Disney’s centenary marks a new era of enchantment for Theme Parks, complete with new thrills for all to enjoy.
Unrivaled storytelling has always been a hallmark of Disney Destinations. Now, with 100 years of magic to celebrate, they’re with spreading wander through a new collection of attractions, shows, and spectaculars. Here’s our list of what not to miss as you make your Disney100 dreams come true.
DISNEYLAND RESORT
1. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Disneyland® Park – Now Boarding
A new classic at the Walt Disney World® Resort, Mickey, Minnie, and the rest of the Sensational Six have now opened a station at the Disneyland® Resort for their wild rail ride! Mixing animated adventure with real twists and turns, it’s whimsical fun at its best, and the perfect flagship attraction for Mickey’s Toontown.
2. Mickey’s Toontown
Disneyland® Park – Reopening March 19, 2023
Playful, colorful, and wonderful as a cartoon itself, Mickey’s Toontown will soon reopen at Disneyland® Park. Young kids and adults young at heart can find endless fun—and get into hijinks aplenty—as they explore interactive play areas, tour Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses, and pursue pint-sized thrills on Chip ‘N’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin.
3. “Magic Happens” Parade
Disneyland® Park – Now Showing
What would a trip to one of the Disney Theme Parks be without getting to see your favorite characters? See them decked out in their finest, from Mickey as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice to Moana and Miguel, in this wish-fulfilling parade down Main Street, U.S.A. Showtimes can change, but you can typically catch the revived extravaganza twice a day.
4. Disney100 Wondrous Journeys Nighttime Spectacular
Disneyland® Park – Now Showing
A new milestone calls for a new spectacular, and that’s exactly what guests can experience from Main Street, U.S.A. Sleeping Beauty Castle is now a canvas of inspirational storytelling, projecting 100 years of tales of courage and love, kindness, and triumphs in a state-of-the-art journey through Disney animation. Listen to the lead track here!
5. World of Color – ONE
Disney California Adventure® Park – Now Showing
See Paradise Gardens Park illuminated by night in a spectacle of radiant hues. Clocking in just shy of a half-hour, the newest World of Color show makes each moment count, filling the stage with waves of color, song, and sheer enchantment inspired by the ripple effect one small drop of water—or single action—leaves behind. Keep a (Mickey) ear out for a new original song!
6. Disney100 Celebration Castle
Disneyland® Park – Now in Effect
Sleeping Beauty Castle has been given a new look. Made over in honor of 100 years of the Walt Disney Company, its turrets, and walls shine even brighter thanks to a fresh coat of platinum paint. Spot matching styles resort-wide on Mickey, Minnie, and friends; limited-edition souvenirs; and newly imagined food and beverage offerings.
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
7. TRON Lightcycle / Run
Magic Kingdom Park – Debuting April 4, 2023
Inspired by the sci-fi cyber world of TRON: Legacy and presented by Enterprise, Tomorrowland’s newest attraction is destined to land a spot or two on every thrill-seeker’s itinerary. Riders, as Team Blue recruits, will race across the Grid—avoiding malicious Programs along the way—on Lightcycles in the dark on one of the fastest coasters Disney’s ever designed.
Note: Guests must be at least 48 inches in order to ride. Adults traveling with younger children, or those who prefer milder jaunts, should take advantage of the Rider Switch service.
8. Happily Ever After Nighttime Spectacular
Magic Kingdom Park – Returning April 3, 2023
This fan-favorite nighttime spectacular is making a celebratory return to Main Street, U.S.A., and Cinderella Castle. Fireworks, lasers, lights, special effects—it’s all coming back, and bringing with it brand-new projections for that extra dash of Disney magic.
9. EPCOT® Forever Nighttime Spectacular
EPCOT® – Returning April 3, 2023
Magic Kingdom isn’t the only Theme Park to bring back a beloved spectacular. EPCOT® Forever is set to relight the skies above the World Showcase, following a “spark of imagination” as it grows into something truly incredible. Catch this show early, however, as it’s due to segue into an all-new spectacular later in the year.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
EPCOT® – Now Open
Although it first blasted off last May, no new-to-do list would be complete without this galactic adventure. Visitors to the Galaxarium can join Quill, Groot, Rocket, Gamora, Drax, and more familiar faces on a space chase … if they’re brave enough to undertake Disney’s first-ever reverse launch and 360° rotations on one of the largest fully enclosed roller coasters on Earth.
TRIP-MAKING TIPS
So much to see and do means managing your time well at the Theme Parks is essential. Thankfully, shows and attractions aren’t the only new additions for Disney100; new perks let you get more out of every moment.
If Disneyland® Resort is your destination, our biggest tip, and your biggest advantage, is the Park Hopper® ticket. Guests can now park hop as early as 11 AM, letting you shift gears and experience new rides two hours sooner. While switching parks, don’t forget our second tip: download your digital Disney PhotoPass attraction photos for free during the entire Disney100 event through the Disneyland app.
Walt Disney World® adventurers can get the same benefit in the My Disney Experience app with the purchase of Genie+, for rides like Space Mountain and Slinky Dog Dash. But don’t let that be the end of your Genie+ access. Use it to not only find time-saving customized recommendations for each day of your stay, but Lightning Lane passes for fast entrance to top attractions.
Dreaming of your next vacation to a Disney Destination or beyond? I would love to help you design the perfect land or sea experience for your family! Click here to schedule a “Let’s Get Acquainted Session” with me so we can start planning your family’s next great adventure.
