Today, Tues 10 Jan 2023 (or Wed 11 Jan for all of us in the future), Disney Parks released some exciting news for lovers of Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World that will make 2023 truly magical for park-goers.
The past couple of years have been hard around the world, we all know why, resulting in restrictions on travel, decreased capacities at attractions, delays in constructions, and so much more. From the closure of parks around the world, to reopening with new park reservation systems to control capacities, delayed openings of rides and other attractions and scrapping of projects altogether, Disney was not immune either.
2022 marked a year of positive growth for Disney Parks, with progress on attractions, anniversaries (Walt Disney World's 50th birthday carrying on from 2021!) and capacities basically back to normal. It showed that travel was back and the world was responding with fervour.
Bring on 2023 - Disney is excited for the year ahead and the Disney100 celebrations for the 100 year anniversary of Walt Disney Studios. Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Josh D'Amaro, made a huge announcement for new and exciting, and returning attractions and deals to start 2023 off with bang at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World.
Disneyland Resort Updates
Festival Dates
Disney100 celebrations - from 27 Jan
Lunar New Year - 20 Jan-15 Feb
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival - 3 Mar-25 Apr
Attractions
"Magic Happens" Parade returning 24 Feb
Mickey's Toontown opens 8 Mar
"Wondrous Journeys" at Disneyland Park begins 27 Jan
"World of Color - ONE" at Disney California Adventure begins 27 Jan
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway opens 27 Jan
Increase in availability of US$104 ticket days!
The Disneyland Resort reservation calendar will offer nearly two months worth of $104 park ticket dates throughout 2023, which means additional opportunities to enjoy their lowest one-day, one-park ticket price while creating moments destined to become memories.
Park Hop earlier!
Beginning 4 Feb 2023, guests who enter a Disneyland Resort theme park with a Magic Key pass or a Park Hopper ticket may begin crossing over between the parks two hours earlier – starting at 11 a.m.! This means even more magic and more fun for your day as you enjoy the best of what both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park have to offer.
Complimentary Disney PhotoPass digital downloads!
As a "thank you" to Disneyland Resort guests for sticking with them, Disney is making Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads captured on any Disney PhotoPass available attraction during a park visit, complimentary for all ticketed park guests on the Disneyland app starting 4 Feb, throughout the Disney100 celebration at the Disneyland Resort.
More Magic Key availability
Disney Parks are making more Magic Key passes available for sale throughout the year as inventory becomes available. Demand for Magic Key passes has had an unprecedented increase since the parks reopened in 2021 and continually sell out. Magic Key Pass is Disneyland's version of an Annual Pass which provides reservation-based admission to one or both Disneyland Resort theme parks throughout the year – not to mention the chance to unlock the magic visit after visit! Pass availability will be updated on the Disneyland website.
Walt Disney World Updates
Festival Dates
Disney100 celebrations - throughout 2023
Attractions
"Happily Ever After" returning to Magic Kingdom 3 Apr
"EPCOT Forever" returning to EPCOT 3 Apr
TRON Lightcycle / Run opens 4 Apr
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opening late 2023
2023 Spring and Summer Hotel Savings
25% off rooms at select Disney Resort hotel for select dates
up to $750 Disney Dining Promo Card per room for booking a Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels ($750 card is available for 5-night, 4-day packages)
Complimentary self-parking for Hotel guests!
This perk has already come in effect so if you're on your way to WDW you're in luck! If you're staying onsite at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, Disney is bringing back complimentary overnight parking at your resort! So you no longer need to include hotel parking in your budget which means more money for souvenirs! As a reminder, Disney Resort hotel guests also continue to receive complimentary standard parking at Walt Disney World theme parks, daily early theme park entry (with valid admission and a park reservation) and complimentary on-site transportation options such as buses, monorails and Disney Skyliner.
Relaxed park reservation requirements for AP holders!
Walt Disney World Annual Pass holders will be able to enter the parks from 2pm without needing a park reservation, beginning in the next few months - a start date for this hasn't been released yet and will be communicated to AP holders in due time. This will enable the flexibility and spontaneity that AP holders love. Passholders will also receive access to Disney PhotoPass lenses and one complimentary Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories experience.
Complimentary attraction photo digital downloads!
All guests who have purchased the Disney Genie+ service will receive their attraction photos captured on eligible PhotoPass attractions on the day of their purchase for complimentary digital download! A date for this perk hasn't been released yet though Disney has said it will begin in the next few months. Attraction photos are taken while in the parks at more than a dozen of our most popular attractions including Space Mountain, Slinky Dog Dash, Test Track, Expedition Everest and more.
You can read more information and conditions etc on the Disney Parks blog for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World updates.