8 magical new reasons to visit Disneyland this year
In my humble opinion, there's always a reason to go to Disneyland. You just got paid? Go to Disneyland. There's a new churro flavor? Go to Disneyland. It's Tuesday ... well, you get the idea.
You don't necessarily need a special reason to visit The Happiest Place on Earth. However, there are quite a few new attractions and special events coming to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure this year, as well as the return of favorite parades and exciting events.
Related: Every new land and attraction coming to Disneyland and Disney World in 2023 and beyond
From the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in 2019 and the opening of Avengers Campus in 2021, Disneyland has changed quite a bit in recent years, but there's even more coming in 2023.
Read on to learn more about eight new offerings coming to Disneyland this year that you won't want to miss.
The Walt Disney Company's 100th anniversary
When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in 1955, he had already made magic for kids of all ages for decades with his groundbreaking animated shorts. They showcased characters like Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and, of course, Mickey Mouse, as well as full-length animated features like "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."
The Walt Disney Company Disney was established on Oct. 16, 1923, and Disney parks across the globe are marking the company's 100th anniversary with fanfare fitting of the world's most popular mouse. Disneyland was Walt's original theme park, so the biggest celebration is held there through the end of 2023.
During the "Disney 100 Years of Wonder" celebration, you can expect to see exclusive merchandise, limited-time food offerings and festive platinum and regal purple decor, including an elegant makeover for Sleeping Beauty Castle.
At Disney California Adventure, you can also see two new nighttime spectaculars, Wondrous Journeys at Disneyland Park and World of Color — One.
All 61 Walt Disney Animation Studios films are featured in Wondrous Journeys along with the company's 62nd film, "Wish," slated to be released later this year.
The show utilizes fireworks and projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle, the "It's a Small World" facade and along Main Street U.S.A., so there is really no bad spot to watch the show.
Also, the projections in each area are different, creating an entirely new show depending on where you watch it from. Keep your eyes on the sky for some special surprises, too.
At Disney California Adventure, World of Color – One uses water projections, lights and fountains to tell the story of how just "one" drop can create a ripple that changes the world.
It isn't as high-energy as some of Disney's other nighttime spectaculars. However, the message is heartwarming and the sections featuring "Star Wars" and "The Avengers" will really wow you.
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
It took more than 65 years for Mickey and Minnie to get their own attraction at Disneyland, but the time has finally come for the main mice to take center stage.
Though Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway has been open at Walt Disney World since March 2020, the attraction did not make its way to the West Coast until Jan. 27, 2023, the official kickoff date for Disney's 100th-anniversary festivities.
The two attractions are not identical, however. If you've experienced Florida's version, it's still worth checking out Disneyland's version. The ride is set in the El Capitoon Theater (a play on the nearby El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles) and the queue is filled with Mickey memorabilia and many, many Easter eggs.
I won't give them all away, but all of the candy on display at the concession stand in the queue draws inspiration from Disney films and TV shows throughout the years, and the popcorn in the popcorn machine is full of hidden Mickeys.
Related: How I maxed out Disneyland's Genie+ and rode 26 attractions in a single day
The ride itself is not quite the same because the building layout is different than that in Florida. It's not wildly different, so don't spend the entire ride trying to spot the changes. Just have fun!
Currently, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway uses a virtual queue, which you can join from the Disneyland app at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day. You don't need to be in the park for the 7 a.m. queue, but you do for the 1 p.m. queue.
You must be quick, though, because the spots disappear in less than a second. That should die down after the ride has been open for a few weeks. If your fingers aren't fast enough, you can also purchase an Individual Lightning Lane entry for the ride. There is currently no standby queue.
The reimagining of Mickey's Toontown
Mickey's Toontown originally opened at Disneyland Park in 1993. Thirty years later, it was time for a makeover. Toontown has always been a place where you can visit with Mickey and Minnie in their homes and kids could play in themed play areas and ride pint-sized attractions.
The new Toontown opens on March 8, with reimagined play spaces and attractions that kids will love. And, yes, you can still pop by Mickey and Minnie's homes to say hi and snap a picture. The new Toontown will have more greenspaces and interactive elements where kids can run around (and expend some energy). There will even be a "dreaming tree" inspired by the tree on Walt's family farm in Marceline, Missouri, where he played as a child.
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway is located in this area, as are the kid-friendly Chip 'n' Dale's Gadgetcoaster and Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin.
After-hours events
Disneyland's after-hours events offer a rare opportunity to visit the parks without the throngs of guests you'd normally contend with during regular park hours. These events do require a separate ticket purchase, but the number of tickets is limited, which keeps crowds low.
