Disneyland Kicks Off 100th Anniversary with New Ride and Spectacular Night Displays

Disney100 Celebration: An Overview

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company. To celebrate this significant milestone, Disneyland Resort is hosting a spectacular soiree across both of its parks. The festivities have already begun, and here’s what to expect at the magical Disney100 Celebration at Disneyland Resort.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Now Rolling

What better way to kick off this centennial celebration than with a brand-new attraction featuring two iconic Disney characters? Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens today in Disneyland’s Toontown and impresses visitors from the very start with its creative queue design. Guests stroll through the bright marquee of the El Capitoon Theater, passing movie-themed exhibits and a concession stand with popping popcorn before entering a screening room where the film begins.

As things go awry, guests become part of the movie themselves, boarding a runaway train helmed by the ever-reliable Goofy. Large-scale projections and clamorous sound effects bring the adventure to life as the train car jostles from scene to scene. This ride is destined to be a hit, requiring guests to enter a virtual line via the Disneyland app.

Nighttime Spectaculars

Visitors will be enthralled by the all-new “World of Color – ONE” in Disney California Adventure Park. This spectacular illustrates how one small action can create a ripple effect that changes everything. Classic characters and memorable film moments are projected onto towering walls of water, demonstrating the importance of connection and action.

Moreover, across the way in Disneyland, the “Wondrous Journeys” spectacular utilizes a broad section of the park as its canvas. Projections illuminate iconic locations such as Main Street U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, and The Rivers of America, creating a visual love letter to 100 years of stories by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Remarkably, all 61 animated films by Disney are represented in this program, making it a nostalgic experience for fans. On select nights, the show is enhanced with fireworks.

Celebratory Snacks, Treats, and Merchandise

The parks are shimmering in silver and purple to honor 100 years of Disney. From light posts adorned with banners to large platinum medallions, the park offers fantastic photo opportunities. Guests can indulge in limited-time festive treats, such as the Mr. Banks Shortbread Tart, made with caramel and chocolate ganache and topped with edible stars. To enhance their experience, parkgoers can explore D100 merchandise available in on-site retail stores—many will undoubtedly want to collect Mickey and Minnie headbands.

Even More to Come in 2023

In addition to the ongoing celebrations, the Disney100 festivities will continue in the coming months. On February 24, the “Magic Happens” parade will return to Disneyland—having only run about a dozen days in 2020 before the pandemic closure. The modern yet classic design of the parade’s nine floats promises to excite audiences, according to show director Jordan Peterson.

Furthermore, after a one-year closure, a reimagined Toontown will reopen on March 8. Guests can anticipate larger open green spaces perfect for play and picnics, alongside brand-new interactive water features for those warmer days at the park.

“Mickey’s Toontown first opened 30 years ago,” stated Jeff Shaver-Moskowtiz, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, “so there are generations of Disneyland Resort guests who have grown up here and made magical memories. We aimed to keep its essence while evolving it for future families.”

Consequently, with so much new and exciting happening, it’s a fantastic time to experience the magic at Disneyland Resort.