Why You Should Avoid Disneyland on January 27th

The Walt Disney Company turns 100 years old this year!

©Disney

And who knows how to throw a party better than Disney? The celebrations are gearing up and we’ve already seen a few sneak peeks and heard details about what we can expect from the festivities. But, exciting events can often mean a LOT of people heading to the parks to check it out, so we’re sharing why you might want to AVOID Disneyland on January 27th!

At the 2022 D23 Expo, Disney shared that a 100th Anniversary Celebration would be taking place in 2023! The Walt Disney Company was founded on October 16th, 1923, and will mark a “historic and unprecedented milestone.” The 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company will celebrate Disney 100 Years of Wonder! It all kicks off in Disneyland on January 27th.

©Disney

We’ve already seen quite a few 100th anniversary merchandise items pop up in the parks and online, and we’re eager to see if Disney releases any special treats or other experiences for the event! So far, we do know that not one — but TWO new shows will be premiering in Disneyland Resort as part of the celebration.

100th Anniversary Ears

First, over in Disneyland Park, Wondrous Journeys will debut that will celebrate 100 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios storytelling with projections, music, and fireworks (on select nights). It’ll last around 13 minutes. There will be “state-of-the-art projection effects” that surround guests with sketches and animations, special lighting effects. and more. On select nights, the show will also have the addition of fireworks! PLUS one scene will feature Baymax flying above the castle!

©Disney

And then, over at Disney California Adventure, World of Color — One will premiere in front of Pixar Pier. This show will again celebrate 100 years of Disney storytelling. The show will have moments from fan-favorite films including The Lion King, Soul, Moana, and others. It’ll last around 24 minutes.

In this nighttime show, Disney will use the “magic of water” and “favorite Disney stories” to illustrate how influential one person can be on their community and the world at large. The show will include scenes from Star Wars, Encanto, Mulan, and more Disney stories.

©Disney

If the first day of Disney’s 100th Anniversary is anything like the kickoff to Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, we can expect LOTS of crowds and high wait times in the parks. With exclusive merchandise collections most likely dropping, special snacks potentially on the horizon, and new shows to check out — there’s a good chance that both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure will be pretty crowded!

For now, the Park Pass Reservation calendar is showing full availability for Disneyland, but that could change as the day gets closer. If you plan on heading to Disneyland on January 27th, make sure you book your park passes soon and you pack your patience!