What’s New at Disneyland (2023 Edition)

What’s new at Disneyland 2023 along with current planning advice, discount Disneyland tickets, month-by-month vacation planning guide and details on the all new Disney Genie+ and the reimagining of Mickey’s Toontown in 2023.

Disneyland Updates 2023

Disneyland is still that magical place you’ve dreamed of, there’s just more prep to do beforehand and this is the perfect place to get started. There’s so much to learn, see and do at Disneyland Resort in 2023 and I’ll help you along the way.

Tips for visiting Disneyland this year and beyond

Disneyland operations and the way we ride things are constantly changing. As a full time Disneyland reporter I keep up to date on the important things you need to know.

1. Tickets alone won’t get you in, be sure you’re up to date with the Disneyland reservation system.
2. Subscribe to the Disneyland with Kids digital magazine and keep the magic alive all year-round. We’re the original Disneyland digital magazine now in our second year. 
3. Disney Genie+ changes the way we wait for attractions and it’s the most common thing I get asked about from returning guests.

 

 

Now booking Disneyland 2023 with hotel packages! Lock in low prices on tickets and all types of SoCal and Disney travel.

Quick View Disneyland Resort in 2023 and Beyond

Here are a few NEW things that have happened since your last visit:

• Early Entry is back for Disney hotel guests!

Here are a few things COMING soon to Disneyland Resort in 2023:

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the first major Mickey-themed ride opens in January 2023.
• Pacific Wharf will be reimagined as San Fransokyo very soon!
• Disney 100 Years of Wonder begins in 2023, including a return of Magic Happens on February 24th!
• The full Mickey’s Toontown reopens March 8, 2023. 
• A 3rd attraction coming to Avengers Campus in California Adventure Park.
• Downtown Disney will have new additions including Porto’s Bakery which our family loves.
• Paradise Pier Hotel will be reimagined in 2023 as the Pixar Play Hotel.
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure coming in 2024.
• runDisney races return to the resort in 2024.

Even more things to come dubbed “DisneylandForward“

 

 

Now let’s dig into a detailed look at what is scheduled for each month at Disneyland in 2023. Note changes will be made to this planning guide as official word comes in from Disneyland Resort regarding their full reopening to the public. 

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Disneyland Calendar 2023

Disneyland is running in full force in 2023 and this article is updated on a regular basis to include all the magic. Below is what typically happens in this month of the year. 

When is the best time to go to Disneyland?

For lower crowd levels, choose a weekday during the school year. Typically, these days offer lower level crowds but also have less Magic Key Holder restrictions which could increase attendance. If you’d like to experience Disneyland with as many rides and entertainment options running as possible, visit during the summer. Summer brings extended park hours so you can experience more magic throughout the day and night.

When is it busy at Disneyland? 

I created this guide to help you anticipate events and offerings at Disneyland Resort. What’s “busy” to one person may not be “busy” to another.

The same goes for people who are new to Disneyland and those who visit on a monthly or weekly basis. Study our many line hacks to help you map out your best day ever and print your Disneyland Plan now:

• Skip the lines with Disney Genie Plus in 2023
• Utilize Rider Switch when traveling with children
• Get on more rides with a Disneyland Plan

 

 

What parades will be running during my visit? 

Yearly parade guide is right here.

Will there be fireworks during my visit?

Current fireworks schedule is right here.

What rides will be closed during my visit?

Current refurbishment scheduled listed here. 

Disneyland Ticket Prices

Disneyland ticket prices last went up in October 2022, and price increases can happen any time! The good news is Disneyland tickets have longer expiration dates than many people think. Lock in your discount Disneyland ticket prices now. Get multi-day tickets for around $100 per day with my ticket partners.

 

 

Can I get one day discount Disneyland tickets? 

One day tickets will cost you the most money per day. One day ticket prices fluctuate with demand and season. If you’re looking for a discount one day ticket to Disneyland, you will need to visit during weekdays typically during the school calendar year.

Save Even More with Multi-Day Tickets! The more days you visit Disneyland Resort, the less you pay per day. Multi-day tickets have no blackout dates, so you can travel anytime in 2023 and 2024 (with valid theme park reservations). If you’re doing Disneyland on a budget, do not buy your tickets from Disney. You will be paying top dollar with no discounts!

