{"id":8706631,"date":"2023-01-05T04:46:36","date_gmt":"2023-01-05T12:46:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/?p=8706631&preview=true&preview_id=8706631"},"modified":"2023-01-05T04:57:10","modified_gmt":"2023-01-05T12:57:10","slug":"how-to-plan-a-disneyland-trip-for-the-disney100-celebration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2023\/01\/05\/how-to-plan-a-disneyland-trip-for-the-disney100-celebration\/","title":{"rendered":"How to plan a Disneyland trip for the Disney100 celebration"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Walt Disney Co. is set to turn 100 years old this year, and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is celebrating with new shows and a Mickey-themed attraction across its two theme parks: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Both parks will also be decked out with new decor.<\/p>\n

Festivities officially begin on Jan. 27. And though it might feel like you need a fairy godmother to plan (or pay for) your visit, there are plenty of ways to maximize your time and money to see the new attractions.<\/p>\n

In the morning<\/h4>\n

Many of Disney\u2019s popular characters have their own rides, so it\u2019s only fitting that Mickey Mouse should finally get one of his own. Mickey & Minnie\u2019s Runaway Railway will open on Jan. 27 as a dark ride.<\/p>\n

Len Testa, president of Disney vacation planning website Touring Plans, recommends lining up at the \u201crope drop,\u201d which is when the park opens, to beat the crowds.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only way to avoid a long wait for Runaway Railway will be to arrive at the park early \u2014 at least an hour before the park\u2019s scheduled opening time,\u201d Testa says. \u201cThen you\u2019ll be at the head of the pack rushing to Runaway Railway first thing in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

The rest of the renovated Mickey\u2019s Toontown land will reopen on March 8. If you have toddlers who would enjoy the kiddie roller coaster or new play areas, plan your Disney100 trip for the spring or later in the year.<\/p>\n

Pick a view spot<\/h4>\n

The short-lived Magic Happens parade is returning on Feb. 24 after a hiatus due to the pandemic. This rendition of the parade features characters from newer movies, including \u201cFrozen 2\u201d and \u201cMoana.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook for spots at least an hour before if you want an unobstructed viewing spot in front of the crowd,\u201d Testa says.<\/p>\n

While he says any spot along the parade route is fine, photographers should prioritize Main Street, U.S.A. or the park\u2019s central hub in front of the castle for better backgrounds.<\/p>\n

Beci Mahnken, founder and CEO of travel agency MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel, prioritizes crowd avoidance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI prefer the area near It\u2019s a Small World or Pixie Hollow, where it\u2019s less crowded and you may even find a bench if you arrive early enough,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Stay late<\/h4>\n

Disneyland will debut a nighttime show called Wondrous Journeys on Jan. 27 with a new song and projections around the park. Baymax, the inflatable robot from the film \u201cBig Hero 6,\u201d will star in the show, taking flight through the skies around Sleeping Beauty Castle. Not every performance of Wondrous Journeys will include fireworks, but these less dazzling shows will probably be less crowded, too. If you want to see fireworks, you\u2019ll have to go on the weekend or a peak night during the spring or summer, according to an email with a spokesperson for Disney.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best spot to view fireworks is in the central hub with a clear view of the castle and the sky above Disneyland,\u201d says Testa.<\/p>\n

At Disneyland\u2019s sister park, California Adventure, the iconic water show, World of Color, is set for a refresh as well. The new show is called World of Color \u2013 One.<\/p>\n

Make reservations<\/h4>\n

Maximizing your time \u2014 and money \u2014 at Disney begins long before you arrive at the park. First, you\u2019ll have to figure out when you\u2019re going to visit and what kind of ticket to buy. Keep the opening dates of the new attractions in mind.<\/p>\n

Park Hopper tickets allow you to access two parks in a single day, and they\u2019re more expensive per day than the alternate one-park-per-day ticket. If you only have one day to visit both parks, then Park Hopper is the only way to visit both. It\u2019ll put you back at least $169 for one-day, two-park adult admission. But if you have at least two days, it\u2019s sometimes cheaper to get a one-park-per-day ticket, which starts at $143 per day for two days of adult admission.<\/p>\n