Planning Your Visit to Disneyland in 2023 | Magic in the Planning

Planning Your Visit to Disneyland in 2023: New Attractions, Disney100, Refurbishments, and more…

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It’s never too early to start planning your visit to Disneyland in 2023! So many new and exciting things are in store for this upcoming year with Disney100 and the reopening of Mickey’s Toontown!

As things return to “normal” after its phased reopening, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to your trip to Disneyland in 2023. Park reservations are here to stay (for the time being) with park hopping available after 1:00 PM for those with park hopper tickets. And if it’s been a while since your last visit to the parks, you may want to visit our guide on Disney Genie+ to learn all about Disney’s new paid service that replaced FastPass in 2021.

 


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Year At-A-Glance

January

  • Weather: Overall, Disneyland in January is a bit cooler with an increased risk of rain. The average high is 66 degrees and the low is typically around 48 degrees. As January is one of the rainiest months of the year, coming prepared with rain ponchos and warmer clothing would be a smart idea.
  • Crowds: Crowds in January tend to be some of the lowest of the year. That being said, you may want to avoid the first week of January as holiday festivities are still taking place, as well as Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend which is known for being a bit crowded.
  • Other Considerations: Since crowds are fewer, be prepared for shortened park hours and a few ride closures. Water rides almost always close for yearly maintenance around this time of year as the temperatures cool off. Also, Disney100 will be kicking off on January 27, 2023. This celebration includes the opening of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, as well as the debut of brand new nighttime spectaculars and the return of the Magic Happens parade.

More about January…

February

  • Weather: Overall, Disneyland in February will see cooler temperatures and rain. The average high is 69 degrees and the low is typically around 48 degrees. As February is one of the rainiest months of the year, coming prepared with rain ponchos and warmer clothing would be a smart idea.
  • Crowds: Crowds in February will be mind as it’s considered part of the “off-season.” Weekends will probably be busier with locals, and Presidents Day Weekend will see an increase in crowds as well. So if you’re wanting to avoid crowds, be sure to plan some weekdays in the parks.
  • Other Considerations: Similar to January, crowds are fewer. So be prepared for shortened park hours and a few ride closures. Water rides almost always close for yearly maintenance around this time of year as the temperatures cool off. Also, Disney100 will be kicking off on January 27, 2023. This celebration includes the opening of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, as well as the debut of brand new nighttime spectaculars and the return of the Magic Happens parade.

More about February…

March

  • Weather: Overall, Disneyland in March can be a bit unpredictable. Temperatures will be a bit cooler, and rain is definitely possible. Of course, it isn’t quite as rainy and cool as during the winter months. The average high is 72 degrees and the low is typically around 50 degrees. Be sure to check the weather before your vacation, and be prepared for variable springtime weather.
  • Crowds: March will be busy. With Toontown reopening on March 19th, the Food and Wine Festival (which is popular with the locals), and spring break season… there will no doubt be crowds this March.
  • Other Considerations: One upside to the parks seeing an increase in Spring Break crowds is that Disney makes an effort to make sure attractions are open to accommodate guests. (That means fewer refurbishments should be scheduled for this time of year.) The Food and Wine Festival returns to Disney’s California Adventure in March. This event is a local favorite, and it will bring some local crowds into the park. Also, Mickey’s Toontown opens this month on March 8th!

More about March…

April

  • Weather: Overall, the weather in Anaheim is quite pleasant in April. So if you’re looking to visit Disneyland without the summer heat or winter rain, this may be the perfect time to go. The average high is 71 degrees and the low is typically around 52 degrees. It is also typically a dryer month in terms of rain. Overall, April is an excellent time to visit in terms of weather!
  • Crowds: During the first two weeks of April, there will definitely be an increase in crowds for spring break as well as the Easter holiday. If crowds are an issue for you, it would be best to avoid these two weeks of the month. The end of the month should see fewer crowds, however, as many schools are finished with their spring breaks at this point.
  • Other Considerations: Easter falls on April 9, 2023, so expect crowds that weekend!

More about April…

Astro Orbitor in Disneyland | Magic in the PlanningMay

  • Weather: Overall, the weather in Anaheim is still quite pleasant in May. So if you’re looking to visit Disneyland without the summer heat or winter rain, this may be the perfect time to go. The average high is 74 degrees and the low is typically around 54 degrees. It is also typically a dryer month in terms of rain.
  • Crowds: May can be a popular month to visit the Disneyland Resort. With Star Wars Day on May 4th, Cinco de Mayo on May 5th, Memorial Day Weekend, and Grad Nites… there are certainly days that get very crowded with the locals. So keep these dates in mind if you are trying to avoid the crowds in May.
  • Other Considerations: Grad Nites are back for 2023. While this is a fun opportunity for graduating seniors, the parks can get a bit crowded for the rest of us. So keep this in mind when selecting your vacation dates.

