On October 16, 2023, The Walt Disney Company will be celebrating its 100th anniversary and the celebrations have already begun! After all, Disney has brought magic to the lives of generations through its films, music, shows, parks, and more.
Of course, Disneyland California Resort, the very first Disneyland park in the world, will be the heart of the year-round Disney100 festivities! Being a gathering place for all things Disney, it’s the perfect place to celebrate this awe-inspiring milestone for the Walt Disney Company.
Disney100 is an epic and grand celebration indeed! Credits: @eyesofpie on Instagram
In honor of 100 years of Disney magic, here are 100 reasons you can’t miss out on visiting Disneyland Resort California this year:
1. The party starts at Disneyland Resort California
On January 27, 2023, the anniversary celebrations started at the theme park with two brand-new nighttime spectaculars: Wondrous Journeys at Disneyland Park and World of Color - ONE at Disney California Adventure Park!
2. They’re going all-out on Disney100 decor!
Disneyland Resort California went all-out for its own milestone anniversaries—50th, 75th—so expect the same treatment for Walt Disney Company’s big 100!
3. Mickey, Minnie, and Friend’s platinum and violet costumes
With Disney100’s logo being platinum, Mickey and Friends are donning new, platinum and violet outfits around the park too - look out for the characters sparkling in the park!
4. Sleeping Beauty’s decked-out Castle
Sleeping Beauty’s Castle will have extra-special decor throughout the year! Credits: @disneyeverything.1313 on Instagram
The classic centrepiece of the park also sports decor: platinum banners, buntings, pixie dust, and magic worth 100 years of Disney.
5. With park decor, comes great merchandise
All the signature merch is joining in on the Disney100 theme: from the signature Mickey and Minnie ears to shirts, bags, toys, and anything under the sun.
Need a bit more help picking out merch? Check out our guide to must-have Disneyland souvenirs!
6. The Sleeping Beauty Castle Disney100 Snowglobe
Bring home a platinum-finish replica of Sleeping Beauty’s decked-out Disney100 castle so you’ll always remember being there for this significant milestone!
7. ..and Disneyland 2023 Mickey and Minnie Mouse Light-Up Ornament
Hang it on your bag, keys, and wallet!
8. Disney Genie+
This is your key to accessing Lightning Lanes and avoiding queues for attractions so you can jump straight to the fun.
9. Fantastic feasts await
The Disney-themed food will not only be part of the celebration but will also fill up your tummies and satisfy your sweet tooth!
10. Mickey Beignets
Find out why these ultra-soft pastries are one of the most popular Mickey-shaped treats at Disneyland! Credits: @churrosandmagic on Instagram
You can also get these fluffy Mickey-shaped pastries across the park.
11. Dole Whip
Considered a classic treat at the park, Dole Whips are frozen soft-serve pineapple sundaes you can’t miss.
12. Mickey Bars
Another frozen treat for the Cali heat, Mickey Bars are vanilla cream popsicles with a crunchy Mickey-shaped chocolate shell.
13. Platinum churros
The churros are also in on the color scheme this year!
14. Mickey popcorn bucket
Get this limited edition merch stamped with the platinum 100 decors.
15. Mickey-Shaped Pretzels
A fun little snack you can carry around while roaming the park. Credits: @kelseywright on Instagram
Get a quick snack fix in between attractions with this hearty treat with just the riiiight amount of saltiness!
16. The Avenger’s Shawarma
Remember the Avengers getting Shawarma after the Battle of New York? Get your fill of this snack fit for heroes at Disneyland California Adventure Park!
17. Ronto Roasters
These sausage and pork wraps are on everyone’s Disneyland food recommendations list. Vegans can enjoy the vegan version, too!
18. Jack-Jack's Cookie Num Nums
This deep-dish cookie with chonky chocolate chips will melt in your mouth!
There’s more to go around at the park, and we’ve got the lowdown on the best food at Disneyland you have to try:
19. The Disneyland App
You can maximise your time at the park with this planning tool that lets you check park updates, queueing times, park maps, and itineraries.
