Disney100 Years of Wonder: Disneyland Celebration Details

Disney100 Years of Wonder began January 27, 2023 for a year-long celebration at Disneyland Resort. This article has all the Disneyland Celebration Details! Are you ready to celebrate 100 years of The Walt Disney Company? Disneyland most certainly is—and you’re invited!Disney100 Disneyland Pin

I am still in awe that I was able to attend opening weekend of Disney100 Years of Wonder at Disneyland back in January. It’s been a while since we’ve had a celebration this big at Disneyland, thinking back to the epic Diamond Celebration. It is the biggest, bestest ;), most magical event to grace Disneyland Resort yet!

Disney100 Years of Wonder: Disneyland Details

We got a preview of Disney100 Years of Wonder at the D23 Expo 2022. I was among the first guests to walk through the stunning “100” display welcoming visitors to the Walt Disney Archives exhibit this September and now it’s finally arrived at Disneyland Resort.

 

Disney100 Sleeping Beauty Castle

Disneyland Important Dates for Disney100

This section outlines important dates for Disney100 Years of Wonder, specifically for Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

 

Disney100 ticket Mickey

 

Here is what we know so far:

Disney100 Years of Wonder: Disneyland Decor

The heart of the celebration takes place at Disneyland Resort. I love to see some fresh decor on Main Street and our beloved Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Disney has now announced, “new platinum-infused décor throughout the resort. . . Celebrating wonder, the castle will be adorned with elegant platinum banners and bunting, accented by a magnificent cabochon featuring the three Good Fairies who illuminate it with their shimmering pixie dust. Two majestic water fountains will grace either side of the moat, while a beautiful wishing star will sparkle from the tower above.”

Here’s a look at some of the decor for the celebration during Disney100.

 

Disney100 castle side 1

 

First, our traditional Sleeping Beauty Castle will come alive with platinum and deep purple bunting and flags outside, as pictured above. 

 

Castle fountain Disney100

 

I love the addition of the fountains too, what a magical touch! We also have various Disney100 statues throughout the park that interact with MagicBands+.

 

 

MagicBands Disney100

Disney100 Years of Wonder: Disneyland Shows

Two new nighttime spectaculars — “World of Color – ONE” and the new fireworks show “Wondrous Journeys” — now showing at Disneyland Resort and I was there opening weekend to share the magic with you!

Wondrous Journeys Fireworks and Projections

Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland park ignites the wonder in everyone and feature nods to all 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios films to date, taking viewers on a journey filled with artistry, music, storytelling and heart. Wondrous Journeys will take its final bow on August 31, 2023.

Which Disney films will be depicted in Wondrous Journeys? Here are just a few Disney has mentioned get the excitement rolling:

  • Encanto
  • Hercules
  • The Princess and the Frog
  • Peter Pan
  • Frozen
  • Treasure Planet
  • Big Hero 6
  • Moana

It will also feature songs and stories from those films AND an all new song, “It’s Wondrous.” What a gift the Disney Imagineers and so many are giving to us for this celebration.

When does Wondrous Journeys Fireworks and Projections show at Disneyland? Wondrous Journeys will show nightly at Disneyland Park with projections and music, then on select nights fireworks will also be included. See the entire fireworks schedule and line up here.

 

Wondrous Journey Encanto
Concept art courtesy Disney Parks Blog

 

World of Color — ONE Night Show

World of Color – ONE” at Disney California Adventure will celebrate the storytelling legacy started by Walt Disney a century ago. It’s a World of Color like you’ve never seen it before, with an all-new inspiring story told through some favorite characters.

 

World of Color Star Wars Falcon

 

The second half of the show is by far my favorite when Star Wars and Marvel take center stage. It’s incredible! I love doing the Dessert Party for World of Color viewing

Magic Happens Parade

My favorite parade is back at Disneyland Park in 2023!

 

Mickey Mouse float Magic Happens

 

Special entertainment moments will also pop up across the resort, including the long-awaited return of the “Magic Happens” parade this spring.

Disney100 Years of Wonder: Food & Treats

The Foodie Guide to Disney100 is here! There is so much to sample, taste test and enjoy. Print out your Disney100 foodie guide here

 

Disney100 candy apple

 

There’s everything from Disney100 candy apples, to rice Krispy treats…

 

Disney100 rice krispy

 

…to purple decorated pretzels

 

Disney100 pretzel

 

and churros…

Disney100 churro

 

lemon cakes and so much more…

 

Disney100 lemon cake

 

Get your Disney100 Food Crawl here. [purchase_link id=”30236″ style=”button” color=”gray” text=”Print Now” direct=”true”]

Disney100 Years of Wonder: Disneyland Merch

Mickey and Minnie will dazzle in platinum outfits for the occasion, I bet we’ll see all kinds of plush reflecting this costume change as well as tons of sparkle in the merchandise department. 

