Disneyland Resort in Anaheim California welcomes 2023 with new events, activities, and more! Check out everything happening at Disneyland Resort this year. We’ll be updating this post throughout the year! Here are all the Events Happening at Disneyland Resort in 2023.
What’s Coming to Disneyland in 2023?
Disneyland is the hub of the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company and therefore has loads of new things happening throughout the year to commemorate! Check out our Disneyland Calendar of Events to see the timeline and everything below on the way.
Disneyland 100th Anniversary Plans
Starting late January 2023 at Disneyland Resort, there are special limited-time celebrations taking place throughout the whole year. Including live entertainment, new snacks, merchandise, and more. In theme with the 100th Anniversary look, you can find platinum-infused décor, and new sparkling looks for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their pals. Starting January 27, 2023, the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Walt Disney Company begins!
Disneyland Castle 100th Anniversary Decorations
Celebrating Wonder and Magic, the Sleeping Beauty Castle hails in the 100th Anniversary year in style. Complete with platinum banners, buntings, and a cabochon featuring the three Good Fairies from Sleeping Beauty. Decorated with pixie dust, the castle also gets two water fountains and a wishing star flying from the tower spire.
Wondrous Journeys Fireworks Show | Disneyland
The newest fireworks show in the works for Disneyland Park is Wondrous Journeys. With a nod to all 60 of Disney’s Animation films to date. This magical fireworks show features a brand new song called “It’s Wondrous,” and replaces Disneyland Forever, which had been running since May 2015. This new show covered Main Street, Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world”, and Rivers of America into a painted canvas throughout the show. January 27, 2023
World of Color One | Disney’s California Adventure Park
Coming also to Disney’s California Adventure is a new nighttime spectacular, special to the 100th Anniversary, to “showcase all new inspiring stories told through new favorite characters.” This show features a brand new song called “Start a Wave,” sharing the impact a single drop of water can make. A single action. Sure to inspire. January 27, 2023
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Attraction | Disneyland
Opening early, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is set to open on January 27th! Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway arrives in Disneyland ToonTown, taking over the “El Capitoon” Theater. Toontown is still under construction until spring 2023, but special for the anniversary, this ride is opening early! Featuring Mickey and Minnie on their way via train to a picnic, guests can experience all the shenanigans of Goofy the train conductor, and the magical detours along the way. For all the details on this new ride, and how it’s done at Walt Disney World check out our post here! January 27, 2023
Magic Happens Parade | Disneyland
Returning in Spring 2023 the Magic Happens Parade floats into Disneyland Park with characters from Sword in the Stone, Moana, Chip and Dale, and more! Opening February 24, 2023
With a wave of his wand, Mickey Mouse leads a cavalcade of fabulous floats, whimsically costumed performers and popular Disney pals like Anna, Elsa and Olaf around the park and into your hearts—all while moving to a high-energy musical score that puts a contemporary spin on classic Disney hits. In addition, a brand-new song co-composed by singer-songwriter Todrick Hall helps bring some of your favorite Disney tales to life like never before.
The parade features several distinct “stories,” with a delightful mix of characters. Watch Moana ride the crest of a beautiful wave in her voyager canoe, followed by Coco’s guitar-strumming Miguel, who’s joined by his dog Danté and other fantastical spirit animals.
Behold the enchanted forest from Frozen 2, as Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven pass by. Then prepare for the grandest finale of all as the parade commemorates memorable story moments from Sleeping Beauty and other Disney classics. It’s an incredible procession not to be missed!
New Disney 100th Anniversary Merchandise at Disneyland
Featuring classic Disney characters, you can find a slew of NEW Disney 100th Anniversary merchandise at Disneyland. Including new apparel, a jersey, and a Mickey popcorn bucket. Specially marked with the Disney100 logo for the celebration.
Disneyland Calendar of Events 2023
For a detailed look at all the holidays, monthly events, festivals and special nights, check out our Disneyland Event Calendar for 2023. Here’s a quick snapshot of the big things below.
Anaheim Ducks Day | Jan. 12, 2023
This NFL Hockey Team heads to Disney’s California Adventure on Jan 12, 2023. While this is an independent event, crowd levels may be affected.
Disneyland Lunar New Year Celebration | January 20- February 15, 2023
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Disneyland between January 20 – February 15, 2023. Complete with special performances, activities, merchandise, and more. The 2022 New Moon brings the Year of the Tiger and features Mulan and Mushu as part of the popular Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession. Mickey, Minnie, Raya, and Three Little Pigs are also part of the festivities. Be sure to check out all the Asian marketplaces, the Lucky Wishing Wall, and specialty Lunar New Year snacks for the festival. And head to the Paradise Garden Bandstand for performances throughout the festivals. Check out our Disney Lunar New Year at Home post for more ideas on how to honor the Chinese New Year!