20. Mobile food orders
At Disneyland, not only can you skip the queues for rides, you can also order your food at restaurants in advance to save precious time!
21. Wondrous Journeys at Disneyland Park
Wondrous Journeys is one of the nighttime spectaculars to watch out for, featuring state-of-the-art projections and pyrotechnics to honour Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated masterpieces.
22. World of Color - ONE at Disney California Adventure Park
Witness a show with lights, sounds, and water displays, all expertly orchestrated to honour Disney gems. Credits: @oheyitsden on Instagram
Over at Disney California Adventure Park, you can also expect a nighttime spectacular called World of Color - ONE, the first World of Color to feature characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Star Wars, and the Avengers films!
Confused between Disneyland Resort California, Disneyland Park, and Disney California Adventure Park? Short answer: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park make up the Disneyland Resort California. Still confused? Check out our guide:
23. Multi-Day tickets
Disneyland Resort California is so vast (there are two whole theme parks in there!) you’re gonna need two days or so to explore everything!
24. The "Magic Happens" Parade
Disneyland is known for its magical character parades, and "Magic Happens" is no slouch with its fantastical floats and familiar faces! Returns February 24, 2023.
25. The new attractions to watch out for
These attractions include:
26. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Get your Mickey and Minnie ears ready for when this ride opens! Credits: @theletterveeee on Instagram
Spot as many hidden Mickeys as you can on this ride in Mickey’s Toontown—it has the most of any Disney attraction! And for those wondering, it is similar to the one in Walt Disney World Florida, but with a unique facade and queue.
27. Mickey’s Toontown
Enter the vibrant, animated world of the Mouse himself at Mickey’s Toontown, which reopens on March 19, 2023!
28. CenTOONial Park
Little ones will love this play area with spaces for families to play together and relax. . It features two interactive experiences, a fountain with water tables designed for play, and a nearby dreaming tree for children to explore.
29. Tiana’s Palace
The French Market Restaurant is getting a makeover in 2023 and will transform into Tiana’s Place!
30. Don’t forget the classics!
These include:
31. Mad Tea Party
Spin round and round like you’re mad on this timeless Disneyland ride! Credits: @valpaigeee on Instagram
What’s a Disneyland trip without getting dizzy riding these spinning teacups?
32. "it's a small world"
It’s your chance to embark on this whimsical boat ride that takes you worldwide!
33. Space Mountain
Travel the galaxy on this futuristic indoor roller coaster. Don’t forget the souvenir pics!
34. Indiana Jones Adventure
Hop on a four-wheel-drive vehicle and journey Indiana Jones-style through epic twists, turns, traps, and thrilling run-ins.
35. Snow White's Enchanted Wish
This kid-friendly ride will take you through the memorable scenes from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
36. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Fly with Dumbo and become “ear-born” on this beloved carousel ride.
37. Incredicoaster
For an extra thrill, you can go on the Incredicoaster and Pixar Pal-A-Round back-to-back! Credits: @ohanadisneymagic on Instagram
This incredible (pun intended) coaster has a loop and a hundred-foot drop that will get the adrenaline pumping!
38. Pixar Pal-A-Round
Add some thrill to your Ferris wheel riding experience with this unique ride that has both stationary and slippin’ and slidin’ gondolas!
39. Toy Story Midway Mania!
This fun, unique ride mixes the fun of a ride and the thrill of an arcade game in one!
40. Radiator Springs Racers
Satisfy your need for speed on this racing ride that takes you through Route 66 in the Cars movie!
41. Matterhorn Bobsleds
Snowmen in California? You have to see it! Credits: @momapprovedtravel_maria on Instagram
Go on a hair-raising ride around a snow-capped mountain to escape the Abominable Snowman on the Matterhorn Bobsleds, which first opened in 1959!
42. Pirates of the Caribbean
Say “Arrr!” and go on a swashbuckling adventure on this ride that really immerses you in the world of Captain Jack Sparrow.
Find out more about the best rides at Disneyland California here:
43. Avengers Campus
This zone is every Marvel fan’s dream, with a ride, attractions, shops, and food joints all based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe!