 

Mickey Mouse Disney100 outfit

 

In fact, D23 Expo attendees got a special preview of Disney’s Platinum Collection, including the debut of the first Disney100 ear hat and headband. Get your Disney100 merchandise here before you go

 

Disney100 merch 1

 

Disney shares the thoughts behind the choice of Platinum . . . 

“Platinum is a rare, precious metal known to withstand the test of time, just like beloved Disney characters. This Platinum Collection of Disney100 products captures
the “classically Disney” look while paving the way forward into a new century. Additional details about this collection debuting on shopDisney—including the introduction of new products—will be revealed later this year.”

New Disney100 book that’s perfect for kids and kids of all ages. It’s a Disney version of “Weird But True” and I love these books for their full color photography, ease of reading and quick Disney facts. You can get a copy here once they’re available.

 

Disney100 weird but true

 

I am also loving this set of books curated by the staff of Walt Disney Archives. It’s a collection of Disney must-haves with a fun and familiar look at everything Disney―past, present, and future.

Walt Disney: An American Original, Commemorative Edition

In celebration of Walt Disney’s historic life and legacy, this all-new biography tells the story of Walt’s life – told as no other book can! Filled with rare photography and fascinating work, readers will step into Walt’s mind as he changes American culture.

The Official Walt Disney Quote Book

Walt Disney once said, “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates’ loot on Treasure Island and at the bottom of the Spanish Main. . . .” Never has this been truer than within these pages! This collection of quotations from the co-founder of Walt Disney Company ranges from the well-known to the obscure, but all are assured to entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder

As part of the 100 Years festivities, this must-have coffee table book showcases the company’s history and rich legacy—past, present, and future—through vibrant voices and rare Disney concept art and photographs. As the official companion to the touring exhibition by Walt Disney Archives and SC Exhibitions, this gorgeous book serves as a treasure trove for pop culture enthusiasts, artists, art collectors, and Disney fans.

Art of Coloring: Disney 100 Years of Wonder

This stunning collection of illustrations features memorable characters, favorite icons, and visual surprises at each page turn. Thoughtfully curated by the staff of Walt Disney Archives, these images are ideal for taking pencil to paper and adding your own brand of color and style. From fun and familiar faces to iconic locations, this must-have adult coloring will bring out the inner artist in all Disney fans.

Disney100 Year of Wonder: More Way to Celebrate

There are so many ways to celebrate Disney100 and it’s not limited to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. While Disneyland is the home-base for the celebration, I have even more ways to celebrate below… and some might be near you!

Keep reading for special ways you can celebrate Disney100 in these areas:

  • Burbank, CA
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Glendale, CA
  • Marceline, MO
  • Millburn, NJ
  • Orlando, FL
  • Philadelphia, PA

with more locations to be announced! I will update this section as Disney shares the latest information.

Disney100 in Burbank, California

New! Disney100: D23 Royal Anniversary Ball in Burbank October 15, 2023.

Gold Member Tickets: $199 (+$7 Processing Fee) per ticket.
Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. PT/ 1:00 p.m. ET .

By royal decree, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club invites the greatest Disney fans in the world to an unforgettable Royal Ball at The Walt Disney Studios—celebrating 100 years of Disney!

This extravaganza will be the ultimate commemoration! Guests in attendance can expect:

  • An evening under a sparkling sky at the Walt Disney Studios lot
  • Gowns and Ball-fitting ensembles are encouraged
  • Sprawling purple carpet welcome
  • Tons of photo opportunities
  • Costumes and props  on display from the Walt Disney Archives
  • Shopping  at the Walt Disney Studio Store and Walt Disney Company Store
  • An array of tantalizing foods, inspired by each decade of Disney history
  • Hosted bar 

There will also be amazing entertainment like dancing, character meet and greets, a chance to watch the inspiring new short Once Upon a Studio from Walt Disney Animation Studios in the historic Studio Theater

This once-in-a-lifetime anniversary with a night of grandeur and majesty is sure to sell out quickly! 

Burbank, California is home to Walt Disney Studios which hosts exclusive events for D23 Members throughout the year. One of the main highlights D23 members look forward to is the chance to tour the studios. 

Walt Disney Studios

 

D23 shares a bit about past tours with these words:

Members traveled through years of Disney history on the two-and-a-half-hour tour walking down studio lot streets where Walt himself would find inspiration, discovering about revolutionary entertainment industry milestones, and greeting friendly Burbank squirrels who started their residence after modeling for the animated classic Bambi.

When members arrived, they were immediately immersed in enchanting facts and information about The Walt Disney Company from tour guides who shared their vast knowledge. On the tour, they gained insight into key events from the founding of the Company in 1923 to current magic-making on the lot today.

