With the Disney100 Celebration in full swing at Disneyland Resort there’s almost no reason you shouldn’t plan a visit! We have attended many celebrations over the past 25+ years and can say whole-heartedly that this one is a can’t-miss! The celebration, which is all about highlighting the past 100 years of the Walt Disney Company, has the entire resort dressed up in platinum and purple, from the trees and light poles to Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
And like most celebrations, Disney has brought its A game when it comes to entertainment, food, and characters. There is so much to experience at both parks!
At Disneyland Park guests can sample a ton of new Disney100 foods at most quick service and sit-down restaurants as well as food carts. At night an all-new nighttime spectacular Wondrous Journeys will amaze you with its storytelling and fireworks.
Also new during the Disney100 Celebration is Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway which opened the same day the celebration kicked off! And it’s all part of the major refurb that Toontown is receiving.
Also arriving during the celebration at Disneyland Park is the return of Magic Happens, one of the coolest parades we’ve seen!
Over at California Adventure Park guests can experience some delicious foods as well as well as the new nighttime spectacular World of Color – One.
We know there is a lot to take in so we’ve gone ahead and narrowed down the Disney100 Celebration into 5 magical reasons you need to visit:
World of Color – One
It’s right on par with the original World of Color show and does not disappoint! Water, lights, music, fire and water screens are all part of this amazing new show. Some of our favorite things about it are its nod to Walt Disney, older and newer Disney shows including Star Wars, Marvel and Disney originals together for the first time!
The projections on the water look amazing and the music will tug at your heartstrings. And like any good Disney story it will leave you in awe.
Viewing for World of Color – One is the same as all previous shows, right in Paradise Gardens. Guests will want to get a virtual queue viewing ticket via the Disneyland Mobile App. You’ll want to join first thing in the morning.
Guests can also reserve a viewing spot of the show by doing a Dining Package or Dessert Party. More information on those can be found on the official Disneyland website.
Wondrous Journeys Firework Spectacular
It’s one of the best we’ve seen since Remember….Dreams Come True Fireworks show! The projections on the castle are one of the highlights of the entire thing. Crisp, clear and magical. The show runs about 15 minutes and does not disappoint. Our favorite part? The addition of “forgotten” Disney Films including Treasure Planet!
You’ll see it all in this firework frenzy show but you’ll want to arrive early. Like at least 1 hour before if not earlier. We liked the view from in front of the castle but even down MainStreet U.S.A. you can grab a good spot.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
It’s finally here! The addition of this attraction to Toontown is what we’ve all been waiting for. And while Toontown itself will be opening a bit later, this attraction will do just fine. Based on the one at Hollywood Studios in Orlando, this Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a bit different.
The biggest one is the building and attraction queue. It’s called El CapiTOON Theater and is a sight to behold! Inside, guests will wonder through various props that were used in classic Mickey Cartoons, new and old. There are surprises around every corner!
The attraction itself is very similar to its sister with some differences. Can you spot them?
Toontown Opening
Speaking of Toontown..it’s opening March 8th, 2023! We’re super excited to see all the new changes to this land. What we know currently is that it will feature a lot more green space including a large grass area over by Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin. That attraction will open along with the rest of the land in March.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is currently open and is running on a virtual queue. The rest of the land will still have houses from some of your favorite characters including Mickey and Minnie, Goofy and Donald.
Gadget’s Go Coaster will remain as well but have a brand new name! Everything in the land is receiving a major refurb/facelift. Look for more dining and shopping options as well.
Magic Happens Parade
It’s finally coming back after its debut was cut short just before COVID. Featuring all new floats, costumes and music, this parade has been one of our favorites! We especially loved the inclusion of new and old characters including Sword in the Stone, Coco and Moana.
See the characters dance to a new hit song by Todrick Hall and sing along with Elsa and Anna as their Frozen parade float goes by.
The parade debuts February 24th, 2023 and will run at least once a day from “it’s a small world” to Town Square and back. You’ll want to arrive early for this one as well to get a good seat along the parade route.
Okay, we’re done talking about our 5 must see and do’s during the Disney100 Celebration, but that doesn’t mean that’s all you can do! Shop a limited collection of platinum and purple items including clothes, toys, MagicBands and more.
And be sure to check out all the food offerings for the celebration as well. You can find them almost everywhere throughout the parks and in Downtown Disney.
Speaking of, Downtown Disney has also gotten in on the celebration with new decor, merch and food offerings as well. Be sure to walk through and take a look at all the new additions.
