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.
Contents
- 1 What’s Coming to Disneyland in 2023?
- 2 Disneyland 100th Anniversary Plans
- 3 Disneyland January 2023
- 4 Disneyland February 2023
- 5 Disneyland March 2023
- 6 Disneyland April 2023
- 7 Disneyland May 2023
- 8 Disneyland June 2023
- 9 Disneyland July 2023
- 10 Disneyland August 2023
- 11 Disneyland September- October 2023
- 12 Disneyland November – December 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.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway | Disneyland Park January 27, 2023
While Walt Disney World already opened Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Disneyland’s version is in the works in its takeover of the El Capitoon Theater in Disneyland’s Toontown. Set to follow the same storyline as the one at Disney World, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a fun update to Disneyland’s slew of rides.
Toontown Reimagining | Disneyland Park March 19 2023
Welcoming more green spaces and opportunities to interact with this land, Toontown is getting a makeover. 2023 sees refurbishments and extra fun added to The Gadget’s Go Coaster, Donald’s Boat, and Goofy’s House. Even El CapiTOON Theater has a new installation featuring a special exhibit created by the Toontown Hysterical Society for celebrating all things, Mickey! Steamboat Willie, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, and Plane Crazy all have props in this space worth remembering! The new Toontown also includes Goofy’s How to Play Yard with interactive elements encouraging play.
Pixar Place Hotel | California Adventure Park August 1, 2023
The Pixar Animation Studios-themed hotel in California Adventure is “where you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a Pixar art gallery featuring new interpretations of favorite Pixar pals.” Following the Pixar stories beloved by fans, this hotel is set to become a family hotel complete with a Finding Nemo splash pad. This hotel was previously Pixar Pier Hotel and is undergoing a major renovation. The restaurant “Great Maple” is part of this re-imagining as the brand’s flagship restaurant on the first floor of the Pixar Place Hotel. And for film fans, Pixar Place Hotel features modular elements that allow for new films to be brought in as they are released. This hotel includes an exclusive pathway that allows guests direct access to Disney’s California Adventure.
Pacific Wharf Re-Imagining to San Fransokyo | August 31, 2023
FINALLY arriving at Disney’s US Parks is a substantial nod Big Hero Six Baymax. Pacific Wharf at Disney’s California Adventure is getting a complete overhaul as part of the effort. While we don’t know if there will be a ride, or attraction as part of Disney’s California Adventure San Fransokyo, we can definitely plan on Baymax Meet and Greet character location, shops, and restaurants to support the new vibe of Baymax’s hometown.
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.
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 January 2023
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.
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
Disneyland February 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!
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
Disneyland March 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
Disneyland April 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.
Disneyland May 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.
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 June 2023
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
Rogers the Musical| June 30- August 31, 2023
Rogers the Musical is at Disneyland’s California Adventure, Hyperion Theater for a Limited time with limited availability. Available via Virtual Queue, you will have to access your My Disney Experience Disneyland App to jump in the virtual queue, as the event is first come first serve. Read up on how to Join the Virtual Queue for Rogers the Musical so you can go prepared. Plus get access to a variety of special snacks during the show run. Check out the New Snacks at Disneyland for Rogers the Musical, offered for a limited time.
Disneyland July 2023
Disneyland Birthday Celebrations | July 17, 2023
Disneyland August 2023
As the park gears up for its busiest season of the year- the fourth quarter lasting from September through December. As such the middle of August is a great time to visit if you don’t need the fall fun, as the weather is nice and crowds are slightly lower. Nothing new is slated for August 2023 at Disneyland.
San Fransokyo Square | OPENS August 31, 2023
Honoring everyone’s favorite healthcare companion, the new San Fransokyo Square area at Disneyland features the world from Bog Hero Six, and the storefronts, and restaurants to go with it! You can soon stroll through San Fransokyo, previously Pacific Wharf, complete with brand-new things to eat, see and do. Check out everything happening at San Fransokyo at Disney California Adventure.
- Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería: Bask in a festive beer garden featuring Karl Strauss beverages.
- Cappuccino Cart: Just outside the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge, you can find a slew of new beverages at the Cappucino Cart.
- The Bakery Tour. Learn how sourdough bread is made during The Bakery Tour as part of your visit to San Fransokyo.
- Hamada Bot Shop: Featuring a Hiro and Baymax Meet and Greet
- San Fransokyo Maker’s Market: a storefront stocked with unique apparel, homewares, and more featuring Baymax and friends.
- Collectible Medallions: A vending machine dispenses collectible golden medallions featuring Baymax and other iconic images from San Fransokyo.
- Aunt Cass Café: Pop in for soups served in Boudin sourdough bread bowls, Japanese-inspired dishes, and more inspired by Japanese cuisine. On the outside of this quick service restaurant, you’ll find a mural of Aunt Cass’ lucky pet cat, Mochi.
- Rita’s Turbine Blenders: Chill with frosty margaritas—or one of our frozen nonalcoholic concoctions.
- Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill– New Menu Items themed to the San Fransokyo region at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill.
- Lucky Fortune Cookery: New Menu Items at Lucky Fortune Cookery
- Ghirardelli Soda Fountain: New Menu Items at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop.
Check out all the New Foods at San Fransokyo Square to be had in this new area of the park at Disney’s California Adventure.
Disneyland September- October 2023
Welcome to the busiest time of year! Halloweentime at Disneyland draws loads of crowds with new experiences, ride overlays, parties and snacks. Check out everything on the docket for Disneyland Resort between September and October.
Tiana’s Place Restaurant | Opens September 7, 2023
This re-imagined quick-service restaurant, Tiana’s Place, opens September 7, 2023, at Disneyland Park New Orleans Square. Complete with new Tiana-approved foods, brought to you from her very own kitchen. Tucked nearby you can find Eudora’s Chic Boutique featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets and later in 2024, the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Ride. Blue Skies and Sunshine Guaranteed!
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
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel | Opens September 28, 2023
New this year is a collection of villas at the Disneyland Hotel. This new part of the property includes a variety of standard rooms and studios, large balconies, a Steamboat Willie-inspired pool, and a bespoke mural featuring Disney characters by artist Lorelay Bove. Offering up beautiful new spaces to stay, and play, the Villas are sure to be an oasis for Disney fans. Check out the Villas at Disneyland Hotel details, prices, and pics.
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. Check out the Plaza de Familia Snacks at Disney’s California Adventure this year!
- 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.
Disneyland November – December 2023
Say hello to an even more busy time of year at Disneyland Resort Park. The Christmas season in the parks and at Downtown Disney are FILLED with fun, activities, events and more. Be sure to check out everything happening for Christmas at Disneyland.
Mickey’s and Minnie’s Birthday | November 18, 2023
Holidays at Disneyland Resort | November 10, 2023- January 7, 2024
The Holidays at Disneyland Resort include loads of decorations, events, lights, and new snacks! Here is the lineup of what you can find at Disneyland for the Christmas season.
Bustling Buena Vista Street transforms into a nostalgic winter wonderland filled with festive sights and friendly folk straight out of 1930s Hollywood—from the Carthay Circle wreath to our magnificent 50-foot tree.
- Festival of Holidays at California Adventure Park
- Disney Viva Navidad at California Adventure Park
- New Disneyland Holiday Snacks
- World of Color Season of Light
- Holiday Ride Overlays
- Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks
- Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle
- Haunted Mansion Holiday
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!
Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .
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