Disney100 Kicks-off in January 2023: What You Need to Know

Plus New Disney PhotoPass Lenses and More Disney Travel News

Disney100 Celebrations will Kick-Off in January 2023, plus new PhotoPass lenses, Disney Destination Gatherings and new dining reopens at Disney Aulani, Hawaii. These stories plus hotel refurbishments at Walt Disney World and more of the latest Disney travel news.

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Disney100 Celebration Begins on January 27, 2023

The Disney100 anniversary celebration will officially kick off on January 27, 2023 at Disneyland Resort with special limited-time offerings taking place for all of 2023.

Starting January 27, Disneyland will get new platinum-infused décor across the resort, including new sparkling looks for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals, along with special food and beverage offerings, merchandise and more. Sleeping Beauty Castle will be adorned with platinum banners and bunting, accented by an array of polished gems featuring Flora, Fauna and Merryweather -- who will illuminate the castle with shimmering pixie dust. Two water fountains will grace either side of the castle moat, while a wishing star will sparkle from the tower above.

World of Color – One at Disney California Adventure Park is a new version that will celebrate the storytelling legacy of Walt Disney. It will tell a new story of how a single action, like a drop of water, creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change. The show will feature a new song: Start a Wave. 

Disneyland Park will feature Wondrous Journeys, a new nighttime spectacular. It will have nods to every Walt Disney Animation Studios film so far. It will continue to build on the park’s projection effects, turning Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, the façade of it’s a small world and the Rivers of America into an artist’s canvas that brings characters to life. On select nights, Wondrous Journeys will go even bigger with the addition of fireworks above Disneyland. This show will also feature a new song: It’s Wondrous.

Even though Mickey’s Toontown isn't opening until spring 2023, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction will open early to kick off Disney100 on January 27. 

Disney PhotoPass Lenses Now Available at Disneyland along with more features in the Disneyland App

Disney Genie+ now includes Disney PhotoPass Lenses in the Disneyland app – some of which are unique to Disneyland Resort. The app also offers the car locator, mobile checkout, cast compliments and more

Aulani's Signature Dining Experience, ‘AMA‘AMA, Returns with a New, Locally-inspired Menu

Friday October 14 is the reopening date for ‘AMA‘AMA, the signature restaurant at Disney Aulani.

The newly reimagined fine-dining experience offers a four-course, prix fixe dinner menu that pays homage to the spirit of Hawai‘i, with unique flavors, quality ingredients and locally sourced fish and produce.

New Disney Destination Gatherings Helps Groups Reclaim Lost Time, Experiences Together

Disney has pulled together a collection of Disney experiences specifically designed for groups – from family reunions and weddings to school trips and conventions – under a whole new brand called Disney Destination Gatherings.

Disney Destination Gatherings brings together three different group-travel experiences specifically to meet the needs of those who plan meetings, social events, weddings and student-group travel:

Disney Meetings & Events
With a meticulous approach to every need, Disney professionals bring the Disney difference to conferences, association meetings, incentive programs, social events and corporate meetings at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, and aboard Disney Cruise Line ships.

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons
For three decades, engagements, weddings, honeymoons, and vow renewals have come to life in magical ways thanks to the pixie dust that Disney brings to each celebratory event held at Walt Disney World Resort; Disneyland Resort; Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa; or aboard Disney Cruise Line ships.

Disney Imagination Campus
Workshops offered at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts include immersive hands-on learning so students from elementary through high school and college can build their skill sets and prepare for life’s adventures.

With Disney Destination Gatherings, Disney aims to bring people together with unforgettable experiences. Whether a group gathers at a Disney theme park, resort, or aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship, Disney will help to create shared memories and meaningful moments together. 

Walt Disney World Refurbishment Update: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Some of the resort rooms in the Trinidad area of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort will be receiving a brand-new look and feel. These new rooms, which will include subtle nods to fan-favorite characters from under the sea, will accommodate more guests and feature updated finishings that can’t be found anywhere else at the resort.

Refurbishment work began on October 3 and will reopen at some point in 2023.

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Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic