Before D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event begins in Anaheim, you’re invited to the ultimate kickoff party – the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland Resort – on Aug. 8, 2024! During this one-day event, you’ll discover celebratory offerings inspired by Disney history, classic stories and new favorites.
As part of all the festivities, the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party in Disney California Adventure park on Aug. 8 will feature fun-filled entertainment and activities that families will enjoy.
All guests with a valid theme park admission and reservation – including D23: The Official Disney Fan Club Members and D23 Event attendees – are invited to this celebration. If you’re planning to visit Disneyland Resort for multiple days while in Anaheim for the sold-out D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the limited-time special ticket and hotel offers may be a great value for you and your “fan fam.”
D23 Day at Disneyland Resort takes place ahead of all the new and highly-anticipated updates that will be announced across Disney Experiences globally during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at the Honda Center on Saturday, Aug. 10. As part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase will feature musical performances and surprise guest appearances celebrating all the ways Disney continues to connect fans to their favorite stories.
From a new merchandise collection to character appearances and a dance party, here’s a look at what’s in store for the Disneyland Resort kickoff party!
D23 Day at Disneyland Resort – Aug. 8, 2024
Beginning at park opening and while supplies last, a limited quantity of complimentary Mickey Mouse ear hats featuring the D23 Day at Disneyland Resort logo will be handed to guests entering Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park on Aug. 8. It will be a stylish way to celebrate this extraordinary event!
The ultimate kickoff party will be hallmarked by a themed cavalcade at 12:15 p.m. in Disneyland park, featuring the famous Disneyland Band and some familiar friends. You’ll spot 23 characters and select Disney Legends, who have been recognized for their impact and contributions to the Disney legacy.
At both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, you may encounter characters making limited-time appearances. From sharing a silly moment with Goofy and Max from the animated series “Goof Troop” in Mickey’s Toontown to posing with Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Toy Story 3” in Pixar Pier, who knows who you’ll run into on this special day!
Tomorrowland Terrace at Disneyland park will keep the fun going from day into night. Get your groove on with Stitch and some Disney character friends in an energetic dance party from 1-6 p.m. At set times between the hours of 7-11 p.m., musical group Suburban Legends will kick up the energy in the evening with live music.
A merchandise collection honoring the 25th anniversary of the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “Tarzan” will debut at Disneyland Resort on Aug. 8! For a limited time, the “Tarzan” collection will be available at Disneyana at Disneyland park, Off the Page at Disney California Adventure park and WonderGround Gallery at the Downtown Disney District.
Plus, be on the lookout for special apparel and items commemorating the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland Resort!
From Aug. 8-11, collectors will also be able to search for four new medallions featuring the D23 Day at Disneyland Resort logo on one side and Disneyland Resort artwork on the other. The medallions will be available for purchase at Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen in Disneyland park, Kingswell Shop at Disney California Adventure park and near the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and lawn at the Downtown Disney District.
You’ll be able to commemorate your visit to the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland Resort with unique photo memories. As part of the festivities, all park guests with valid park admission and theme park reservations on Aug. 8, 2024, will receive complimentary unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken that day. Plus, Disney PhotoPass service will offer a special Magic Shot you can find that day!
Additional celebratory offerings include unique photo locations, illusion art installations at Disney California Adventure park and Downtown Disney District, plus a collectible commemorative guide with 23 recommended activities and details to discover.
Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party at Disney California Adventure Park – Aug. 8, 2024
All park guests, including preschoolers and their families, can explore, laugh, sing, dance and craft together at the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party in Disney California Adventure park, which will celebrate favorite Disney Jr. characters and stories from hit series including “Disney Jr.’s Ariel,” “Mickey Mouse Funhouse,” “SuperKitties” and more.
At 10:30 a.m., the parade route of Disney California Adventure park will be filled with music and fun as iconic Disney Jr. friends hit the road in a parade with dynamic drummers and dressed-out vehicles. Joining in this whimsical processional and making her Disney Parks debut is Disney Jr.’s Ariel, who will make a special, one-day appearance at Disney California Adventure park on Aug. 8.
Hollywood Land will be the heart of hands-on fun, with a special “Disney Jr.’s Ariel” arts and crafts area. At the Hollywood Backlot Stage, families will be able to play along with Disney Jr. friends in a series of live performances, and kids can decorate cupcakes during “Confection Purrfection with the SuperKitties.”
Families may also encounter and interact with characters from beloved Disney Jr. series, such as Winnie the Pooh, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First and more.
Extended Fun at the Downtown Disney District
The fun continues with discounts, specialty offerings and unique entertainment at the Downtown Disney District all week long!
Beginning Aug. 4 through Aug. 11, select locations at the Downtown Disney District will have special offers for guests that present their D23 Event badge or D23 Membership card. For those not attending the sold-out D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, you can still partake in these offerings and many other discounts by becoming a member of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.
Guests can purchase tickets for special happy hour events taking place at Naples Ristorante e Bar on Aug. 9 and Aug. 10, from 3-5 p.m. It will be a fun way to meet fellow fans while enjoying a selection of unlimited bites.
From Aug. 9 through Aug. 11, the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party fun will continue at the Downtown Disney District from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage will present a rotation of family-friendly entertainment, from a high-energy DJ leading dance parties with Disney Jr. music, to upbeat live performances featuring favorite Disney Jr. characters and a bubble show inspired by “Disney Jr.’s Ariel.” Closer to the date, guests can check the Disneyland app for show times.
Preschoolers and their families will also be able to play and create together with crafts inspired by the live performances and “Disney Jr.’s Ariel.”
In addition to all the limited-time fun, we have some bonus merchandise news! Beginning Aug. 8 and while supplies last, Create Your Own Headbands will return to Disneyland Resort at The Mad Hatter on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland Park and Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure park.
What a jam-packed celebration! We’re looking forward to seeing you at Disneyland Resort leading up to and during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
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