Celebrate Disneyland's 100 years with a perfect park getaway
A century of rides and mouse-shaped treats
It turns out happiness does have an address. And it's lived at 1313 Disneyland Drive for exactly 100 years.
In 2023, Disneyland is celebrating its 100th birthday. Walt Disney got the idea while watching his daughters ride the carousel at Griffith Park back in 1923. He wanted to create a friendly space where both children and their parents could find a little amusement and plenty of cheer. And his land continues to deliver on that promise a century down the line. Just ask Disneyland Ambassador Nataly Guzman.
“I didn't realize what a lucky childhood I had,” Guzman shares. “I assumed everybody lived 30 minutes away from Disneyland.”
Growing up, Guzman and her family would make regular trips to the park, typically around major celebrations like milestone birthdays. It became a core part of what she calls her “best childhood memories.” But to hear her tell it, it wasn’t just the big attractions like Space Mountain that gave her joy—it was all those little magical moments a day at the park provides.
“There was nothing like finding a great spot for the parade and eating a churro while waiting for it,” Guzman says. “That's just something that I still like to do today.”
And yet Guzman doesn’t just come to the park to recreate old memories or revisit favorites. She’s also a fan of exploring the park’s new experiences. That includes re-imagined lands like Toontown, all-new parades and shows, and brand-new rides like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
“It's the first time that we have a ride attraction featuring Mickey and Minnie in Disneyland's history,” Guzman explains. “It’s a perfect way to celebrate.”
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When asked the emotion she feels when she enters the park, even after spending a lifetime visiting and working at Disneyland, Guzman chose a surprising word: “Hope.”
“Disneyland was created by Walt Disney to be this pocket of pure happiness and joy. And I love the idea that it exists in the world so that you can come, you can experience that joy, experience that happiness, and hopefully, let some of that magic seep out from beyond the gates,” she says. “'Cause if the world was like Disneyland, it'd be a much better place.”
In this edition of The WeekEnder, we’re returning to Disneyland to visit all our favorite attractions, old and new, to celebrate a full century of joy and hope.
—Stacey Leasca, SoCal’s Senior WeekEnder Guide
Editor’s Note: Stay up to date on weather alerts.
Things to do
Celebrate 100 years of Disney with revamped favorites and brand-new adventures.
Zip down Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Hard to believe this is the first ride at any Disney park to feature Mickey Mouse and his friends. But that’s what makes the classic thrill ride, located inside Toontown, the perfect salute to 100 years of Disneyland. Hop aboard Mickey’s sporty roadster as he and Minnie drive off for a lovely picnic, only to find themselves on Goofy’s runaway railway. There are lots of twists, turns, and drops, but don’t worry for your little ones; the ride is rated friendly for pre-schoolers and up.
Explore the reimagined Mickey's Toontown
In March, Disneyland unveiled the newly revamped Toontown, a neighborhood that the littlest park visitors can enjoy together with adults. The town includes plenty of green spaces for relaxing, along with a ton of sensory experiences so visitors can feel as if they’ve stepped into Mickey’s animated world. Don’t miss Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard, which comes with a sound garden so you (and, sure, yeah, your kids, too) can explore every whimsical sound of Disney.
Snag a seat for the "Magic Happens" Parade
True Disneyland fans will be happy to see the Magic Happens Parade make its triumphant return after a three-year hiatus. The parade includes all the classic Disney characters, with Mickey Mouse leading the charge, alongside newer favorites like Moana and Coco, all on hand to sing original Disney scores, plus new hits by Todrick Hall. Catch the parade at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Uncover Disney history at The Disney Gallery
Here’s a place to slow down and absorb a full century of Disney history. The Disney 100 Years of Wonder exhibit tells the story of Disneyland and the neighboring Disney California Adventure Park, including all the rides that have inspired feature films (we’re looking at you, Pirates of the Caribbean). It’s an exhibit best suited for adults that’ll be wowed by the park’s backstory. (And hey, if you’re in an adults-only group, make your next stop Disneyland’s first bar, Oga's Cantina, and you can raise a glass to those early days.)
Get a New Look at Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
If you’re planning to visit the park after June 15, you’re in luck. That’s when Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride reopens following a short refurbishment. But don’t worry,the premise of the ride will remain the same: You hop aboard your carriage to careen past massive bookstacks in the library and hurtle through the fireplace, before whizzing out the window and into the pasture outside. Once you’re airborne, the ride keeps going, as you dodge flying pies, sheep, and even an explosion. While this ride is most certainly light-hearted it’s best to have the littlest kids skip this one.