Instead, buy your discount Disneyland tickets from Get Away Today (the first company to ever work direct with Disneyland to sell authorized tickets!).

Disneyland Pay-As-You-Go Option. Did you know you can lock in low rates on Disneyland tickets or hotel & ticket packages? In addition to the already low rates, you can still get perks like free night specials, free breakfast, no resort fees and free parking when you choose the layaway option from Get Away Today!

Here is how it works:

1. Search for your perfect ticket only or hotel and Disneyland ticket package.
2. A small down-payment (includes non-refundable layaway fee) secures your low cost Disneyland vacation.
3. Make payments prior to your vacation and it is all good toward your dream Disneyland trip!
4. Pay off your vacation two weeks prior to travel.
5. Enjoy your stress-free, paid off Disneyland vacation!

Do you have additional questions about visiting Disneyland in 2023, let’s chat on my Facebook page. 

Disneyland in November 2022

Disneyland in November brings the holiday season back to Disneyland in full force. It’s the most magical time of year with so much to do and see. 

 

 

Disneyland in November hours: Disneyland Park opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 10, 11 pm or midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 8, 9 or 10 pm.

 

 

• Holiday Season at Disneyland Resort
• Disney Merriest Nites, an after hours event, run on select nights this month
• Dapper Day outing at Disneyland Resort, visit DapperDay.com for details 
• Thanksgiving Dinner at Disneyland– try one of these delicious meal options
• Mickey and Friends Band-tastic Cavalcade might return this month for a short run. This “mini-parade” features the Disneyland band and has quick viewing of favorite characters
• Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks returns

Disneyland in December 2022

Disneyland in December is the merriest time of year with lots of holiday cheer. It’s the most magical time of year with so much to do and see. 

 

 

Disneyland in December hours: Disneyland Park opens 8 and closes at 11 pm or midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8 and closes at 9 or 10 pm.

 

 

Remember, expect crowds during the annual Candlelight Processional at Disneyland in early December. This event is not for public viewing, only invited guest receive seating and other areas are standing room (read, camp out all day for small visibility).

If you’re there that weekend, check out all these other options to do instead:

• On select nights a holiday after party is hosted at Disneyland, Disney Merriest Nites 
• Festival of Holidays and Viva Navidad
• Snowfall at Disneyland Resort
• Holiday Desserts, there’s over 75!
• A Christmas Fantasy Parade is back
• Complete Disneyland Resort Holiday Guide 

Disneyland in January 2023

Disneyland in January wraps up the holiday season and Disneyland Resort traditionally undergoes seasonal refurbishments and ride closures. Entertainment like fireworks and shows often run on limited schedules.  

Disneyland in January hours: Disneyland Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 8 or 9 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 11 or midnight.

California Adventure Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 8 or 9 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.

 

 

Get in the last bit of the holidays by the first full week of January. Experience these incredbile seasonal offerings:

• Festival of Holidays and Viva Navidad
• Holiday Desserts, there’s over 75!
• Complete Disneyland Resort Holiday Guide 
• Mickey’s Mix Magic returns after the holiday wrap up

 

 

The Anaheim Ducks celebrate at Disney California Adventure. Join in this annual celebration in early January. 

Mid-January during MLK weekend, Star Wars fans unite in celebrating the anniversary of  Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction.

But the biggest celebration in January 2023 is “Disney 100 Years of Wonder!” click here to read all about it!

 

In late January we’ll also get to step inside an all new ride at Disneyland Park. 

Don’t forget, every new year kicks off  Lunar New Year to celebrate wealth and prosperity. Mulan fans will love seeing more of this strong, brave Disney Princess during the festivities. And Disney foodies will rejoice at the return of Lunar New Year marketplaces. 

 

 

Late January usually hosts an After Dark event, see this article for more details. 

Questions about your Disneyland in January visit? Print your step by step Disneyland Plan now or submit a request for a one on one planning help. 

Disneyland in February 2023

Disneyland in February celebrates Lunar New Year and Disneyland Resort traditionally undergoes seasonal refurbishments and ride closures. Entertainment like fireworks and shows often run on limited schedules.  

Disneyland in February hours: Disneyland Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 8 or 9 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 11 or midnight. California Adventure Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 8 or 9 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.