More about May…

June

  • Weather: Overall, the weather in Anaheim is starting to feel more “summer-like” in the month of June. The average high is 81 degrees and the low is typically around 61 degrees. June can also be a bit humid, especially in the morning hours.
  • Crowds: June is a very popular month to visit the Disneyland Resort. Be prepared for summer crowds throughout the month!
  • Other Considerations: Like May, the month of June will offer ticketed Grad Nites in 2023. While this is a fun opportunity for graduating seniors, the parks can get a bit crowded for the rest of us. So keep this in mind when selecting your vacation dates.

More about June…

July

  • Weather: Overall, the weather in Anaheim is starting to feel more “summer-like” in the month of July. The average high is 84 degrees and the low is typically around 66 degrees.
  • Crowds: July is a very popular month to visit the Disneyland Resort. Be prepared for summer crowds throughout the month!
  • Other Considerations: The Fourth of July falls on a Tuesday in 2023. Featuring Patriotic music, Disneyland will light up the night sky with an inspirational fireworks display.

More about July…

August

  • Weather: Disneyland in August can be quite hot. The average high is 86 degrees and the low is typically around 66 degrees. The heat will feel hotter as well due to the crowds and the concrete throughout the parks. Be prepared to hydrate!
  • Crowds: The beginning of August is definitely considered a “peak” time at the Disneyland Resort. Many will take advantage of this time at the end of summer to take a vacation prior to school beginning again for fall. The second half of the month will see fewer crowds as schools start across the country. But keep in mind that Disney will most likely adjust their park hours during this time giving you a bit less time in the parks.
  • Other Considerations: You may see more locals during the second half of August. Magic Key holders (those with annual passes) will see a decrease in block-out dates as August crowds lessen. If you are a Magic Key holder, this is great news as you will have more opportunities to visit the parks! It could also mean a slight increase in crowds, however, as those with passes will want to take advantage of this time.

More about August…

September

  • Weather: When it comes to temperature, September will likely feel a lot like summer. The average high is 84 degrees and the low is typically around 63 degrees. So while the parks will be decorated for fall, be prepared to dress for the summer heat.
  • Crowds: School is back in session in September, so weekdays will definitely see a decrease in crowds. Weekends, however, could still be busy as Halloween festivities are quite popular. Labor Day weekend will be especially busy, as nearly all holiday weekends are.
  • Other Considerations: Halloween begins in early September at the Disneyland Resort. So if you enjoy Halloween festivities, September could be a great time to visit… especially since Halloween crowds will likely increase as we get closer to Halloween.

More about September…

October

  • Weather: Overall, Disneyland in October will see cooler temperatures. The average high is 76 degrees and the low is typically around 63 degrees. Layers will be important as you plan your days in the parks, especially if staying in the evening for Halloween events and festivities.
  • Crowds: Many are surprised to discover that October can be very busy. Halloween in Disneyland is very popular. Also, many schools in California, Utah, and Nevada have week-long fall breaks spread out throughout the month. That being said, prepare for holiday crowds as you enjoy the Halloween festivities!
  • Other Considerations: Halloween begins in early September at the Disneyland Resort and will continue through October 31st. The Disneyland Resort goes all out for Halloween with attraction overlays, festive decor, themed dining, ticketed events, and more!

More about October…

it's a small world holiday | magicintheplanning.comNovember

  • Weather: Disneyland in November will be cooler, but pleasant. The average high is 70 degrees and the low is typically around 53 degrees. Layers are an excellent way to be prepared for warmer afternoons and cooler evenings. It is also worth noting that this month marks the beginning of the rainy season. Ponchos are a great way to be prepared!
  • Crowds: The holidays at the Disneyland Resort are very popular and crowds should be expected. That being said, November should be less crowded than December. Weekends will be busier with locals, Veteran’s Day Weekend could also see an increase in crowds, and Thanksgiving week will be very busy.
  • Other Considerations: Disney typically begins the festivities during the second week of November. So if you want to enjoy the holidays without the crazy Christmas crowds, November (prior to Thanksgiving) can be a wonderful time to visit.