This year, Disney will add an all-new Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite on select nights in March 2023. The event features characters, photo opportunities, entertainment, special food, drinks and merchandise and access to select attractions.
Your ticket allows you to enter Disneyland at 6 p.m. and enjoy the park until the party officially begins at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $145 per person and include unlimited digital PhotoPass downloads during the event.
Return of the Magic Happens parade
The Magic Happens parade debuted on Feb. 28, 2020, and had the unfortunate luck of running for only two weeks before Disneyland shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The performers and crew who designed the show barely got to see it realized before Disneyland's gates were shuttered for over a year.
On Feb. 24, 2023, almost three years to the day since the parade first floated down the streets of Disneyland, Magic Happens will return as part of the Disney 100 Years of Wonder celebration. This parade features fantastical floats where your favorite Disney films like "Frozen" and "Moana" come to life before your eyes.
Weather permitting, Magic Happens will run daily at Disneyland Park. Check showtimes on Disneyland's website or in the Disneyland app.
Reimagining of the Adventureland Treehouse
Disneyland's massive interactive treehouse walkthrough has held many identities over the years. It opened in 1962 as the Swiss Family Treehouse, named for Disney's "Swiss Family Robinson" film that debuted two years prior in 1960. In 1999, the attraction was rethemed to Tarzan's Treehouse, following the popularity of Disney's "Tarzan" film.
No matter the theme, the treehouse is a place where kids can climb, play, traverse bridges and enjoy some spectacular views of the park.
Later this year, the treehouse will open again, this time as the Adventureland Treehouse. The new version will pay homage to the original Swiss Family Treehouse, but with a new family and new spaces to explore.
According to the concept art, Disney may even integrate references to its secret society, the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A). A flag in the top left corner of the treehouse depicts the S.E.A. logo. The entire backstory of this secret society is a story for another day, but references to S.E.A. and its members show up in attractions at Disney parks across the globe and it's exciting to see Disney continue to promote this fun Disney secret.
Tiana's Palace restaurant
Soon after Disney announced its Splash Mountain attraction at Disney World and Disneyland would be rethemed to 2009's "The Princess and the Frog" film, fans began clamoring for a Tiana-themed restaurant. After all, she did fulfill her dream of opening a restaurant in New Orleans in the final act of the film.
Related: Disney's Splash Mountain closing date announced, ride to be reimagined as Tiana's Bayou Adventure
Soon Disneyland visitors can dine at Tiana's Palace, with a menu inspired by authentic New Orleans flavors. Tiana's Palace will be located in New Orleans Square in the space previously occupied by the French Market. The French Market and the Mint Julep Bar (the only spot inside the park to get Mickey-shaped beignets and non-alcoholic mint juleps) will close on Feb. 17, 2023, to make way for the new restaurant.
Tiana's Palace and the Mint Julep Bar will reopen later this year. Splash Mountain has already closed at Disney World, but a closing date at Disneyland has yet to be announced. Tiana's Bayou Adventure will open at both parks in 2024.
Disneyland hotel updates
The Disneyland Hotel was the first hotel at Disneyland and one that all Disney fans hope to visit at least once in their lifetime. The hotel currently has towers themed as Adventure, Fantasy and Frontier, mirroring the decor and style of the corresponding lands inside the park. Later this year, the hotel will debut The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, a 344-room tower for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members.
Luckily, you don't have to be a DVC member to stay there. You can also rent DVC points and stay at top-tier Disney hotels for less than the posted cash rates.
A redesign of the budget-friendly Paradise Pier Hotel is also underway and expected to debut later this year. The hotel will become Pixar Place Hotel, incorporating Pixar characters (including the iconic Pixar ball and lamp) into the guest rooms, public spaces and pool area.
Bottom line
Have you already packed your bags and put on your Mickey ears?
Even if you don't plan to visit until later this year, it's easy to see there are a lot of new reasons to visit Disneyland in 2023. With The Walt Disney Company's "100 Years of Wonder" celebration underway, I wouldn't be surprised to hear about additional announcements throughout the year. If we learned anything from Disney World's 50th anniversary, it's that Disney knows how to throw a party.
Related reading
- Luxury within walking distance to Disneyland: The new Westin Anaheim
- The Marriott Courtyard at Disneyland that costs up to $700 and is valet-only
- The hotel with a private entrance at Disneyland: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
- Where to stay at Disneyland: The best on- and off-property hotels
- Everything you need to know about visiting Disneyland
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.