Members had the opportunity to see original buildings from the Hyperion Lot that were moved to the current studio lot to help preserve the history created by Walt and his original team. While walking down Mickey Avenue, members felt like they were part of a movie set as they were standing on an actual set where feature films such as Saving Mr. Banks and Muppets Most Wanted took place!

 

Walt Disney Studios Holiday decor

D23 also hosts parties like “Light Up the Season with D23” each December. In 2022 our team was able to attend this holiday party at Walt Disney Studios. It’s things like this that make D23 membership worth it! I’m sure the 2023 version will be just as spectacular with Disney100 as part of the celebration.

Disney100 in Costa Mesa, California

Do you miss seeing Frozen at the Hyperion in California Adventure? How about seeing the Broadway performance of Frozen as it tours the US? 

 

Frozen Disneyland parade

 

D23 Gold Members have the chance to purchase select premium seats for the Sunday, February 5, 2023, evening performance of Disney’s Frozen at Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa, California. This special opening weekend package also features a D23 Member exclusive post-show talkback with members of the Frozen cast. Now that’s hygge! If you know, you know and if you don’t listen here.

Disney100 in Glendale, California

Have you heard of Mickey’s of Glendale? Oooh you’re in for a treat. Walt Disney Imagineering’s exclusive merchandise store will open its doors to members with both online and in-person opportunities in 2023. I’ll be watching for this one for sure. 

Disney100 in Los Angeles, California

August 4-5 head to the Hollywood Bowl to watch and listen as the L.A. Philharmonic presents Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Concert. The Hollywood Bowl adds this description:

Journey through the most iconic song and film moments of the studio’s treasured legacy live in concert, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Fantasia to The Little Mermaid to Encanto. Special guest artists join Thomas Wilkins and the LA Phil for an unforgettable experience under the stars, complete with magical film clips on the big screen.

Disney100 in Marceline, Missouri

This charming town in Missouri is where Walt spent his early childhood. If Marceline sounds familiar, it’s likely you’ve seen reference to it in Disney Parks, like at Downtown Disney in Anaheim. As one of Walt’s greatest influences for the iconic Main Street of Disneyland, its lovely main thoroughfare is special place for many Disney fans.

 

Disney100 sign at D23 Expo

 

As part of the 100 Years of Wonder, D23 Members will have a chance to return in June 2023 for a very special hometown event

Disney100 in Millburn, New Jersey

D23 members in New Jersey or nearby—be on the look out for an exclusive experience with the cast of Disney’s Hercules  during the highly anticipated opening at the Paper Mill Playhouse on March 18, 2023.

 

Disney100 balloons

Disney100 in Orlando, Florida

DESTINATION D23 returns to Walt Disney World September 8–10, 2023. This celebration is similar, but smaller than the main D23 Expo hosted in Anaheim. Destinations D23 will be hosted at Disney’s Contemporary Resort to share more exciting announcements, see sneak peeks from The Walt Disney Company—and hear behind-the-scenes stories from special guests.

 

2023 01 11 Disneys Hollywood Studios Disneys Hollywood Studios 2

Disney100 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Disney100: The Exhibition makes its global premiere at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 15, 2023. See a sneak peek at some of the items on display here.

D23 Disney100 Exhibit

 

Are you ready to book your Disney100 Years of Wonder vacation? Get started now, where it all begin at Disneyland Resort. 

I’ll have more questions and answers here for you as Disney releases additional details on this incredible celebration, 100 years in the making!

 

Minnie Mouse Disney100 outfit

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By Jessica Sanders

Recognized authority on all things Disneyland Resort. Offering dynamic planning strategies and the latest theme park information since 2013. Jessica's insights have been featured on Yahoo! News, InStyle, The Washington Post, and many others.

4 thoughts on “Disney100 Years of Wonder: Disneyland Celebration Details

  • Sonya Baker

    Hi Jessica coming November and just wanted to know if there
    Has been any information printed about when the Holidays commence? Last year was the 11th November so am hoping it will be around this date??? Also best way I get discounted tickets at accommodation at Grand Californian

  • Linda

    Hi, – Coming from Australia here, I Love hearing of the new Disney shows and celebrating 100 years. I was wondering if the Wondrous Journey’s and Magic Happens Parade would be showing in September or will the halloween shows take over? Thank you

    • Hi Linda, It’s so great to hear from you in Australia. I am glad you’re planning a trip for Halloween Time, please let me know how I can help! As for 100 Years of Wonder, we do know it will be a year long celebration. And while Halloween Time events will continue to take place, my guess (since Disney won’t make things official until summer 2023) is during September and October: Magic Happens running at Disneyland Park, along with “World of Color – One” at California Adventure on non-party nights. Then, “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland Park on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Possibly with Halloween Screams projections running Monday through Thursday nights. Again, that is purely my guess since we won’t know until it’s closer. I hope that helps you plan. Feel free to email me [email protected] if I can help with tickets, accommodations or other questions.

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