ABC'S PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF SEPT. 27, 2021

FRIDAY, OCT. 1

8:00-10:01 p.m. - THE MOST MAGICAL STORY ON EARTH: 50 YEARS OF WALT DISNEY WORLD

ABC NEWS AND DISNEY PARKS TO PRODUCE 'THE MOST MAGICAL STORY ON EARTH: 50 YEARS OF WALT DISNEY WORLD,' A CELEBRATION OF WALT DISNEY WORLD'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY, AIRING FRIDAY, OCT. 1, ON ABC    

Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg Set to Host;  Disney Legend Christina Aguilera and Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' Halle Bailey to Perform;  Anthony Anderson, Tom Brady, John Stamos and More to Appear  

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, ABC will present a spectacular television event, "The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World," taking viewers on a historical journey spanning half a century and beyond at Walt Disney World in Florida. Hosted by Disney Legend and moderator of ABC's "The View," Whoopi Goldberg, the two-hour program will feature spectacular visuals and musical performances from Christina Aguilera and Disney's "The Little Mermaid" Halle Bailey in front of the legendary Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, accompanied by the renowned Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra; as well as interviews with iconic actors, actresses and athletes, Walt Disney World cast members, Disney Imagineers and executives past and present, who have all played their unique part in sprinkling pixie dust over "The Most Magical Place on Earth." "The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World" airs FRIDAY, OCT. 1 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT), on ABC. It can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu, and later in the month on Disney+.

This EARidescent special event will take viewers through Walt Disney World's humble beginnings in the swamplands of Florida and its evolution into a cultural phenomenon. Through an expansive look into the past, present and future of the vacation destination, fans will get a never-before-seen-on-TV glimpse into the journey to bring Walt's vision to life and a look at grand plans for the future. The special will also document some of Walt Disney World's most memorable pop-culture moments, from the many sitcoms that filmed episodes in the theme parks to the conception of the ubiquitous "I'm going to Disney World!" campaign. Plus, viewers will get a heartwarming look at how Disney and Make-A-Wish foundation have worked together for over 40 years to make kids' Disney dreams come true.  

Celebrities including Anthony Anderson, John Stamos, Marsai Martin, Melissa Joan Hart, Candace Cameron Bure and Gary Sinise; NFL athletes Tom Brady, Phil Simms and Doug Williams; and creative forces Kevin Feige, Pete Docter  and James Cameron; Walt Disney World Imagineers including Bob Weis, Mark Kohl and Ann Morrow Johnson; and Disney executives past and present including Bob Chapek, Bob Iger and Michael Eisner will all share their favorite memories of Walt Disney World, the unparalleled family destination. 

"The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World" is produced by ABC News in association with ABC Entertainment and Disney Parks Global Content. David Sloan and Sally Conner are senior executive producers and Matt Lombardi is executive producer.  

Follow ABC Publicity on Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date news on (#DisneyWorld50).

About ABC Entertainment 

ABC Entertainment airs compelling programming across all day parts, including "Grey's Anatomy," the longest-running medical drama in primetime television; riveting dramas "The Good Doctor," "A Million Little Things," "Station 19" and fall's groundbreaking No. 1 new series, "Big Sky"; trailblazing comedy favorites "black-ish," "The Conners," "The Goldbergs" and "Home Economics"; the popular Summer Fun & Games programming block, including "Celebrity Family Feud," "Holey Moley," "Match Game," "Press Your Luck" and "To Tell the Truth"; star-making sensation "American Idol"; reality phenomenon "Shark Tank"; "The Bachelor" franchise; long-running hits "Dancing with the Stars" and "America's Funniest Home Videos"; "General Hospital," which has aired for more than 55 years on the network; and late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"; as well as two critically acclaimed, Emmy(R) Award-winning "Live in Front of a Studio Audience" specials. The network also boasts some of television's most prestigious awards shows, including "The Oscars(R)," "The CMA Awards" and the "American Music Awards."     ABC programming can also be viewed on demand and on Hulu.