Stay Late for World of Color—ONE
In our humble opinion, Disneyland only gets better after dark. World of Color—ONE, its new nighttime spectacular, honors Disney’s rich storytelling past with a light- and water-filled extravaganza featuring moments from Disney flicks. Catch references from The Lion King, The Avengers, and other Disney hits. Check out the show at Disney California Adventure Park at varying times throughout the evening, but usually at both 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. (But consult the schedule to make sure you don’t miss out.)
Things to eat
Dig into Mouse-shaped treats from sunup to sundown.
For a morning jolt, Docking Bay 7
Get a coffee that’s (almost literally) out of this world at Docking Bay 7. Located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Docking Bay 7 is a sci-fi fantasy cafe that serves food all day to hungry rebel fighters traveling from all corners of the galaxy. However, its breakfast treats may be its best—especially its hyper-speed cold brew coffee. It comes topped with sweet cream and Cocoa Puffs, making it a 2-for-1 coffee and breakfast.
For a toontastic lunch, Café Daisy
Find lunch, dinner, or a pitstop snack in Toontown by stopping in at this cafe. While the menu here covers a bit of everything, with garden salad wraps and hot dogs on offer, along with sides of tater tots and fries, the real star here is its pizza flop-overs—massive slices so large, they have to be pre-folded over to eat. Grab a cheesy flop or one topped with pepperoni for a kick. Also good to know: Daisy is open well after sunset, perfect for late-night snack attacks.
For a bit of fresh air, Good Boy! Grocers
Make the most of Toontown’s glorious green spaces with a quick stop at Good Boy! The “grocery” store offers the Perfect Picnic Basket, which comes stacked with picnic-ready treats, including fruit, snacking cheeses, a yogurt smoothie, Goldfish, fig-and-granola bars, a juice box, and water. Just don’t forget to BYOB—bring your own blanket—for the lawn.
For a bigger bite, Earl of Sandwich
Looking for something a bit more substantial to pack in your picnic basket? Make a pitstop at the Earl of Sandwich, found in Downtown Disney. The shop bakes all of its bread in-house, a gourmet touch for theme-park fare. Guests can craft a sandwich out of its massive selection of cheeses, meats, veggies, and sauces, or go for one of its set menu items. You can’t go wrong with the Original 1766, made with roast beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and horseradish sauce. Of course, no trip to Disneyland is complete without a little dessert. That includes its famed Dole Whip, which can be found at the Tiki Juice Bar. The frozen pineapple treat will cool you down and give you just the right amount of sugar rush to keep your park adventure going.
For a sitdown meal, Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Giddy-up, Partner! Make your way to the Roundup Rodeo BBQ, in Toy Story Land, where you can dig into shared platters, including house-smoked BBQ with ribs, brisket, and fire-grilled pork. Or for a meat-free option, order a plant-based platter with “Combat Carloflower” alongside faux bratwurst and ribs. Even better, you’ll be surrounded by Bo Peep, Mr. Potato Head, and of course, Woody and Buzz Lightyear as you dig in.
Places to stay
Find a getaway fit for a prince or princess close to the park.
For a classic stay, Disneyland Hotel
Pay homage to the park’s past, present, and future with a stay at the Disneyland Hotel. The hotel offers three towers: Adventure, Fantasy, and Frontier, each designed to reflect the park’s distinct areas, with decor to match. No matter which tower you choose, you’ll be treated to rooms with plenty of whimsical touches, including light-up Sleeping Beauty Castle headboards and Disney artwork on every wall. Plus all the amenities you’d expect from a well-rated hotel from kitchenettes in its studios and villas to themed pools complete with waterslides, and early admission to the park.
For a relaxing escape, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Those long Disneyland days are exciting, but they can also leave you drained, which is why this hotel and spa makes the perfect pairing. Recharge by booking a treatment at the Tenaya Stone Spa, or just relax in the luxury rooms, which come with plush bedding and park views. Families can also consider booking its one, two, or three-bedroom suites, which come with separate bedrooms and sitting areas for plenty of space to spread out.
For even more entertainment, Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel
Keep the good times going by booking a room at the Paradise Pier Hotel. This hotel, which sits just steps from the park, is home to several pools, a rooftop viewing area for park fireworks, and even a private theater for Disney-movie showings. Its proximity to the park also means visitors can go back and forth with ease. (A park entrance is located just across the street.) Guests can even book early entry into both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park at the front desk.
For a more adult-friendly stay, JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort
Adults visiting Disneyland can find a calm oasis at the JW Marriott. Though it’s not exclusively adults-only, the JW offers a sophisticated atmosphere, refined amenities, and fewer kid-themed bells and whistles, making it attractive to the kid-free crowd who want to hop in and out of the park, and maybe sit poolside instead for the afternoons. The hotel also offers several serene spaces, like its yoga and meditation rooms, a garden, and pool cabanas when you need a break from the Disney mania.