Disney100

In 2023, the Walt Disney Company will reach a major milestone: 100 years in operation. To celebrate this achievement, the parks worldwide will throw their own parties, known as the Disney100 celebration. Disneyland’s version of the party starts January 27 (running throughout 2023), and comes with all kinds of new offerings and fun for guests. Let’s see what’s in store.

DECOR

The theme of Disney100 is platinum, which will be sprinkled throughout the resort. Mickey, Minnie, and their friends will be sporting new platinum outfits, platinum themed snacks and drinks will appear in restaurants, and the castle will have a sparkly new overlay for the occasion.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Here’s the official description of what’s to come, courtesy of the Disney Parks Blog:

Celebrating wonder, the castle will be adorned with elegant platinum banners and bunting, accented by a magnificent cabochon featuring the three Good Fairies who illuminate it with their shimmering pixie dust. Two majestic water fountains will grace either side of the moat, while a beautiful wishing star will sparkle from the tower above.

I haven’t seen any official announcements about Carthay Circle‘s overlay or decor, but I would be very surprised if it does not have some decoration as well.

ENTERTAINMENT

Both parks will host speciality entertainment for all guests (no added ticket required), with some overlays of classic shows and a few new offerings altogether. In California Adventure, World of Color will transform into “One”, an all new story depicted on the water.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Here’s how the Disney Parks Blog describes the show:

One will celebrate the storytelling legacy started by Walt Disney a century ago. It will tell a new story of how a single action, like a drop of water, creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change. It brings some of the most courageous, loving and inspiring characters to life in new ways. The show will also feature a new original song, “Start a Wave.”

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Over in Disneyland, the fireworks show will transform into an immersive experience called “Wondrous Journeys”. This show will include projections onto the castle, It’s A Small World, and the Rivers of America. These projections will cover fan favorites from the last 100 years of animation, from classics to the most recent Disney hits. Like World of Color, this show will also have its own original song: “It’s Wondrous”.

Here are some details teased from the Disney Parks Blog:

State-of-the-art projection effects will surround you with blank pieces of paper, pencil sketches, and splashes of color, as the artistry of animators breathe life into beloved characters from Mickey Mouse and Bambi to Ariel and Mirabel. And in a thrilling moment of heroism, Baymax soars high above Sleeping Beauty Castle inspiring us all to fight for our dreams.

Special lighting effects, projections, and more carry us on an adventure full of possibilities, excitement, heartache, and determination that help us realize we all face trials and triumphs along the way to making our dreams come true.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

While Toontown won’t fully reopen until March, Mickey and his friends couldn’t resist on joining the January fun. The land’s newest attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, will open on January 27th.

And over on Main Street, a parade (that had the unfortunate timing of debuting less than a month before the pandemic closure) will have a second chance to make a great first impression! Magic Happens will return to the park, allowing far more guests to experience the beautiful new floats and costumes daily.

Source: Disneyland Resort

Here’s how the Disney Parks Blog puts it:

“Magic Happens” celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. This parade reminds us we don’t need wings to fly, shooting stars were made to wish upon, and magic doesn’t stop at midnight.

MERCHANDISE

The event will also include the release of a specialty merchandise collection, called the “Disney100 Platinum Celebration”. This merchandise appears to have two main color ways; a purple with sparkling silver, and a more subdued (almost black & white) version.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

The collection includes an ear hat and ear headband (both of which come in a commemorative box), spirit jerseys, a LoungeFly backpack, Dooney & Bourke bags in various sizes, sweats, and home decor. For more teasers of the collection (which will be fully released in January), check out the Disney Parks Blog post here. Personally, I’m most excited about the black & white variations – such a nice tribute to the original black & white cartoons!

Source: Disney Parks Blog