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
On January 27th the Disney company will begin a celebration with a new nighttime spectacular in Disneyland called “Wondrous Journeys.” This new show will celebrate 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. Plus Baymax will soar high above Sleeping Beauty Castle. This spectacular show will be 13 minutes at starts at 9:35 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. 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.
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 opens on January 27, 2023. The attraction will open, but the rest of Toon Town will remain under construction until March. We now have news about how to get on the new attraction. They will be using a virtual queue system. To join the complimentary queue you will need to download the Disneyland app prior to your trip. There will not be a standby line for this attraction at this time. The virtual queue enrollment times will be twice daily at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. PT. I have a post that explains all about how to join the virtual queue. There is also another option to get on the attraction. 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. 
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. I have actually never seen the parade. I was scheduled to see it 2 days after the parks closed back in 2020, so I am so very exited to see this new to me parade that everyone raves about. I love the music and can’t wait to see it in person soon!
After Hours Events
First of all if you’re planning a trip in January, February or March take a look at the dates below so you know when Disneyland will close early during your visit. 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 two different events so far this year. We have the return of Sweethearts Nite and an all new event Princess nite. 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. 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
- February 5
- February 7
- February 9
- February 14
- February 16
Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite dates
- March 7
- March 9
I will be going to the first Princess Nite in March. Can’t wait to share all the fun with everyone. Make sure you’re following me on Instagram.
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.
- Indiana Jones closes on January 9 reopens in the spring no date announced yet.
- Grizzly River Run closes on January 9 no reopening date announced yet.
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic closes on February 13 reopens February 24.
- Haunted Mansion Holiday closes on January 30 reopens February 10.
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind closes on January 30 reopens February 10.
- Silly Symphony Swings closes on February 27 reopens ?
- French Market and Mint Julep close on February 17 until further notice. Changing to a Tiana themed restaurant.
- Toon Town is closed and reopens on March 8, 2023.
- Splash Mountain is not scheduled for closure yet. The dates announced are for Walt Disney World only. When we have a date I will update this post.
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 TOURGUIDE. 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!