100 Years of Wonder continues and I have all the information on this year-long celebration here. 

Magic Happens returns February 24, 2023 and more, keep reading! 

 

Experience the full festivities of Lunar New Year which continue early February. Mulan is center stage along with color display of dancers and entertainment. 

Plus, see how you can celebrate Lunar New Year at home with some fun and easy decor and recipes. 

 

 

In search of good food during Lunar New Year? Your guide to all the food is right here. 

 

 

Let’s not forget, February is the season of love and lots is happening during Valentine’s Month. But will we ever see the return of Valentine-inspired decor throughout the resort? The photo below showcases one of the Valentine displays from a few years ago.

Will Sweethearts night at Disneyland return in 2023? We’ll update this as soon as we hear!

 

 

Popping the question at Disneyland? I’ve outlined the most popular spots, along with some not-so-obvious places to purpose at Disneyland Resort. 

 

 

We’ll keep adding to this February 2023 calendar as more details are released. 

Disneyland in March 2023

Disneyland in March begins spring break and lots of exciting new food and entertainment. Disneyland Resort traditionally ups park hours as more guests take advantage of spring break and great weather. 

Disneyland in March hours: 

Disneyland in March, we expect a return to Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 11 or midnight.

For California Adventure in March we expect a return to Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 8, 9 or 10 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.

100 Years of Wonder continues and I have all the information on this year-long celebration here. 

Villains Nite, a special after dark event typically happens atDisney California Adventure Park.

 

 

One of my favorite times of year is back! And while we won’t get our tradition, Food & Wine Festival,  it is truly for the whole family to enjoy.

 

 

All of the traditional Food & Wine events are things I look forward to all year long. 

 

 

March at California Adventure Park may host a themed after hours event, see this article for the latest After Dark events. 

We also expect Magic Happens to re-debut this month at Disneyland Park. It’s a must-see Disney Parade!

 

 

I love visiting during spring break and often find crowds are lower than most people expect. Get discount Disneyland tickets here. 

Disneyland in April 2023

Disneyland in April begins spring break and lots of exciting new food and entertainment. Disneyland Resort traditionally ups park hours as more guests take advantage of spring break and great weather. 

Disneyland in April hours: 

Typical Disneyland Park hours are Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 11 or midnight.

Typical California Adventure Park hours are Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 8, 9 or 10 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.

100 Years of Wonder continues and I have all the information on this year-long celebration here. 

 

 

Want to go on an Easter egg hunt? Spring marks the typical return of Eggstravaganza where kids of all ages can search for giant hidden eggs and earn a prize at the end of their egg hunt. 

 

 

Food & Wine Festival returns in 2023 for you to sip, stroll and enjoy live entertainment at California Adventure Park during March and April. April also hosts Dapper Day, an unofficial Disneyland event. 

 

 

We also expect Magic Happens to re-debut this month at Disneyland Park. It’s a must-see Disney Parade!

Disneyland in May 2023

Disneyland in May is graduation and brand-new-things season. Disneyland Resort traditionally extends park hours as more guests take advantage of warm weather and last minute trips before the summer rush. 

Disneyland in May hours: Disneyland Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 10, 11 or midnight. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 11 or midnight. California Adventure Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 8, 9 or 10 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.

 

100 Years of Wonder continues and I have all the information on this year-long celebration here. 

When people hear about Grad Nites at Disneyland, they tend to freak out a little bit. They’re nervous that the abundance of teens celebrating will ruin their vacation.

But let me reassure you. This event happens every year, and Disney keeps doing it because:

1. it’s a great way to celebrate (I can’t wait til my little graduates can do the same one year).
2. it’s been a success for year without disrupting other guests’ vacations. Don’t worry! Come to Disneyland, have a blast and keep reading to see what else is in store. 

 

 

This month Disneyland Park celebrates four years of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening. I was there opening day and throughout the weekend. 

It’s a memory I will hold onto forever, but still there’s many people who haven’t been yet. I have an entire guide dedicated to the ins and outs of Galaxy’s Edge you can read here. 

Will Star Wars After Dark events return this year? Keep an eye out on our After Dark article for updates.

 

 

Will Disney Channel Fan Fest return? Teens and tweens will fill the park for a chance to run into their favorite Disney Channel stars. Read more here. 