44. Heroic Encounters
Where else can you find Spidey, Captain America, Black Widow, Iron Man, Loki, Black Panther, and other superheroes milling around?
45. Avengers Headquarters
Visit the Avenger’s HQ (then hop on Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: BREAKOUT! right behind it!) Credits: @marvel.twinn on Instagram
Of course, part of the campus is the iconic HQ of our fave superheroes!
46. Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: BREAKOUT!
Speaking of Marvel, Disney California Adventure Park’s dark tower drop ride, the successor of Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™, is also worth the buzz and the queue!
47. WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
Another super ride, you can help Spidey tame out-of-control Spiderbots and become a hero yourself.
48. Campus Supply Pod
Gear up for your next superhero mission with trusty drinkware, a good ole’ tee, and more.
49. WEB Suppliers
Spidey fans can stock up on their DIY web kits, spider light goggles, and other web-slinging essentials.
50. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge®
Spot a Stormtrooper or two in a galaxy far, far away. Credits: @ashleighjadeparsons on Instagram
That’s right, Star Wars fans! The beloved franchise has its own land within Disneyland Park dedicated to a galaxy far, far away!
51. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Journey through a Star Destroyer and battle the First Order on this trackless ride!
52. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Let’s face it: it’s everyone’s childhood dream to fly the Millennium Falcon
53. Savi’s Workshop - Handbuilt Lightsabers
Customise your own lightsaber at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge® Credits: @lola_rey_ on Instagram
A Jedi needs their trusty lightsaber, after all! Here, you can customise your very own.
54. Droid Depot
It’s not just lightsabers you can customise, you can also make your version of BB8 and C3PO!
55. Black Spire Outpost
Still in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge®, explore the forgotten planet of Batuu.
56. Pixar Pier
The world of Pixar comes to life here! Credits: @a.maratonista on Instagram
If there are zones dedicated to Marvel and Star Wars, of course, there will be one dedicated to Pixar!
57. Pixar-themed Games
Try out the arcade games at Pixar Pier based on Wall-E, Toy Story, and more!
58. The Disney-themed accommodations
Immerse yourself in totally Disney-fied hotels, such as:
59. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Indulge in the luxury of this hotel, which features a new spa that opened in 2021, crystal-clear themed pools, and amazing dining.
60. Disneyland Hotel
Have a splashin’ good time at Disneyland Hotel! Credits: @beyondthemilestravel on Instagram
Why not stay at a hotel that also doubles as a water park with its fun waterslides?
61. Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel
You can stay where Disney embraces the Californian beach vibe: this sand-and-surf-themed hotel.
Note: Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel is currently open during construction. It will eventually transform into the Pixar Place Hotel
62. Downtown Disney District
You can visit this shopping and dining area at the heart of Disneyland Resort.
63. Shop at World of Disney
This shop in Downtown Disney District is the perfect place to get Disney plushies, merch, and souvenirs!
64. Fantasyland
Arguably the most classic Disney among Disneyland zones, Fantasyland is where fairytales come to life!
65. The Mad Hatter in Fantasyland
Get the best Disney headwear—like the staple Mickey ears and comfy caps—from the Mad Hatter himself!
66. Meet the Disney Princesses at Royal Hall
Meet Princess Aurora and your other favourite princesses! Credits: @graceneverlands on Instagram
Have a meet-and-greet with Cinderella, Ariel, Belle, and the rest of the princesses.
67. Storytelling at Royal Theatre
This small stage packs a lot of wonder with its reenactment of the fairytales we know and love!
68. Disney Dress Up
You can transform into your fave Disney character at this costume shop.
69. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
If you’re with the little ones, they can have their fabulous princess transformation here too!
70. Disneyland Railroad
Generations of park-goers have enjoyed a ride on the Disneyland Railroad! Credits: @enginearalex on Instagram
Explore the park easily by hopping on this 18-minute train ride.
71. Disneyana
This shop in the Mainstreet USA section of the park is for artists and art enthusiasts, featuring incredible Disney artwork.
72. The Tale of the Lion King
Don’t miss this awe-inspiring live musical retelling of Simba’s journey at Disneyland Park!
