Disneyland 2023: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning a Disneyland visit in 2023 you might be wondering what is different. We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know about visiting each of the Anaheim California theme parks in 2023. We’ve got tips for Disneyland and California Adventure – plus what is open and what is closed.

What are the Rules for Disneyland in 2023?

Travel changed dramatically in 2020 and Disneyland is changing too. Here are some of the ways visiting Disneyland in 2023 is different:

• Park reservation system. Anyone holding a valid park ticket must also make a Disneyland park reservation.
• Advance ticket purchase. Disneyland new ticket sales are open and there was a price increase.
• Park Hopping. Available daily after 1 pm for those holding Park Hopper passes.
• Face coverings are optional but recommended for guests in all indoor locations. They are required for all guests (ages 2 and older), regardless of vaccination status, in certain indoor health settings, such as in First Aid.

  

What Kind of Face Covering is Required at Disneyland?

Disneyland is also very specific on the type of facial covering that is permitted: no gaiters, costume masks, bandannas or masks with a valve or holes.

Face coverings must consist of 2 or more layers of breathable material that secure with a tie or ear loops. They must fit snugly against the face to completely cover the nose, mouth and chin.

Disneyland Tickets 2023: Changes and Things to Know

A lot happened in the world of Disneyland tickets in 2021. Disneyland’s Annual Passholder program was discontinued and a new program, Disneyland Magic Key, debuted in August 2021.

Prices increased on all ticket tiers except for Tier 1. A new tier, Tier 6, was added to cover the busiest days of the year.

Where to Buy Disneyland Tickets

She Buys Travel recommends Get Away Today for discounted Disneyland tickets and vacation packages. Book your hotel reservations with Get Away Today now to lock in travel dates. With Disneyland ticket sales now open, Get Away Today can add these to your hotel package.

Get Away Today also offers price monitoring and a complimentary concierge service that’s invaluable to travelers during pandemic times.

After you buy your tickets, someone from Get Away Today will reach out to answer any of your Disneyland vacation questions or help you create and book your itinerary.

Park Reservations are Required at Disneyland

Just like in Walt Disney World, park reservations are required. One nice thing about Disneyland is that you can purchase your tickets and make your reservations at the same time! If you already have tickets be sure to reserve your dates ASAP. You can check the calendar for availability.

Both an advance park reservation and valid ticketed admission for the same park on the same date are required for anyone age 3 and up. Park Hopping between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park is allowed beginning at 1 pm each day.

“its a small world” at Disneyland. Photo credit: Julie Bigboy

More Changes for Disneyland in 2023

Similar to the Disney World changes, these are the modifications that guests have seen at Disneyland since the reopening:

• Limited capacity of guests allowed inside parks by utilizing park reservations.
• Early Entry is available for guests staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel.
• FASTPASS and Disney MaxPass have been replaced with Disney Genie Service.
• Touchless transactions is recommended. Disneyland is encouraging guests to use debit, credit and gift cards rather than cash for purchases and to use mobile ordering for quick service meals. You’ll be able to use gift cards to pay via the Disneyland app under a change to the system.

Disneyland Resort Changes in 2023: What is Still Missing

Certain attractions are still missing in 2023. Here’s what’s currently still closed:

• Some attractions that generally draw large crowds. This includes some parades, performances, live indoor shows, fireworks and nighttime spectaculars. But many of these are being phased in. For example, Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession in the Disney California Adventure Park is scheduled to return in January 2024.
• Children’s play areas, including those in Mickey’s Toontown like Goofy’s Playhouse and Mickey’s House. These are scheduled to reopen March 19, 2023.

Which Disneyland and Disney California Rides Will Be Open?

Most rides and attractions are open and operating. These closures can certainly alter plans for your vacation so be sure to check the Disneyland website calendar before your visit to verify which attractions are available or down for refurbishment.

Where Can I See Disney Characters at Disneyland?

Popular Disney characters are making appearances in and around the parks. You can meet your favorite characters and take photos with them. 

Guests can expect to spot Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto near Main Street USA. I saw Anna and Elsa from Frozen at the Carthay Circle fountain and Disney princesses chatting with guests in Fantasy Faire.

Character Dining is also back! 

What’s NEW at Disneyland 2023?

There is a lot that is new now that Disneyland has reopened. While most of these adjustments are procedural, some are exciting changes everyone should be looking forward to.

During my visit on opening day weekend, the park was brighter than ever, with new paint and bright floral displays!

Snow White’s Enchanted Wish

Disney completely remodeled this Fantasyland attraction during the closure. Replacing Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Snow White’s Enchanted Wish is a new dark ride with a re-imagined look, updated technology and a happier ending.

I was able to ride Snow White’s Enchanted Wish on opening day. The more complete story line, enhanced visuals and sweet details make it a can’t miss. Definitely check the Disneyland app throughout the day of your visit to monitor wait times on this new attraction.

Improved Mobile Ordering at Disneyland

I’m a huge fan of mobile ordering. They’ve expanded the quick-service locations using the app.

New to this program, guests will be able to use a gift card as payment. For Magic Key pass holders that had their pass scanned into the Disneyland app, the applicable membership discount will still apply to dining purchases. The discount will apply automatically to your total in app.

Avengers Campus

Avengers Campus is a new Disney California Adventure land that opened to guests on June 4th, 2021. This highly anticipated Marvel-themed area includes WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure ride, character meet ‘n greet locations and new quick service dining.

How Does Shopping Work Now?

Disneyland souvenir shopping remains a popular part of the travel experience. There are a few changes to be aware of. This includes limited capacity inside some stores. Other smaller shops, like the Silhouette Studio, remain closed at this time.

Lockers are available in all locations at Disneyland now, making storing your purchases a little bit easier.

Disneyland Resort Hotel Reopenings

Disneyland reopened resort hotels in phases. At this time all are reopened.

• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa– hotel.
• Disney Vacation Club Villas.
• Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.
• Disneyland Hotel.

All Disneyland Resort hotels are operating at limited capacity.

Read More: Consider one of these 15 off-property Disneyland hotels for your next trip