Disney 100 Years of Wonder | Begins Jan. 27, 2023
As the Hub of the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, Disneyland welcomes loads of new things; merchandise, events, specials, snacks, and more.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway | Disneyland Park | January 27, 2023
World of Color One | Disney’s California Adventure Park | January 27, 2023
Wondrous Journeys Fireworks Show | Disneyland Park | January 27, 2023
Disneyland After Dark Sweethearts’ Nite | Jan 31- Feb 16, 2023, Select Nights
Offered Jan. 31, Feb. 2, 5, 7, 9, 14, 16, 2023, at Disneyland Park. Disneyland hosts Date Nite! Partygoers can get into the park as early as 5 pm, for an 8 pm Party start time. This event features a variety of special events and activities and Does Not require a park pass reservation. Limited Availability. Learn More.
- A special themed fireworks show
- Projection effects on Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, U.S.A.
- After-Hours Access to Attractions
- A jazz ensemble aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat
- Live entertainment, including a Royal Ball and a dance party with a DJ
- Rarely-seen Disney couples together in the park
- Fun photo opportunities featuring romantic scenes
- Specialty Sweetheart’s Nite Snacks
- Commemorative guide map
- Unlimited PhotoPass downloads
Celebrate Soulfully! and Black History Month | February 2023
Celebrate the history of Gospel Music with live choir performances, offered on select days in February.
- Celebrate Gospel! at the Fantasyland Theater in Disneyland Park: Award-winning Gospel singer, Kierra Sheard performed with a capella Gospel group Sacred Groove. And the Grammy award winners, Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music, along with The Singers of Soul, took the stage.
- Troubadour Tavern opened up to sell snacks, including an apple hand pie. Families did crafts and shared their thoughts on a gratitude wall at the back of the theater.
Super Bowl Weekend | Feb. 9-13, 2023
Magic Happens Parade | Disneyland | Feb 24, 2023
Mickey’s ToonTown Reopening | March 8, 2023
California Adventure Food and Wine Festival | March 3 – April 25, 2023
One of Disneyland’s most popular festivals returns this spring with new flavors, performances, and crafts. With 12 festival marketplaces, culinary demonstrations, and a variety of seminars, this event is one to attend for the year. You can grab a Sip and Savor pass to keep your Disney budget in check and explore the delicious fare of the region. Check out the California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Menus.
Disneyland After Dark Princess Nite | March 7 & 9, 2023
This after-dark party happens March 7 & 9, 2023 at Disneyland Park and features character experiences, photo ops, specialty entertainment, specialty snacks and menus, attraction overlays, and more! Admission begins at 5 pm for an 8 pm party start time. Limited Availability. Learn More.
- The Cauldron highlights all our favorite outlaws in this riff-raff revue.
- The Underworld Dance Party features a DJ dance party happening throughout the park.
- Specialty Disney Villain Character Experiences
- Mirror, Mirror Photopass Op
- After-Hours Access to Attractions
- Now SING! Find your voice and sing along, but beware of eerily enchanted seashells!
- Specialty Disney Villains snacks
- Commemorative guide map
- Unlimited PhotoPass download
Eggstravaganza | March- April 2023
Dapper Day April 16, 2023
Disneyland After Dark Throwback Nite | April 18, 20, 2023
This after-dark party happens April 18 and 20th, 2023 at Disneyland Park and features character experiences, photo ops, specialty entertainment, specialty snacks and menus, attraction overlays, and more! Admission begins at 6 pm for an 8 pm party start time. Limited Availability. Learn More.
- Gaze upon “Fantasy in the Sky,” a nighttime spectacular giving a nod to the same-named fireworks display that first illuminated the night in Disneyland park in 1957!
- Do the twist, the mashed potato and bunny hop your way to dance parties around Disneyland park with bands and deejays inspired by the era.
- Snack like it’s 1955 with treats that are inspired by the park’s early days, made once again just for this event!
- Picture yourself in vintage photo backdrops of attractions and posters from yesteryear like Skyway or Autopia, and from timeless Disney films captured by Disney PhotoPass photographers at the party.
- Enjoy after-hours access to iconic Disneyland attractions such as Peter Pan’s Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise.
- Enjoy pre-party mix-in admission to Disneyland park starting at 6 p.m., no theme park reservation is required.
New Orleans Square Mardi Gras | Spring 2023
Bats Day Fun in the Fun Park — May 7, 2023
Disneyland After Dark Star Wars Nite | May 2, 4, 8, 11, 2023
Claim your allegiance at Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite! Galactic and fantastic, this event is back with four “nites” – the most ever – where you can live your own epic Star Wars adventure:
- Be wowed watching “Star Wars: Celebrate the Nite” as fireworks illuminate the skies above Disneyland park. This pyrotechnic spectacle is set to the powerful music of Star Wars films.
- Prepare for Captain Phasma and her Stormtroopers during the March of the First Order in Tomorrowland, as they search for a Resistance spy.
- You may encounter travelers across the galaxy like Tusken Raiders and Jawas.
- Get ready to master a lightsaber! Attend the Lightsaber Instructional demonstration, where you will learn to handle a lightsaber through a series of elite moves, sure to bring out your inner Jedi!
- Picture yourself in dynamic photo backdrops featuring some of the galaxy’s favorite heroes and villains, captured by Disney PhotoPass photographers at the party.
- Explore themed snacks such as galactic churros and other out-of-this-world sweets!
