The 25th Anniversary of Walt Disney World on Resort TV
You’re watching the Walt Disney World Network—the exclusive in-room channel that brought Disney magic to guests during their stay in 1996. That year marked Walt Disney World’s 25th anniversary, and the celebration extended beyond the theme parks, right into your hotel room.
Starting at the Magic Kingdom
The broadcast kicked off with a journey through the Magic Kingdom. The spotlight was on the all-new Tomorrowland, reimagined with bold neon lighting, sleek design, and attractions like Alien Encounter. Then came Mickey’s Starland, a whimsical land tailored for younger guests to meet classic characters in themed settings. Of course, SpectroMagic brought Main Street U.S.A. to life at night with its glowing parade and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.
Epcot: Disney’s Discovery Park
Next up is Epcot, billed as Disney’s Discovery Park. The channel celebrated Epcot as more than just a theme park—it was a constantly evolving world of innovation. Highlights included the new 4D attraction Honey, I Shrunk the Audience at the Imagination Pavilion and the musical culinary show Food Rocks inside The Land. Viewers also took a tour around World Showcase, checking in with cultural representatives from each pavilion.
Disney-MGM Studios and Beyond
From there, the tour continued to Disney-MGM Studios, where guests experienced Lifestyles of the Famous, and the all-new Sunset Boulevard, home to the groundbreaking Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The behind-the-scenes movie theme was still going strong, with classic attractions like the Great Movie Ride anchoring the park’s identity.
Resorts, Downtown Disney, and Discovery Island
The special wrapped up with a highlight reel of Disney Resort Hotels, including amenities, pools, and entertainment options. Viewers also got a glimpse of Downtown Disney, a lively shopping and dining hub, and Discovery Island, a serene wildlife retreat nestled in Bay Lake. And although not yet open to the public, there was an exciting early mention of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, set to debut in just a few years.
For More Resort TV Check Out. The All New Must Do Disney 2021. Disneyland Today July 2017. Dining Disneyland 2017. Disneyland Resort TV 2012. Walt Disney World Resort TV 1995. WDW Resort TV 1993. Walt Disney World Information Channel 2001. Resort TV 100 Years of Magic 2001. Walt Disney World 25th Anniversary Resort TV. Disney Springs 2021.
For more from Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary check out. WDW 25th Anniversary Remembering the Magic. Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary Party. Walt Disney World Wishing You Where Here. The Vacation Planning VHS. and the Inside-Out Walt Disney World 25th Anniversary Special.
