2023 is coming to an end making way for the new new year. With that comes looking ahead to what will be offered in 2024 at Disney theme parks. Disneyland made that significantly easier for us as they released their event schedule for the calendar year. In this post, we’ll share information about all of those events and give a little bit of commentary about them. First, to the news!

Guests of all ages have so much to look forward to in 2024, no matter when you plan to visit. From the resort-wide Pixar Fest celebration to favorite festivals like the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, the return of “Fantasmic!” and much more, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Along with that, there are a few openings coming throughout the year. Those include Pixar Place Hotel opening Jan. 30, the upcoming attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the continued transformation of the Downtown Disney District.

Here’s a bit more about what’s to come.

This is some of the worst concept art I’ve ever seen but don’t let that scare you away. Pixar Fest returns to the Disneyland Resort from April 26 through Aug. 4, 2024, bringing us together for a celebration of friendship and beyond. From colorful décor and themed menu items to commemorative merchandise, the Disneyland Resort theme parks, hotels and Downtown Disney District will have a Pixar twist of friendly fun for a limited time.

This festival of friendship is highlighted by heartwarming entertainment featuring Pixar stories. An all-new daytime parade, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!”, will debut at Disney California Adventure park, and at Disneyland park, the emotional “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” returns with some all-new scenes. During the celebration, you may encounter new characters such as Ember and Wade from “Elemental,” Red Panda Mei from “Turning Red” and more. Additional entertainment and offerings will be announced at a later date.

Disney Festivals and Limited-Time Celebrations

Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park (Jan. 23-Feb. 18): A tribute to Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions, this multicultural celebration rings in the Year of the Dragon with Asian-inspired food and beverages, vibrant décor and Mushu leading the way in “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession.”

Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland Park (Feb. 17 and 24): Performing at the Fantasyland Theatre, the 2024 “Celebrate Gospel” concerts will be headlined by Marvin Sapp (Feb. 17) and Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Feb. 24). “Celebrate Gospel” is an annual tribute to Gospel music that brings together award-winning music artists and community choirs from across Southern California.

Anaheim Ducks Days at Disney California Adventure Park (Feb. 22-23): In celebration of the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club’s 30^th anniversary, Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Ducks team up for a two-day event in Hollywood Land, including a celebratory cavalcade, fan zone with themed activities and photo opportunities, plus appearances by select current and legacy team players.

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (March 1-April 22): The gastronomic extravaganza serves up creative foods and beverages, cooking demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment inspired by the diverse cultures and cuisines of the Golden State. The popular attraction, Soarin’ Over California, also returns for a limited time during the festival. 

Season of the Force at Disneyland Park (April 5-June 2): Season of the Force arrives at Disneyland park with Hyperspace Mountain and specially themed food and beverage, merchandise and more for a limited time. Debuting during the celebration, you’ll be able to embark on new adventures aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will provide fresh perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland park, with galactic music sweeping through the spires. I’m slightly confused about how this conflicts with Pixar Fest but time will tell!

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort (Aug. 23-Oct. 31): Wicked fun for all ages, this spellbinding season transforms the resort with autumn décor, characters dressed in hauntingly haute Halloween outfits and uniquely themed attractions.

Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park (Aug. 23-Nov. 2): The everlasting bonds of family and Mexican traditions of Día de los Muertos are honored through a cultural experience featuring storytelling and music from Pixar’s “Coco.”

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (Begins Nov. 15): Family and friends can celebrate the season with the lively Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure, plus seasonal overlays on beloved attractions, cherished holiday spectaculars and dazzling wintry décor throughout the resort.

You may also choose to attend a fan-favorite after-hours event scheduled in 2024. These themed, separately ticketed events include pre-party park mix-in, shorter wait times for select attractions, unlimited select Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the event, and more.

Disneyland After Dark (select nights from January through June): Disneyland park will host four themed soirées packed with unique entertainment, rare character encounters and distinctive menus of sweet treats and savory snacks. Specific details on this year’s Disneyland After Dark themes and events will be shared very soon – so be sure to check back to the Disney Parks Blog!

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party* (Returning in 2024): Disney California Adventure park will throw family-friendly Halloween parties including immersive treat trails, rare character sightings and unique entertainment. For this spirited occasion, you are invited to dress up in your favorite Halloween costume.*

The reimagined Pixar Place Hotel opens Jan. 30, 2024, marking the official transformation of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel into the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States. The 15-story hotel overlooking Disney California Adventure park will offer Pixar-themed guest rooms, new dining featuring Great Maple restaurant, a rooftop pool area, play court and more.

Beginning May 24, the nighttime spectacular “Fantasmic!” will once again illuminate the Rivers of America in Disneyland park, featuring new special effects, a thrilling new battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent, plus the return of the iconic “Peter Pan” scene. In this treasured show, fantastic events and images from Disney stories come to life through soaring music, dozens of live performers, character appearances and state-of-the-art projections.

When the new attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuts at Disneyland park later in 2024, you’ll get to embark on a musical journey inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog.”

The evolution of the Downtown Disney District continues to take shape with the openings of Paseo and Céntrico, serving Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, and Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles, in 2024. Shops and restaurants in the area will also continue to offer new must-have merchandise and menu items to discover. Musical entertainment, activities and events make the newly opened Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn on the district’s west end an ideal location for gathering and relaxation.

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