This month, Guests will be treated to a party within a party at the Disneyland Resort! Disney100 is already underway, with festivities continuing throughout 2023. Included are special entertainment offerings, a new ride, decor, an exhibit, food, and fun galore! In a few days, there will be even more to celebrate. Why, you ask? Because July 17th marks Disneyland’s 68th anniversary!
We have some information for you on what to expect for the big day.
The Happiest Place on Earth
Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, marking an incredible moment in time. Dedicated fans treasure iconic moments from the occasion, including Walt’s dedication speech, the Dateline Disneyland live television special, and famous Guests such as Ronald Reagan in attendance. All of Walt Disney’s dreams and hard work culminated in a day that forever changed the course of theme park history.
Disney100
Speaking of which, this year, Disney aficionados are being treated to another milestone celebration. Disney’s 100th anniversary (aka Disney100 or Disney 100 Years of Wonder/Disney’s Platinum Celebration) marks a century of The Walt Disney Company. After several ups and downs, young filmmaker Walt Disney’s perseverance paid off. On October 16, 1923, he and his brother Roy signed a contract for a series of Alice Comedies, and with that, the Walt Disney Company, formerly known as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, was born!
Here are some of the exciting events to enjoy during the Disney100 Celebration!
- Wondrous Journeys fireworks at Disneyland
- “World of Color – ONE” water spectacular at Disney California Adventure
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – a new family dark ride in ToonTown
- The return of the “Magic Happens” Parade at Disneyland
- Mickey’s Toontown (Reimagined) at the very back of Disneyland
- Disney100 Decor, including our favorite new element, water fountains in the castle moat
- The Disney Gallery Presents: Disney 100 Years of Wonder
- MagicBand+ Interactions at shows and some decorative elements in the parks and Downtown Disney
- New Eats, Treats, Merch and Souvenirs
Disneyland’s 68th Anniversary
Disneyland’s 68th Anniversary is Monday, July 17th! Cast Members kicked off the festivities with Disneyland’s annual Duck Races at “it’s a small world.” If you’ve never heard of this before, Cast Members gather at the attraction to race their decorated rubber ducks around the waterway. It’s quite a sight to behold! Several awards are given out after the event, including “Most Disney Themed,” “Most like Donald Duck” and “Your Role in the Show.”
As for what Guests can look forward to at Disneyland Resort this Monday for the 68th Anniversary, here’s what we know:
Disneyland 68th Anniversary Cavalcade
When Disney100 kicked off, Guests were treated to a celebratory cavalcade featuring the Sensational Six, along with Chip ‘n Dale! On Monday, July 17, 2023, a new, 68th-anniversary cavalcade starring Mickey Mouse and his pals will greet crowds. Additionally, the cavalcade will be joined by the Dapper Dans, the Disneyland Band and Disneyland Ambassadors to sing “Happy Birthday” to Disneyland. And of course, guests are invited to sing along! The celebratory cavalcade starts at 11:45am; you can watch the cavalcade show stops at the following locations:
- “it’s a small world”
- Main Street U.S.A.
- Town Square
Special Disneyland Birthday Treat
No birthday celebration would be complete without a sweet treat and Disneyland is serving up a tempting one. Head to Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe for the Disneyland Anniversary Donut, available for a limited time. Feast on a vanilla iced donut filled with cherry compote, topped with whipped topping, and chocolate sandwich cookies. Yummy! If this sounds like your jam, you can pick it up between July 15th and July 17th!
Don’t forget that “Rogers: The Musical” just debuted at Disney California Adventure Park. If you’re a Marvel fan, make sure to check out the show during its limited-time run through August 31st.
Disneyland Ticket & Travel Offers!
You can snag the latest Disney travel deals from our partners at Get Away Today – INCLUDING THE NEW CALIFORNIA TICKET OFFER:
The new California ticket offer is even cheaper if you get it from MiceChat and Get Away Today than those offered by Disneyland directly. The new 3-day ticket comes with options to add park-hopping, Genie+ and options for week-day only or weekends included.
Not a California resident? We have great deals for you too!
Check out the latest offers for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm, including new low hotel rates, extra days and nights for free, special perks, and a “4-Park Magic Ticket” to Walt Disney World:
- Disneyland California Resident Ticket Offer – HERE
- Book Discount theme park tickets, hotels, and exclusive packages – HERE
(MiceChat works with Get Away Today to provide you with the best theme park travel deals and we may make a small commission on any sales made through our links)
Let’s hear From You
Would you like to leave a thought or memory about Disneyland in honor of 68 years of entertaining guests? Will you be visiting Disneyland this coming week to celebrate its 68th anniversary? Let us know in the comments below!
Happy 68th birthday to the Happiest Place on Earth!