More about November…

December

  • Weather: The weather in December is definitely a bit cooler. The average high is 67 degrees and the low is typically around 48 degrees. Evenings will almost definitely require some layering as they can be quite chilly. Rain will also be a factor as this is considered a rainy month for California.
  • Crowds: December is one of the busiest months of the year. So if you’re planning on visiting the Disneyland Resort to enjoy the holidays, be prepared for crowds. That being said, weekdays during the first two weeks of the month will be less busy when compared to later in the month.
  • Other Considerations: The holidays are such a fun time to visit the Disneyland Resort. With that being said, you will want to visit with a plan due to the crowds, and be sure to make dining reservations early!

More about December… 

 

Ride Closures and Refurbishments

*Please note that this list could change at a moment’s notice.

Disneyland Park

  • Tarzan’s Treehouse is currently closed and will be receiving new theming as Adventureland Treehouse (likely to open in 2023)
  • Splash Mountain closed on March 31, 2023, for retheming. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is likely to open in late 2024.
  • Sailing Ship Columbia will close from September 11-14, 2023.
  • Mark Twain Riverboat will close on September 17, 2023. An opening date is yet to be announced.
  • Space Mountain will close on September 18, 2023. An opening date is yet to be announced.
  • Fantasmic! will be suspended until Spring 2024.

 

Radiator Springs Racers in California Adventure | Magic in the Planning

California Adventure Park

  • Golden Zephyr will close on August 28, 2023. An opening date has yet to be announced.
  • Rogers: The Musical completed its seasonal run on August 31, 2023.
  • San Fransokyo Square officially opened on August 31, 2023.

 

Everything Coming to Disneyland in 2023 (and beyond)

Disneyland Park

January 2023 – Disney100 Celebration

In what is being called “the biggest celebration in the history of the company,” all of the Disney parks around the world will feature new decor, specialty food and drinks, character experiences, and more. The Disneyland Resort will be the heart of the celebration, however. (Visit our guide to this event here!)

Late January – Wondrous Journeys

This new nighttime spectacular will light up the sky as it “features nods to all 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios films to date, taking viewers on a journey filled with artistry, music, storytelling, and heart. “

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway | Magic in the Planning

January 27, 2023 – Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Much like the ride already open in Hollywood Studios, guests will be able to join Minnie and Mickey for a picnic in the park only for everything to suddenly go wrong! This trackless ride will take you through multiple scenes featuring all of your favorite Disney characters.

Throughout 2023 – Disney After Dark

These limited-time after-park hour events will be returning in 2023! Themes include Sweethearts’ Nite, Princess Nite, Star Wars Nite, and Pride Nite. Festivities begin with a 3-hour pre-party mix-in from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Disneyland Park, followed by a private party from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Parties will feature your favorite Disney characters, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, special foods and drinks, and collectible merchandise. Select attractions will also be open after hours for the party!

  • Sweethearts’ Nite (January 31, February 2, 5, 7, 9, 14, and 16, 2023) – This event will feature 6:00 PM admission to Disneyland Park, fireworks, a royal ball, a moonlight cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat, character experiences, photo opportunities, unique dining experiences, access to select attractions, commemorative keepsakes, and more!
  • Princess Nite (March 7 and 9, 2023) – This event will feature 6:00 PM admission to Disneyland Park, a Princess Nite concert, a DJ dance party, character experiences, photo opportunities, unique dining experiences, access to select attractions, commemorative keepsakes, and more!
  • Star Wars Nite (May 2, 4, 8, and 11, 2023) – This event will feature 6:00 PM admission to Disneyland Park, a special Star Wars fireworks show that features iconic Star Wars music, access to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (along with other select attractions), exclusive Star Wars characters (including Captain Phasma and her Stormtroopers, the Tusken Raider and Jawas, and more), lightsaber instructional demonstration, commemorative credential and guide map, unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass digital photos taken during the party, Star Wars-themed eats and treats, merchandise, photo opportunities, and more.
  • Pride Nite (June 13 and 15, 2023) – This event will feature live DJ entertainment (featuring an Ohana Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace with Stitch), country line dancing at the Golden Horseshoe, a Pride Nite Cavalcade down Main Street (featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Clarabelle, Donald, Daisy and Goofy), photo backdrops with inspirational messages and access to unlimited PhotoPass downloads, after-hours access to rides like Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, specialty menu items, event merchandise, and more!

March 19, 2023 – Mickey’s Toontown Reopens!

Perhaps the biggest news concerning Disneyland Park is the reimagining of Mickey’s Toontown. This area of the park closed in March 2022 to begin the reimagining process.