- Begin your adventure with pre-party mix-in admission to Disneyland park starting at 6 p.m., no theme park reservation is required.
San Fransokyo Big Hero Six Area Opens at Disney’s California Adventure | Summer 2023
Coming Summer 2023 to California Adventure you can stroll through San Fransokyo, previously Pacific Wharf. Check out everything planned for San Fransokyo at Disney California Adventure.
Disneyland Grad Nites | May 12- June 16 Select Nights
Grad Nite dates for 2023 are May 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 25, 30, and 31, and June 2, 4, 7, 9, 14, and 16.
Disneyland After Dark Pride Night | June 13 & 15, 2023
Limited tickets are available for the Disneyland Pride Night, so be sure to check out all the Details for Disneyland Pride Nite 2023.
- Celebrate at the Pride Nite Cavalcade featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Clarabelle, Donald, Daisy and Goofy dressed in special attire as they make their way through the heart of Disneyland park down Main Street, U.S.A.!
- Join Stitch at the Ohana Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, where a DJ will be spinning great tunes with joyful energy at a dance party that celebrates “ohana” – family!
- The Pride Nite Dance Club will come alive along the Rivers of America, inviting everyone to dance and enjoy music under the stars.
- Kick up your heels with country line dancing at the Golden Horseshoe!
- Picture yourself in fun photo backdrops with inspirational messages or Disney characters and enjoy unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads.**
- Enjoy after-hours access to iconic Disneyland attractions such as Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, usually with shorter wait times.
Black Music Month | June 2023
Disneyland Birthday Celebrations | July 17, 2023
Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort | September 1- October 31, 2023
Set to include the Oogie Boogie Bash and new outfits for Mickey and Minnie, there is loads of Halloween fun at Disneyland this time of year.
- Halloween at Disneyland Resort
- Top 5 Things to Do for Halloween at Disneyland Resort
- Halloween Snacks at Disneyland Resort
Plaza de la Familia | September 1- November 3, 2023
Celebrate the Everlasting Bonds of Family and the Spirit of Día de Los Muertos in Disney’s California Adventure Park.
- Memory Wall and the Mexican Árbol de la Vida
- Miguel Meet and Greet
- Paradise Gardens Decor and Crafts
- A Musical Celebration of Coco
Oogie Boogie Bash | September 5- October 31, 2023
Offered select nights from September 5- October 31, Oogie Boogie Bash returns to California Adventure. Running from 6:00 pm- 11 pm, guests can get access to Disney’s California Adventure at 3:00 pm. Read all about the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland Resort.
- Early Admission to Disney California Adventure Park
Early admission to Disney California Adventure Park beginning at 3:00 PM—no theme park reservation required. - Immersive Treat Trails
Collect goodies—M&Ms, SKITTLES, SNICKERS and other Halloween favorites—along trails offering Halloween-inspired music, fun decor and the Villains themselves, as they oversee the festivities from their thrones. You may even spot more familiar faces. - Character Experiences
Seize the chance to meet some of Disney’s most popular Characters decked out in their Halloween costumes. - Special Decor and More
Enjoy unique decorations, lighting, music and effects sure to set a not-too-spooky, family-friendly tone. - Limited-Capacity Admission to Disney California Adventure Park
This event lets a limited number of Guests explore the park after it closes, offering shorter wait times at some favorite attractions. Plus, no theme park reservation is required for the park mix-in and event with your event ticket. - Frightfully Fun Parade
Don’t miss this spirited masquerade cavalcade starring Mickey, Minnie and some of your fave Disney Villains! - Mickey’s Trick and Treat
Watch Mickey and friends as they headline a live show filled with not-so-scary Halloween tales. - Villains Grove
Explore Redwood Creek Challenge Trail like never before as the worlds of Disney Villains unfold via ethereal scenes replete with hauntingly beautiful color, sound, light and shadow. - Carthay Circle
Hold onto your hats as clouds of black bats coil ‘round Carthay Circle’s Bell Tower while spellbinding effects transform the building. - Commemorative Keepsakes
Receive a souvenir credential and event guide, and unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass digital photos taken during the party. (Credentials and guides are limited to one per ticketed person.)
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit | September 8- October 31, 2023
Peruse the Downtown Disney District to pinpoint a pleasant patch of pumpkins and pick up a spooky surprise. This is a scavenger hunt game that you can buy at participating shops, and then turn it in for a prize! Read all about Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit in Downtown Disney.
Gay Days | Sept. 22-24, 2023
At Disney’s California Adventure Park, while this is an independent event put on by the Gay Days coordinators, the event does affect crowd levels.
Mickey’s and Minnie’s Birthday | November 18, 2023
Holidays at Disneyland Resort | TENTATIVE November 11- January 8, 2024
Festival of Holidays at Disney’s California Adventure | TENTATIVE November 11- January 8, 2024
Disneyland Forward Project
And while the newest thing in the works for Disneyland has not yet been approved by local authorities who make the calls, Disneyland Forward is the newest concept to hit the news! This expansion of Disneyland Resort’s two theme parks- Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure- would include a new hotel, additional lands, new rides, and restaurants! Stay tuned for details as this Disney News unfolds!
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