73. Pacific Wharf
This charming waterfront village is filled with food joints for a nice meal with a view. Note: Pacific Wharf is in the process of being transformed into San Fransokyo from Big Hero 6. Locations are still open during construction.
Pacific Wharf is in the process of being transformed into San Fransokyo from Big Hero 6.
74. Pacific Wharf Café
Refuel with some coffee and baked goodies at the dock while watching the calm waters.
75. Tomorrowland
Lovers of all thing space, tech, and anything futuristic will love Tomorrowland! Credits: @onthehorizoninsta on Instagram
This zone is all about space, tech, and the ride of the future—to infinity, and beyond!
76. The Star Trader
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge® isn’t the only place for Star Wars goodies—you can get apparel, phone cases, and other fun accessories at The Star Trader in Tomorrowland too!
77. Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace
Enjoy a scrumptious meal with an out-of-this-world view of Disneyland Park on the side (best at night time during the fireworks display)!
78. Adventureland
Journey through exotic jungles and forests in this Disneyland Park zone.
79. Tarzan's Treehouse™
Cross a rope bridge to visit Tarzan’s Treehouse™ standing on an 80-foot tree. Note: It’s closed as of February, but it’s set to open later in 2023!
80. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Disneyland definitely has everything, even underwater voyages! Credits: @flynns_riders_sc on Instagram
Delve into the depths of the ocean—err, waters of Disneyland Park—and go on an adventure to find our favourite clownfish!
81. Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
Enjoy a musical extravaganza with tropical birds, vibrant flowers, and tiki gods,
82. Jungle Cruise
Join a guided tour of a remote river with plenty of surprises!
83. Frontierland
Yee-haw! This Western-themed zone will take you back to the time gold rushes and saloons!
84. Mark Twain Riverboat
All aboard this 19th-century paddle boat and cruise the Rivers of America in just 14 minutes (now that’s Disney magic!)
85. Sailing Ship Columbia
Another sailor’s dream is this 18th-century ship, en route to the wilderness.
86. Fantasmic!
Another fantastic spectacle to watch out for at Disneyland! Credits: @oscar_figaro on Instagram
In this fantastic (pun intended) nighttime show, Mickey Mouse becomes the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and epicness ensues.
87. Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
Travel via log raft to a pirate’s lair laden with golden treasures!
88. Fantasmic! Dining Package
With this package, you can enjoy a three-course meal while enjoying the show!
89. New Orleans Square
Have a jazzy time down in New Orleans even when in California!
90. Haunted Mansion
You don’t have to wait for October to experience Spooky Season at Disneyland! Credits: @dlrmagazine on Instagram
Every day is Spooky Season when you enter New Orleans Square’s Haunted Mansion.
91. Critter Country
For this zone, think cabin in the woods, camping, foraging for forest goodies, and getting honey with Winnie the Pooh.
92. Pooh Corner
If you have a sweet tooth like the beloved yellow bear himself, get your fix of candies at Pooh Corner.
93. The Briar Patch
This log cabin has all the hats and caps you need to traverse the wilderness of Critter Country.
94. The MagicBand+ and its perks
This fashionable wearable tech unlocks new park experiences—play exclusive games, easily enter the parks, and save time waiting in line by getting access to Lightning Lanes!
95. Batuu Bounty Hunters
Available for Guests who have the MagicBand+, this highly interactive game lets you see Galaxy’s Edge in a new light!
96. Disney Trivia
Play Disney trivia with your friends and family on the Play Disney Parks app to test if you’re a true fan!
97. Hollywood Land
Step in the world of movie magic, games, and entertaining shows!
98. Turtle Talk with Crush
Have a chat and a little Q&A with the coolest sea turtle in the ocean! Credits: @mr_sockos on Instagram
Have a convo with Crush, the coolest turtle in the ocean from Finding Nemo, at the Hollywood Land Aquatorium!
99. Animation Academy
Learn the ropes of drawing like a Disney animator straight from a Disney animator!
100. Direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne
This gives you no excuse not to go!
Want to know more about Disney’s 100th anniversary? Here’s our special guide:
Written by: Rohana Monzon
