Disney Club Celebrates 50 years of Disney World Magic with a Night of Trivia and Games

Fifty years ago, Walt Disney had a dream to bring the same magic of Disneyland in California to Florida. He wanted to create an immersive experience that would spread the Disney magic to the east. 

On Oct. 1, 1971, just 16 years after the opening of Disneyland California, Walt Disney and his team opened the gates of Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The theme park found great success and has since touched the hearts of many across the globe, including some at Liberty University.

Over a year ago, Chad Moreno, president of the campus Disney Club, had a dream for bringing together Liberty students who loved Disney. What started as a chill movie hangout is now an official Liberty University club. 

According to Disney Club secretary Hannah Method, the club is a great way for Disney fans to bond with other students who love Disney, watch everyone’s favorite Disney movie and talk about their favorite parts of the company. 

“I decided to start this club because it could be a form of therapy for some,” Moreno said. “If students can just come in and get their mind off of things even for an hour, then we have done our job.” 

With Disney World’s big 50th anniversary right around the corner, Moreno and his team knew they needed to plan a fun event for students to get together and celebrate. On Oct. 1, students gathered at Hydaway Outdoor Center to enjoy Disney related activities and be in community with each other. 

At the event, students  enjoyed fun food items like pizza and Disney-themed cupcakes. Attendees also participated in Disney trivia games, and the winners were awarded gift cards and some limited-edition Disney merchandise. 

Students were also encouraged to dress up as their favorite Disney character, and at the end of the night, the attendees voted for their favorite costume. Throughout the event, students were able to chat among themselves, talking about their favorite Disney rides — both new and old — and their favorite movies and characters. 

Raquel O’Donnell, a Disney club member, attended the event to be part of the big celebration. O’Donnell grew up going to Disney with her family, so celebrating with her Liberty family was a special moment for her. 

“It’s very validating to be around people who are as passionate and love Disney as much as I do,” O’Donnell said. “I love to rant and rave about our favorite movies and songs.” 

To conclude the night, everyone gathered around the projector to watch Disney World’s Magic Kingdom nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After.” This show is the last event of the day in the Magic Kingdom Park, so the Disney Club leaders considered it an appropriate ending for the Hydaway Outdoor Center celebration. Many laughed, cried and sang along, and above all, students were unified.

If you want to be a part of the  Disney Club, they meet on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in DeMoss 3152. Bring your homework, a cozy outfit and your excitement  for Disney.

Farmerie is a feature writer.