So much is happening in 2023 at the Disneyland Resort. Disney100 celebration, new shows, new attraction, refurbishments and more! Disneyland begins the New Year of 2023 with a new campaign to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company on January 27th. Along with this new celebration comes new nighttime entertainment, “Wondrous Journeys” and a new water show called “World of Color – One.” Along with new shows we have so much more to look forward to. Let’s break down everything that’s happening in 2023 at the Disneyland Resort.
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Disney100 Celebration
The Disney100 celebration is in full swing with a new nighttime spectacular in Disneyland called “Wondrous Journeys.” This new show celebrates 100 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios with music, characters and special moments from favorite stories including “Encanto,”“Hercules,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Treasure Planet,” “Big Hero 6,” “Moana,” and more. Baymax soars high above Sleeping Beauty Castle is so awesome. This spectacular show will be 13 minutes at starts at 9:30 p.m. And on select nights with the addition of fireworks, Friday – Sunday nights only. The other nights the show will have projections and special effects not only in front of the castle, but also on Main Street U.S.A., It’s a Small World and along the Rivers of America. I loved this new show. The music is so good this is a must see show! For all my tips and best viewing spots head over here.
There is also a brand new show over in Disney California Adventure called “World of Color – One.” The show will celebrate the storytelling legacy started by Walt Disney a century ago. This show will play every night and last 24 minutes. There are two shows at 9:00 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. Times subject to change. I loved music and scenes from Star Wars, Avengers, Moana and so much more.
Along with new shows the Disney100 celebration brings new platinum-infused décor throughout the resort including two majestic water fountains on either side of the moat at Sleeping Beauty’s castle. New sparkling outfits for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals, special food and beverage offerings, merchandise and more. Disney shared a foodie guide for the celebration and of course we created a printable to help you plan your trip. Click here to print your food guide. 
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
We’ve been waiting for the new attraction that was announced years ago to finally open at Disneyland. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened on January 27, 2023. When this attraction opened it required joining a virtual queue, that is gone as of February 22nd. If you want to go on this new ride there will be two options. Head to Toontown and wait in the stand by line. Or you can purchase an Individual Lightning Lane with a specific arrival window, subject to availability. You must be scanned into the parks in order to purchase an ILL. What’s an Individual Lightning Lane read more here. 
Return of Magic Happens parade
More new exciting entertainment returns on February 24, 2023. I say new even though the parade Magic Happens debuted back in 2020 it only was shown for a few weeks before the parks closed. And this quite possibly is my new favorite parade. The music, costumes, floats and more is spectacular. Don’t miss this parade! The parade takes place twice a day at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Be sure to check out my parade tips! You can watch the entire Magic Happens parade on my YouTube channel!
Magic Happens parade dining package
There is a parade dining package offered at the Plaza Inn located inside Disneyland. The offer includes a delicious meal and reserved seating for the second “Magic Happens” parade. Adult Meal: Short Rib and Fried Chicken with Pesto Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables and a Dessert. Choice of drink. Child Meal: Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables and a Dessert. Choice of drink. To book a reservation go into the Disneyland website or app. Search under dining for the Plaza Inn dining package. You can also sign up here for free dining alerts from Mouse Dining if you don’t see availability on your date. The cost for the meal and exclusive parade seating for adults is $45 and children (ages 3-9) are $25 plus tax. I have done parade dining for other parades. For a complete review and where the reserved parade viewing area is located see this post.
After Hours Events
First of all if you’re planning a trip in 2023 take a look at the dates below so you know when Disneyland will close early due to After Hours Events. If you don’t have a ticket for the event on the dates below, just know that the park hours will be shortened on those days at Disneyland.
Disney has announced dates for more After Hours Events this year. We have the return of Sweethearts Nite, an all new event Princess nite and more Star Wars nights. Disneyland After Dark events begin with a three-hour pre-party mix-in from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Then the private party is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. This means you can ride some popular attractions after regular park hours with little to no wait! No theme park reservation is required. I’ve attended After Dark events including the new Princess Nite back in March. You can read my full review and what to expect at an After Hours event over here.
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts Nite dates
- January 31
- February 2, 5, 7, 9, 14 and 16
Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite dates
- March 7 and 9
Disneyland After Dark: Throwback Nite
- April 18 and 20 – an after-hours soiree inspired by the debonair days of the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
- May 2, 4, 8 and 11 – this event is back with four “nites” – the most ever – where you can live your own epic Star Wars adventure:
Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite
- June 13 and 15 – dance party, photo ops and more. Tickets go on sale 4/20.
Celebrations and Event dates
I have a more in depth post on all the celebrations at the Disneyland Resort over on this post. I just wanted to add some of the dates we know already for 2023 in this section. Then you can go read more details over here.
- Lunar New Year – January 20 through February 15, 2023
- Food and Wine Festival – March 3 through April 25, 2023
- Grad nite dates for 2023 in May and June found here.
- Halloween Time – normally 2nd week in September to Oct 31st (read more here)
- Holidays at the Disneyland Resort – normally 2nd week in November through first week in January. (Read more here)
Refurbishments schedule
The Disneyland calendar provides us with rides closed for refurbishment only 6 weeks out. If you’re planning a trip in 6 months there’s no way to know what will be closed if anything. I can tell you they try to spread out the closures in each park throughout the year. But during the summer months and holiday season they don’t usually have closures. And January will always have refurbishments scheduled that’s a guarantee.
Here’s what we know so far for 2023. As the Disney calendar is updated I will continue to keep this list current!
- Tarzan’s Treehouse is closed and will reopen as the Adventureland Treehouse inspired by the original version, Swiss Family Robinson. No reopen date announced.
- Silly Symphony Swings closes on February 27 reopens May 19.
- French Market and Mint Julep close on February 17 until further notice. Changing to a Tiana themed restaurant. You can get Mickey beignets and Mint Juleps at the Royal Street Veranda in the meantime.
- Matterhorn closed and reopens June 2nd
- Splash Mountain will close on May 31st to start transformation to Tiana’s Bayou and will reopen in 2024!
SoCal resident ticket special
If you’re a Southern California resident in need of tickets well here’s a deal that can save you up to $146 on any 3-Day Disneyland Resort ticket for weekday visits January 2 – May 25, 2023. Days do not need to be used consecutively, just used before expiration date. Theme park reservations are required. To purchase this limited time ticket offer click here.
Book your trip for 2023 now!
We have so much to look forward to in 2023. Remember when It’s time to book your trip I have lots of hotel recommendations here. Need discounted Disney tickets, ready to book a trip, visit here or call 855-GET-AWAY to speak to one of their travel experts directly. Plus, get an additional $10 off your vacation package (ticket + hotel) when you use promo code DTG10. Let them know that Disneyland Tour Guide sent you! Book with confidence, I always book my Disney trips through my travel partner Get Away Today.
I always recommend checking the Crowd Calendar to help you decide on dates for your trip.
If this is your first visit to Disneyland read my guide here filled with first time visitor tips and information. Have a magical time this year at the Disneyland Resort!
