Ever walked past a Disney World guest wearing a special pin that says 100 and wondered what it meant? Or seen it on merchandise, parade floats, or even in the fireworks show? You’re not alone. The number 100 is everywhere at Disney right now - and it’s not just a random number. It’s the centerpiece of a massive, once-in-a-lifetime celebration that’s reshaping how people experience Disney parks today.
What Does the 100 Actually Stand For?
The 100 refers to the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. Founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt and Roy Disney, the company started as a tiny animation studio in a small Los Angeles office. Today, it’s one of the biggest entertainment empires on the planet - with theme parks, streaming services, movies, and consumer products spanning every corner of the globe.
The celebration, called Disney 100: The Exhibition and 100 Years of Magic, kicked off in January 2023 and runs through December 2025. That means if you’re visiting Disney World in 2025, you’re still in the thick of it. The anniversary isn’t just a one-day event - it’s a full two-and-a-half-year-long party with new attractions, limited-edition souvenirs, special parades, and even themed food.
Where You’ll See the 100 at Disney World
You don’t have to be a hardcore fan to spot the 100. It’s woven into the fabric of the parks. Look for the number on:
- Special pins sold at merchandise locations - each one features a different Disney character with the number 100
- Parade floats during the Disney 100 Years of Wonder celebration at Magic Kingdom
- Light projections on Cinderella Castle at night - the castle glows with golden 100 symbols during fireworks
- Food and drinks - think 100-themed cupcakes, specialty cocktails, and limited-time snacks like the 100 Years of Magic popcorn bucket
- Photo spots - there are dozens of Instagrammable backdrops with the number 100, often surrounded by classic Disney characters in vintage outfits
At Epcot, the 100 Years of Wonder pavilion in the World Showcase features interactive exhibits showing how Disney animation evolved from black-and-white cartoons to today’s CGI masterpieces. You can even see original sketches from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - the first full-length animated feature ever made - displayed behind glass.
Why the 100 Matters to Guests
For many visitors, seeing the number 100 isn’t just about nostalgia - it’s emotional. People line up for hours to get their photo taken with Mickey Mouse wearing his 1928 steamboat captain outfit. Grandparents bring their grandkids to show them the same characters they grew up with. Parents snap pictures of their kids touching the same glass case that once held Walt Disney’s original hand-drawn sketches.
It’s not just about the past. The 100 celebration also highlights what’s next. Disney revealed new rides and experiences tied to the anniversary, including the Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream exhibit upgrade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios - now with never-before-seen footage of Walt working in his studio. There’s also a new nighttime spectacular called Disney Enchantment: 100 Years of Wonder, which blends classic music with modern lighting tech to tell the story of Disney’s journey.
What You Can Still Do in 2025
Even though the anniversary started in 2023, you’re not too late. Disney has extended many of the 100-themed offerings through the end of 2025. Here’s what’s still available:
- 100th Anniversary Pin Trading - Pick up a free starter pin at Guest Services and trade with cast members who wear special 100 pins
- 100 Years of Magic Merchandise - Look for the golden 100 logo on apparel, mugs, plushes, and home décor. Some items are only available in specific parks
- Special Dining Experiences - The 100 Years of Magic dessert party at Cinderella Castle returns every weekend. Reservations open 60 days in advance
- Character Meet-and-Greets - Mickey and Minnie appear in their 1920s outfits at Town Square Theater. Go early - lines form before park opening
- 100th Anniversary Photo Pass - Download all your park photos with the 100-themed borders for free if you have a Disney PhotoPass subscription
Some of the most popular items - like the 100th anniversary Mickey ears with gold trim - sell out fast. If you see one you like, buy it. Disney doesn’t restock these limited items.
How the 100 Changed Disney World
The anniversary didn’t just add new stuff - it changed how Disney thinks about its history. For years, Disney parks focused mostly on new IPs like Star Wars and Marvel. But the 100 celebration forced the company to go back to its roots. You’ll now see more classic animation art on walls, more vintage music in the queues, and more references to Walt Disney himself.
Cast members are trained to share stories about Walt’s early days - like how he once drew Mickey Mouse on a train ride from New York to California. You’ll hear those stories if you ask. Don’t be shy. The best moments at Disney aren’t always the rides - sometimes they’re the quiet ones.
What’s Coming After 2025?
Disney hasn’t officially said what’s next, but insiders suggest the company is already planning for the 125th anniversary in 2048. That’s decades away - but the 100 celebration taught them something important: guests crave connection to the origin story. Future celebrations will likely focus on the people behind the magic - animators, Imagineers, and early park builders - not just the characters.
For now, 2025 is your last chance to experience the full 100 celebration. The fireworks, the pins, the food, the music - it’s all tied to this milestone. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.
Why This Matters for Your Next Trip
If you’re planning a Disney World trip in 2025, the 100 isn’t just a backdrop - it’s the whole reason to go. This isn’t another summer with extra fireworks. This is a historic moment. You’re walking through a living museum that celebrates a century of imagination.
Bring a pin trading book. Wear your Mickey ears. Ask a cast member about Walt’s first cartoon. Take a moment to sit on a bench near Cinderella Castle and watch the golden 100 glow across the water. That’s the magic Disney wanted you to feel - not just the rides, but the story behind them.
Is the 100 celebration still going on in 2025?
Yes. The Disney 100 celebration runs through December 31, 2025. All special events, merchandise, food, and entertainment tied to the anniversary are still available during this time. After that, most items will be retired permanently.
Where can I buy the 100th anniversary pins?
You can buy 100th anniversary pins at all Disney World merchandise locations, including the Emporium in Magic Kingdom, Mouse Gear in Epcot, and World of Disney in Disney Springs. Some pins are exclusive to certain parks. Cast members with special lanyards also trade pins - ask them if they have any available.
Do I need a special ticket for the 100 celebration events?
No. All 100 celebration activities - including the parade, fireworks, character meet-and-greets, and photo spots - are included with your regular park admission. The only exception is the 100 Years of Magic dessert party, which requires a separate reservation and fee.
What’s the most popular 100th anniversary item right now?
The golden Mickey ears with the 100 logo are the most sought-after item. They sell out within minutes of park opening. Other top sellers include the 100th anniversary popcorn bucket, the Walt Disney tribute mug, and the limited-edition pin set featuring all 100 characters from Disney’s history.
Can I still get the 100th anniversary merchandise after 2025?
Most 100th anniversary merchandise will be retired after December 31, 2025. A few items might appear in Disney’s online store or at Disneyland for a short time, but the majority will be gone for good. If you want it, get it before the end of 2025.