We recently had the chance to attend D23 Day at Disneyland during our trip to Anaheim, California. While the official D23 Expo hadn’t started yet, Disney kicked off the excitement with a special day at the park, filled with unique offerings, fun experiences, and, of course, some of our favorite rides. Here’s a breakdown of our magical day exploring Disneyland during D23 Day!
Arriving at Disneyland for D23 Day
The day began with excitement as we headed into Disneyland for D23 Day at the park. The atmosphere was buzzing with Disney fans ready to celebrate. As part of the experience, I received special D23 credentials, including exclusive medallions commemorating the 70th anniversary of Disneyland. It was a fantastic way to start the day!
We also picked up a map outlining 23 recommended experiences and events happening throughout the park. From special character meet-and-greets to unique photo ops and merchandise, there was plenty to keep us entertained all day.
Kicking Off the Day at Haunted Mansion Holiday
Our first stop? Haunted Mansion Holiday, of course! Thanks to the virtual queue system, which is much easier to navigate on the West Coast, we were able to snag an early spot. The ride, featuring a mix of Halloween and Christmas décor, never disappoints. The gingerbread house inside the attraction had a fun Frankenstein theme, with rotating gingerbread heads that added to the spooky-fun atmosphere.
Pirates of the Caribbean: A Classic with a Twist
Next up was Pirates of the Caribbean. While this ride is similar to the one at Walt Disney World, it has some unique differences that make it a must-do every time we visit Disneyland. The two drops in this version added a bit of extra thrill, and I noticed new details in the scenes, like the mat paintings and the placement of the animatronics. It was fun to experience the ride’s storytelling, which takes us back in time before returning to the present, where the pirates are once again skeletons.
Delicious Dining at Tiana’s Palace
For lunch, we made our way to Tiana’s Palace, a new dining spot in New Orleans Square. The menu features Southern-inspired dishes, and we opted for the house gumbo with chicken and andouille sausage, along with the gulf shrimp and grits. The gumbo was rich in flavor with a bit of spice, while the shrimp and grits, although on the watery side, were still tasty. To finish off the meal, we tried the lemon icebox-filled beignet, which was surprisingly refreshing!
Parade Fun and Cavalcades
After lunch, it was time to catch the D23 Day cavalcade! The parade featured some of Disney’s most beloved characters, as well as Disney Legends like Tony Baxter, Jodi Benson, and Bill Farmer. It was a fun, upbeat experience, and we managed to find a spot near “it’s a small world” with a decent view. Seeing so many fan-favorite characters up close was definitely a highlight of the day.
Exploring Tomorrowland and More Rides
Tomorrowland was next on our list, where we took part in Stitch’s dance party before hopping on some classic rides. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin provided plenty of laughs and excitement as we continued our adventure through the park.
One of the standout rides was Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. While similar to the one at Walt Disney World, there were subtle differences in the queue layout and loading area. The ride’s charming animation and catchy music never fail to bring a smile to my face!
Pickle Lemonade? Yes, Please!
As the day continued, we indulged in a unique Disneyland treat: pickle lemonade. This concoction combines lemonade, Sprite, and pickle juice, topped off with an actual pickle! It’s a strange combination, but somehow it works. The sour and salty flavors blend together for a surprisingly refreshing drink. Alongside the lemonade, we also enjoyed a jalapeño cheese pretzel – the perfect snack to keep us going.
Blue Bayou Dining to End the Day
The day wrapped up with a delightful dinner at Blue Bayou, the iconic restaurant located inside Pirates of the Caribbean. We dined on the water, watching boats from the ride pass by as we enjoyed a delicious blackened ribeye with broccolini and mashed potatoes. The atmosphere in Blue Bayou is truly magical, making it the perfect spot for a special meal at Disneyland.
Final Thoughts on D23 Day at Disneyland
Our D23 Day at Disneyland was packed with fun, food, and fantastic experiences. From riding Haunted Mansion Holiday and Pirates of the Caribbean to indulging in unique treats like pickle lemonade, it was a day filled with unforgettable Disney magic. We’re excited to see what the rest of the D23 Expo has in store and look forward to sharing even more magical moments with you all!