Just in case you didn’t know, I’m a total Disney geek. Not much can stop me from my annual visit. When I was in grade school, my parents would take me out of school for a “doctors appointment”; after all, a day at Disneyland is just what the doctor ordered.

When I had my daughter, it gave me an excuse to finally head to Disney World, take a Disney cruise, and spend a week with my parents at Disneyland Paris. When I skied in Japan, I checked out Tokyo DisneySea.

While I nursed a cracked metatarsal, I scooted my knee scooter to Disneyland. When I broke my leg, I got the electric kind and cruised between Disneyland and California Adventure like it was a ride in itself.

I went to Disney World during the pandemic, right after it reopened, just to see what that was like.

Time To Celebrate Disney100

Disney has been there for me. So I’m excited to be there for them as they celebrate 100 years of storytelling. This year, Disneyland kicks off “Disney100.”

Disney100 Special Look

The official Disney100 celebration kicked off this past January 27, 2023, at Disneyland but the party will eventually spread to Walt Disney World Resort April 3 and other international Disney Parks. With the fanfare comes new nighttime entertainment, “The Magic Happens” parade and a new fireworks show, along with special character costumes, décor, food, drink and merch. The newly reimagined Mickey’s Toontown is now open and there’s also the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway ride that just opened. (I did that one at Disney World. It’s fun but would be better if there were hidden stories within the story so that each time you ride, it’s different.)

Disney100 Difference

Because there is no standard color for a 100-year anniversary, Disneyland Resort will be decked in platinum from the banners and bunting on Sleeping Beauty Castle to platinum statues and medallions throughout the resort. Even Mickey and Minnie mouse will host shimmering new looks for Disney100.

The coolest thing of all -at least for me- will be the Disney 100 Years of Wonder at the Disney Gallery on Main Street. The new installation will be filled with Disney images, original artwork, and animated exhibits that helped bring Walt Disney’s vision to life. These features will show us how Disney animated films transitioned from screen to Disneyland Resort attractions, park experiences, and beyond. There’s a museum like this at Disney World and there’s never enough time to explore these treasures of Disney magic.

Also, during the celebration EVERY TICKETED guest will get to download their ride photos for free!

What to Eat at Disney100

Disney.com graciously provided a (nearly) complete list of all of the Disney100 specialty treats:

Disneyland Park

Alien Pizza Planet 

• Lemon Tea Cake: Lemon curd, lemon zest glaze, and a fresh slice of lemon (New) 

Blue Bayou Restaurant 

• Celebration Cake: Pecan brownie, chocolate truffle mousse, red berries, and milk chocolate mousse glazed with chocolate ganache and topped with a star (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen and Pooh Corner (Available beginning Jan. 27)

• Minnie Apple (New)
• Minnie Cake Pop (New)

Galactic Grill (Available beginning Jan. 27)

• Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New) 
• Old-Fashioned Cream Soda: Sprite, cherry, and blue cotton candy gourmet syrup served frozen and topped with whipped cream and purple pixie dust (Glow cube available) (New) 

Hungry Bear Restaurant 

• Potato & Cheddar Cheeseburger: 1/3 lb angus chuck patty, green chile, and bacon cheddar sauce with spicy crispy potato planks on a brioche bun (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
• Lemon Chiffon Pie: Classic lemon chiffon pie with graham cracker crust topped with vanilla chantilly cream (New) 

Jolly Holiday Bakery Café 

• Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27) 
• Lemon Tea Cake: Lemon curd, lemon zest glaze, and a fresh slice of lemon (New) 
• Mr. Banks Shortbread Tart: Caramel and chocolate ganache in a shortbread tart, purple-colored white chocolate mousse, sea salt, edible silver stars, and silver crunch pearls (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27) 

Refreshment Corner (Available beginning Jan. 27)

• Violet Pretzel: Cream cheese-filled pretzel drizzled with salted vanilla cream and lavender sugar (New) 
• Sparkling Grape: Sprite with grape syrup topped with a candy strip (New) 

Town Square Churro and Tomorrowland Churro (Available beginning Jan. 27)

• Disney100 Churro rolled in cherry sugar drizzled with white icing and topped with purple and silver pearls (New)

Disney California Adventure Park

Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta

• French Onion Dip Pizza: Mozzarella, Gruyère, caramelized onion, and sliced roast beef served with a side of beef au jus (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
• Lemon Chiffon Pie: Classic lemon chiffon pie with graham cracker crust topped with vanilla chantilly cream (New) 

Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff and Trolley Treats (Available beginning Jan. 27)

• Minnie Apple (New)
• Minnie Cake Pop (New)

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (Available beginning Jan. 27)

• SNICKERS Sundae: Butter-pecan ice cream topped with chocolate shell, caramel sauce, whipped cream, chopped peanuts, and SNICKERS bar pieces served in a waffle cup (New) 

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café (Available beginning Jan. 27)

• Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New)

Flo’s V-8 Café

• Lemon Chiffon Pie: Classic lemon chiffon pie with graham cracker crust topped with vanilla chantilly cream (New) 

Hollywood Lounge 

• Platinum Blue: Rum, blue curaçao, DOLE pineapple and sour mix (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
• Old-Fashioned Cream Soda: Sprite, cherry, and blue cotton candy gourmet syrup served frozen and topped with whipped cream and purple pixie dust (Glow cube available) (New) 

Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining and Lamplight Lounge (Available beginning Jan. 27)

• Disney100 Cocktail: Empress Gin, pea flower, honey, lavender, and lemon juice garnished with an edible flower (New) 

Magic Key Terrace (Available beginning Jan. 27)

• Celebration Cake: Pecan brownie, chocolate truffle mousse, red berries, and milk chocolate mousse glazed with chocolate ganache and topped with a star (New) 

Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart 

• Lemon Tea Cake: Lemon curd, lemon zest glaze, and a fresh slice of lemon (New)

Pacific Wharf Café (Available beginning Jan. 27)

• Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New)

Schmoozies (Available beginning Jan. 27)

• Steamboat Willie Shake: Cookies & cream shake with whipped topping and chocolate creme-filled cookie ears (New) 

Sonoma Terrace (Available beginning Jan. 27)

• Prickly Paloma: Tequila, prickly pear and grapefruit ginger beer (New) 

• Disney100 Magic Key Refillable Popcorn Bucket (New) Available at the following: 
  • Popcorn Carts on Buena Vista Street, Grizzly Peak, and Pixar Pier 

When To Go To Disney100

Disneyland hasn’t announced an end date yet but those in the know are predicting that it could last through the first half of 2024, giving you enough time to plan your vacation. If you can avoid summer break and school holidays, you might avoid the crushing crowds of late but sometimes you don’t have a choice. If you want more info on best times to travel, best deals to be had, and where to stay, head over to Get Away Today. The girls there have all the answers that are out there right now. Plus, they can hook you up with that “buy 4 days, get an extra day free ticket deal” or a free hotel night.