2023 will be a huge year for the Disneyland Resort! Not only is the company celebrating Disney 100 – 100 years of the Walt Disney Company, but Disneyland Resort is undergoing a lot of transformation (don’t worry, it’s all good things!). If you are planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort in 2023, I hope this article helps you get ready for your trip!
Keep reading for the most important items you need to know about when visiting Disneyland in 2023.
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Visiting Disneyland in 2023
Important dates:
- Sept 1 through Oct 31 – Halloween Time
- Nov 10 through Jan 7, 2024 – Holidays at Disneyland
You must have a park ticket AND a park reservation.
The reservation system was established to manage crowds post-Covid and it seems like it’s sticking around. Disneyland requires guests to make theme park reservations for the day(s) they want to visit. This helps control the crowds.
Magic Key passholders also must make park reservations.
Here’s how to get tickets and reservations:
‣ Step 1: Purchase your tickets. Decide on how many days you want to go, and if you want one-park or park hopper tickets.
For discount Disneyland tickets, I recommend Undercover Tourist. Save up to $25 off the ticket booth prices!
‣ Step 2: Once you have your tickets purchased, you’ll need to make a theme park reservation. Click here to see the availability calendar and make reservations.
Park hopping *IS* allowed but only after 11am.
And you must have a Park Hopper ticket or Magic Key pass. If you have a one-park-per-day ticket, you can only visit the park you chose when you made your reservation.
Face coverings are optional.
Covid-19 is still a health risk and you may see many Cast Members wearing masks. Masks are optional for Guests in all spaces of the Disneyland Resort. It is your choice if you want to wear a mask or not. Otherwise, all previous Covid restrictions have been lifted.
New Entertainment is Coming!
With the Disney100 celebration, Disneyland Resort is introducing two new nighttime spectaculars. “Wondrous Journeys” will be the new nighttime show at Disneyland, and “World of Color – One” will be at Disney California Adventure. Both shows debut January 27, 2023.
Magic Happens is back!
If you missed it during the two weeks it ran in 2020 (right before the parks shutdown), the Magic Happens parade is returned!
Save time in line with Genie+.
FastPass has been replaced by Genie+ and Lightning Lanes. Genie+ starts at $25 per Guest per day and can be purchased in advance. Be aware some popular attractions are not included in Genie+ and instead have their own Lightning Lane fee. You can read all about it here: Guide to Disneyland Genie+
The Disneyland mobile app is a must.
The Disneyland app is more important than ever before. You can use the app to scan your ticket, see a map, check attraction wait times, manage Genie+, make dining reservations or mobile order food, pay for merchandise at select locations, and check PhotoPass images.
IMPORTANT TIP: Be sure to bring a phone charger with you! I recommend a Fuel Rod, which you can swap at kiosks throughout the parks.
Get familiar with mobile ordering for food.
Mobile ordering through the Disneyland app is so easy and reduces your time waiting in lines! I suggest planning your meals a couple hours ahead of time, and avoid peak mealtime hours (noon for lunch and 5pm for dinner) if possible. And keep in mind, some places like Plaza Inn, with their popular fried chicken, book up fast.
IMPORTANT TIP: The Starbucks locations (Market House at Disneyland, and Fidler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe at Disney California Adventure) are open but do NOT use mobile ordering. And the lines are very long in the morning. Plan accordingly!
New Attractions Opening in 2023.
Disneyland has a new attraction called Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway! If you have been to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the last few years, you may have experienced this attraction over there. In addition to the new attraction, which is now open, Mickey’s Toontown has undergone a complete overhaul with lots of new areas and experiences!
PhotoPass is available AND is a great value!
For a limited time, guests can purchase an all-day PhotoPass+ for only $19.99! Purchase in the Disneyland app and you’ll get access to your photos right away! PhotoPass downloads are also available as part of Genie+.
Downtown Disney is undergoing massive renovations.
Downtown Disney opened in 2001 and after 22 years, it’s time for a bit of a refresh! Be aware that many eateries will be closed in 2023 for renovation and/or reimagining. The following restaurants *should* be open throughout 2023: Naples Ristorante, Ballast Point, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, and Splitsville. Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill has also been renovated and is now open.
Free attraction PhotoPass downloads for all Guests!
As part of the Disney100 celebration, Guests can download their ride photos for free! Just grab the code on your photo and enter it into the Disneyland app in the Photos section. The end date for this promotion has not been announced.
I hope this guide helps you know what to expect when visiting the Disneyland Resort in 2023!
