place. I gave it a pass (to avoid my personal scorn) during the anniversary celebration, but that's far in the rear view mirror at this point.

DisoneDec 09, 2023

Agree! Took the post right off my fingertips.

drizgirlDec 09, 2023

Some of those are fine. Some of them are just perplexing.

DCBakerDec 09, 2023

The 50th medallions on a number of golden statues at Magic Kingdom that didn't have them removed yet have been recently covered or replaced. 758241

BrianNov 18, 2023

This special was produced by Fox 35, the Orlando Fox affiliate, for the 50th anniversary, and was recently posted to YouTube. I wanted to share since it has an inside look at the costuming 'vault' where costumes from past and present (and even in some cases, future) are stored, how the land for WDW was acquired and an interview with the daughter of one of the landowners, and an interview with three opening day cast members.

LittleBufordOct 01, 2023

I loved it! Watched it three times during my trip this summer.

ToTBellHopOct 01, 2023

Way to end your celebration with class and optimism toward the future.

Sir_CliffSep 30, 2023

Definitely had the same impression. I'm kind of curious to understand what made Dream and Shine Brighter hit just the right spot. I'm normally not a big fan of the castle shows featuring the characters, but this one just felt like pure joy. I suppose a lot of credit needs to go to the performers, who were fantastic.