 

 

Disneyland in May also opens up official swimming season! Now, most hotels here in Anaheim have heated pools that are open year-round. But if you need the warmer weather to start your tan, I suggest a stay and a full day at The Disneyland Hotel pool. 

Disneyland in June 2023

Disneyland in June is graduation and summer celebrations! Disneyland Resort extends park hours as summer break arrives.

Disneyland in June hours: Disneyland Park opens 8 am and closes at midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.

100 Years of Wonder continues and I have all the information on this year-long celebration here. 

Avengers Campus celebrates two years on June 4th. Have you been to the newest land in California Adventure?

Grad Nites continue through the middle of June, but don’t let the grads crash your party it’s totally going to be okay.

 

 

The Disneyland Hotel has the best pool and waterslides of all the Disneyland Resort hotels, I’ve stayed at them all and this is still my favorite. Check out all my hotel reviews here for your summer stay. 

 

 

Which summer parade will grace Disneyland Park in 2023? Magic Happens and Paint the Night are two of my favorites, what’s your vote?

Do you have more questions about your Disneyland in June visit? Print your step by step Disneyland Plan now or submit a request for a one on one planning help now.

Disneyland in July 2023

Disneyland in July is all about what’s new at Disneyland Resort and summer celebrations! Enjoy extended park hours and warm summer nights.

Disneyland in July hours: Disneyland Park opens 8 am and closes at midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8 and closes at 10 pm.

 

100 Years of Wonder continues and I have all the information on this year-long celebration here. 

If you’re spending the 4th of July at Disneyland, staying on site at a Disneyland Resort hotel is your best bet to experience it all! 

Fireworks are a staple of summer fun; see the fireworks schedule here. 

 

 

Need help with your Disneyland in July vacation? Print your step by step Disneyland Plan now or submit a request for a one on one planning help now.

• Disneyland’s birthday on July 17.

Disneyland in August 2023

Disneyland in August is calling to you! Last minute summer vacations are still available. Enjoy extended park hours and warm summer nights.

Disneyland in August hours: Disneyland Park opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 11 pm or midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.

100 Years of Wonder continues and I have all the information on this year-long celebration here. 

Annual CHOC Walk in early August to support Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Expect more crowds that weekend, but don’t stress too much about it! It’s all for a wonderful cause and I can help with your very own step by step Disneyland Plan.

 

Looking ahead to more Disneyland 2023 events? Don’t forget ticket to Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Party typically go on sale each summer. Or maybe a spring break trip in the works for your family? Get discount Disneyland tickets here before your trip.

Disneyland in September 2023

Disneyland in September means kids are back in school so a quick weekday trip is in order! Last minute tickets are available here. 

 

 

Disneyland in September hours: Disneyland Park opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 10, 11 pm or midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm on regular nights, but closes at 6 pm on nights featuring Oogie Boogie Bash. 

 

 

Halloween Time begins  early September, including fireworks and projection show “Halloween Screams” at Disneyland park on select nights. It’s one of the best times of year to visit Disneyland Resort with characters in Halloween costumes and so many delicious treats to try!

 

 

Oogie Boogie Bash, the Halloween Party at California Adventure also kicks off this month. Exclusive shows and trick or treating are among the festivities, including Frightfully Fun Parade. 

Gay Days returns to Anaheim the second weekend in September. This unofficial event is open to all, read more about Gay Days here. 

Disneyland in October 2023

Disneyland in October means fall break! I call October the new summer break. Expect larger crowds as guests flock from nearby states.  

 

 

Disneyland in October hours: Disneyland Park opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 10, 11 pm or midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm on regular nights, but closes at 6 pm on nights featuring Oogie Boogie Bash. 

 

 

Gay Days, an unofficial Disney event has moved from first weekend in October to September. If you hope to catch this event, start planning earlier this year. Oogie Boogie Bash is also in full swing, so check dates before your arrival.

 

 

Mickey and Friends Band-tastic Cavalcade might make an appearance this month for a short run. This “mini-parade” features the Disneyland band and has quick viewing of favorite characters. 

Looking ahead to more Disneyland events? Don’t forget ticket to Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Party are selling out fast. Plus, add more days to your fun.  Get discount Disneyland tickets here.

There’s so much to do and see at Disneyland Resort in 2023. Let me know if I can help you plan!