A Sweet Treat! Disneyland Candy Cane Guide 2023

Since 1968, the Disneyland Resort has offered guests hand-pulled candy canes during the holidays. This 55-year-old tradition results in candy canes that have a taste texture better than those that come from modern machines, and they’ve become something of a Disneyland phenomenon. They’re also surprisingly hard to get. We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you score a Disneyland candy cane this year. 

We have all the information you need on when candy canes will be available at Disneyland for the holiday season in 2023, how distribution will be handled, and a little history about this sweet treat as well…

A Brief History of Candy Canes

The original candy cane was made over 350 years ago and looked very different than the ones you can find today. Originally, they were completely white, straight as a stick, and flavored only with sugar. Over time, they have gained the signature crook (thanks to a choirmaster in 1670!), candy striping, and iconic peppermint flavor. Candy canes have become an integral part of a traditional Christmas. They’ve clearly made an impact on the holidays because they’re nearly omnipresent!

Over more than 50 years, Disneyland has perfected the art of candy cane making.  

How to Get a Disneyland Candy Cane of Your Own!

So, how does one get their hands on the Disneyland Resort’s popular candy cane? Our recommendation is simple: “The early bird gets the candy cane.” Aim to get to the Resort at least an hour before opening, and you’ll have the best chances of returning home with a candy cane in tow. 

Once you’re in the park, find the candy cane line. Cast Members will direct guests to the right location and are available for any questions. After the park opens, a MOBILE WAIT LIST will be used so you won’t have to wait too long in line. A cast member will add your phone number to a list, and you’ll receive a text message when it’s your time to return. Purchases are limited to one candy cane per guest per day.

We don’t have pricing yet for 2023; in 2021, the candy canes were $15.99, and we expect prices will be higher this year. The candy canes are 18 inches long, hand-pulled for optimal texture and maximum shininess, and full of peppermint flavor. Plus, if you’re able to get a Disneyland candy cane, you’ll join an elite group of parkgoers with true holiday street cred!

Is a Disneyland Candy Cane on your shopping list this year?

Dates for Disneyland Resort Candy Canes

Note that there are fewer dates this year for candy canes than in the past. In 2019, Disneyland sold them on 10 days and so did Disney California Adventure. That was a total of 20 opportunities to snag the highly sought-after treat. Then, in 2021, there were a total of 9 dates between both parks as the resort adjusted to reopening. However, in 2022, Disneyland and DCA each offered only 7 days! While that was an increase from 2021, kept the candy canes in shorter supply than in 2019. And now for this 2023 holiday season, we see a repeat of 7 candy cane distribution days for each park.

Here are the Candy Cane Dates for 2023:

Candy Palace (Disneyland Park) on Dec. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24

Trolley Treats (Disney California Adventure) Dec.  4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25

Disneyland Candy Cane Pro Tips:

1. The early bird gets the candy cane! Get to the Resort at least an hour before park opening, so you can be one of the first guests through the turnstile. 
2. Channel your inner mall walker! Once you’ve parked, make your way to Candy Palace or Trolley Treats (depending on the schedule), but keep in mind that time is of the essence! If you get in line early enough, you could have a return as soon as 9am, 10am or 11am (with a little luck of course).
3. Be sure to have your whole party with you when you get in line. You can’t hold a place for others once you’re in the line. Those that try to cut or join their friends or family will be asked to head to the back of the line by a nearby Cast Member.
4. Be sure your phone is on and receiving notifications! I always ask someone to text me so I can be sure they are coming through and that my phone notifies me. 
5. The candy canes are the same at either park. People often idolize candy canes specifically from Disneyland. So candy cane distribution at Disneyland tends to be busier than the days at Disney California Adventure. If you’re still deciding on a day to make a trip to the Disneyland Resort for a candy cane, you might deal with a little less fuss at DCA compared to Disneyland.
6. If you can’t get a waitlist spot, ask about the possibility of standby or how unclaimed candy canes will be distributed! 

Let’s Hear from You!

Have you had a Disneyland candy cane? Are they worthy of the hype? What are your tips for getting a Disneyland candy cane? Let us know in the comments below.

If you find our guide useful, be sure to share it. And we’d love to see your candy cane photos. Be sure to tag us on Instagram and Facebook!

More Disneyland Holiday 2023 Information

Disneyland Holidays Begin Here – Your Guide to 2022 Holiday Magic

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This guide was first written by Robbie Bulus in 2019 and was updated in 2021 and 2022 with additional information by Dusty Sage and 2023 by Natalie Kipper.

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