  • CenTOONial Park This new area is the first space guests encounter when they enter Mickey’s Toontown, and it is a natural space “anchored by two interactive play experiences.” It features a fountain (designed for play) and water tables for some additional fun. The fountain also transforms at night into a “unique spectacle.” Nearby, there is a “dreaming tree” inspired by the tree Walt Disney would daydream under as a child. The sculpted tree roots also provide children with an opportunity for play.
  • Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard This space incorporates a “whimsical sound garden where kids will discover new ways to make wacky noises, as well as enjoy an all-new, elevated clubhouse.”
  • Donald’s Duck PondThis splash area allows guests to look inside the boat through the portholes, where they can interact with favorite ducklings Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby.
  • Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoasterThis is a one-of-a-kind coaster specifically designed for kids.
  • Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin Take a “spin” in a runaway taxi through the streets of Toontown as you follow the adventures of Roger Rabbit.
  • Mickey's House in Disneyland | Magic in the PlanningMickey & Minnie’s Houses Enjoy seeing the homes of your favorite Disney characters. (You may even get a chance to meet them!)
  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Much like the ride already open in Hollywood Studios, guests will be able to join Minnie and Mickey for a picnic in the park only for everything to suddenly go wrong! This trackless ride will take you through multiple scenes featuring all of your favorite Disney characters.
  • Café Daisy – Daisy Duck will serve up diner classics at this sidewalk table eatery.
  • Toontown Farmers Market at Good Boy! Grocers – This will be a friendly roadside stand, offering grab-and-go drinks and treats.

February 24, 2023 – Magic Happens Parade

The Magic Happens parade will be making its long-awaited return to Disneyland!

Fall 2023 – Adventureland Treehouse

Tarzan’s Treehouse is being reimagined. Set to open in 2023, it will pay “tribute to the original treehouse that Walt Disney and his Imagineers built in 1962 for the hit movie, Swiss Family Robinson.”

September 7, 2023 – Tiana’s Palace

Tiana’s Palace will be replacing the French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square later this year. According to Disney, “The new Tiana’s Palace will have much of the same pinch of pizzazz and flair as the restaurant from the film, offering authentic New Orleans flavors inspired by Tiana’s friends and adventures in this quick-service style restaurant.” This new quick-service dining option will offer a menu inspired by current favorites served at this location as well as some New Orleans classics. *French Market Restaurant (and Mint Julep Bar) will close on February 17, 2023, and will reopen as Tiana’s Palace (alongside Mint Julep Bar) later in the year.

Late 2024 – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

It was announced some time ago that Splash Mountain would be reimagined, and now we know that this rethemed water flume ride will open in late 2024! Called “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” this iconic ride will be welcoming Tiana and her friends for a brand new Princess and the Frog theme. *Splash Mountain will close permanently on May 31, 2023, to begin this transformation. Here are some of the details- announced so far about the newly rethemed attraction:

  • There will be a brand-new cast of original Disney characters with distinct names and personalities.
  • We can expect dozens of entirely new Audio-Animatronics figures.
  • We will see cute critters throughout the attraction bringing the diverse flavors of musical gumbo found in New Orleans.
  • There will be new, original music alongside some of your favorite songs from the film.
  • The scent of beignets being prepared for the party will be part of the attraction queue. (Yay!)
  • Many voice actors will be reprising their roles in the attraction including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, and Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana.
  • We will see familiar characters from the film such as Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, Louis, Eudora, Charlotte, “Big Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia, and Prince Ralphie.

 

California Adventure

Captain America Shield in California Adventure | Magic in the PlanningNow Open! – Avengers Campus

This is no doubt one of the most ambitious projects coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2021. It was originally planned to be open in the summer of 2020, but with the pandemic, it was delayed. This new area will feature a brand new Spider-Man attraction, meet and greets with your favorite Marvel superheroes, unique shopping experiences, and the Pym Test Kitchen – a new restaurant inspired by the movie Ant-Man. (Be sure to visit the Disney Parks Blog for more information!) The land will also be opening in phases, starting with the Worldwide Engineering Brigade (WEB) and the Pym Test Kitchen.

  • WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure – This immersive, interactive attraction is coming to the new land on the opening day of the Avengers Campus. The Marvel story is expanding with WEB, an attraction-based organization founded by none other than Tony Stark. (Fun fact: This will be the first Disney ride to feature Spider-Man!) This attraction will allow you to sling webs in order to help trap Peter Parker’s Spider-Bots. This ride will have no height requirement and will be appropriate for all ages. (Yay!)
  • Pym Test Kitchen – Also opening with the Avengers Campus on June 4 is the Pym Test Kitchen. If you’re unfamiliar with how Ant-Man and The Wasp can use subatomic “Pym Particles” to alter their size and mass grow or shrink, you’re in for quite a treat! This quick-service restaurant will feature massive meals, tiny treats, and shareable bites.
  • The Sanctum – Here you will have the opportunity to learn from Doctor Strange about an ancient battle that threatened to tear a hole in the fabric of time and reality and how that battle led to the creation of the Orb of Cagliostro. You’ll want to visit at night when the Orb is known to be especially active.
  • WEB Suppliers – Here you have the chance to purchase your very own Spider-Bot robot sidekick along with at-home kits to build webs and other accessories. You will also be able to get your hands on Avengers souvenirs at this shop!
  • Avengers Headquarters – The iconic Avengers Headquarters building will open when the land opens on June 4, 2021, but rumors indicate that it will eventually house a brand new “E-Ticket” attraction.

January 20 thru February 15, 2023 – Lunar New Year Celebration

Taking place at Disney’s California Adventure, this event will pay tribute to Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures with a multicultural celebration. You’ll find Mickey and Minnie in festive attire, Mulan and Mushu, Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, marketplaces, a nighttime water show (presented prior to World of Color), Chinese calligraphy demonstrations, the Lucky Wishes Wall, treats and festival items, and more!

Late January 2023 – World of Color – One

As part of the 100 Years of Wonder celebration, World of Color is being revamped. The new show will tell the story of the past 100 years of Disney through Disney classics as well as some of the newer Disney favorites.

March 3 thru April 25, 2023 – Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival

This event will feature 12 festival marketplaces offering a range of food and beverages. There will also be appearances by Jammin’ Chefs and Chef Goofy, the return of Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Unbirthday Party show, complimentary weekend culinary demonstrations, artist events and signings, a limited-time return of Soarin’ Over California, bookable signature events, and more!

August 31, 2023 – San Fransokyo

The Pacific Wharf area of California Adventure will be reimaged as “San Fransokyo” from the Disney film Big Hero 6. According to Disney, “San Fransokyo Square will transport you to the not-too-distant future, in a fictional mash-up of two iconic cities – San Francisco and Tokyo.” Guests will have the opportunity to meet Baymax, and the area will include new locations to dine and shop. Dining options will include soups in freshly baked bread bowls as well as new Asian-inspired options. *Pacific Wharf dining locations will remain open to guests during the renovation.

Summer 2023 – New Rogers: The Musical

According to Disney, this limited-time is a “timeless story of a timeless hero!” This one-act show, themed to the story of Captain America, will be debuting at the Hyperion Theatre this summer.

TBD – Avengers Campus Expansion

A brand new attraction is coming to Avengers Campus! This new ride will feature a multiverse version of Thanos where he is known as “King Thanos.” In this version, fans will be able to team up with Avengers to fight him and other villains in a world where Thanos won rather than lost as he did in the Marvel films.

 

Beyond the Parks

Downtown Disney District

Work will begin in January 2022 to reimagine Downtown Disney to include an even broader collection of shopping, dining, and entertainment. This means that the AMC Theater, Earl of Sandwich, Sugarboo, and Starbucks West End coffee shop will close and will also be demolished as a result. More than a dozen new and reimagined locations will open, including Porto’s Bakery & Café. More details to come…

MagicBand+

Debuting October 21, 2022, MagicBand+ has arrived at the Disneyland Resort! Available for purchase, guests will be able to enter the Disneyland Resort theme parks, check in at Lightning Lane entrances, and link photos from a Disney PhotoPass photographer to their Disney account. It will also offer color-changing LED lights and vibrations during select park entertainment such as World of Color, Fantasmic!, and Wondrous Journeys.

runDisney

runDisney is making its return to the Disneyland Resort in 2024 with the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. This event will take place January 11-14, 2024, and the weekend will feature a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and a challenge event (10K and half marathon).

DisneylandForward

This multi-year project with the city of Anaheim, CA includes plans for theme park expansions, new shopping and dining options, and parking.

Pixar Place Hotel

The old Paradise Pier Hotel is being transformed into the Pixar Place Hotel. According to Josh D’Amaro (Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman), “Pixar Place Hotel will be a place where you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a Pixar art gallery featuring new interpretations of favorite Pixar pals.”

 

Disneyland Planning Guides

Magic in the Planning offers numerous guides to help you get started in your Disneyland vacation planning! Here are some to get you started!

Here are some resources to help you get started!

Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland | magicintheplanning.comDisneyland Dining Guides:

 

Disneyland Attraction Guides:

 

Planning your first Disneyland vacation? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to get started!

 

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