2023 Disneyland Resort Holiday Season Dates and Details Revealed

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

The Holidays at the Disneyland Resort are returning Nov. 10, 2023, through Jan. 7, 2024! We can’t wait for Guests and their loved ones to create special memories and treasured traditions with new and returning holiday offerings around the resort. We’re excited to taste our way through the Disney Festival of Holidays marketplaces, watch dazzling projections and fireworks illuminate Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle and snap a photo with Mickey Mouse in his all-new holiday outfit in Disneyland Park!

Here are the details about the celebrations, décor, entertainment and more that will be featured this holiday season.

Experience Cultural Celebrations in Disney California Adventure Park with Disney Festival of Holidays

A distinctly Disney holiday celebration with diverse food, live entertainment and more, Disney Festival of Holidays draws inspiration from multicultural seasonal celebrations and cherished traditions of Christmas, Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day. Guests can enjoy some new and returning favorite food and beverage items at the Disney Festival of Holidays marketplaces and groove to music and dance performances at the Palisades Stage, Sonoma Terrace and for the first time, in the Hollywood Backlot, where Disney Festival of Holidays will also be celebrated. Additionally, get ready to dance along as Disney and Pixar characters march to the beat of the Holiday Toy Drummers in “Mickey’s Happy Holidays.”

Festivalgoers may choose to purchase a Sip and Savor Pass, which offers eight entitlement tabs that can be redeemed for select food and nonalcoholic beverages from several marketplaces and participating dining locations in Disney California Adventure.* Each Sip and Savor Pass is valid for the entirety of Disney Festival of Holidays and can be shared among friends and family, so the whole group can sample delicious dishes together this season.

Disney ¡Viva Navidad! will return to Paradise Gardens Park for its tenth season, and this year, Guests can taste their way through an all-new menu at Paradise Garden Grill. Watch the Three Caballeros as they host a joyous street party, featuring Mexican folklórico dancers and mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, giant mojiganga puppets and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their holiday best. Additional festivities in this area will include live music and dancing, visits with beloved Disney characters and special appearances by Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto.”

Enjoy Festive Décor and Transformed Attractions Throughout Disneyland Resort

There’s no better place to enjoy wintertime decorations and twinkling lights than The Merriest Place on Earth! Throughout Disneyland Resort, Guests can gaze at spectacular holiday décor including Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, adorned with icicles and snow-capped turrets; a gingerbread house inspired by sweet treats and pastries at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa; and Christmas trees with uniquely themed ornaments in both theme parks, the Downtown Disney District, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel. And with a bit of Disney magic, “snow” is scheduled to fall every night in select areas of Disneyland park!

Ornaments, lights and more will also embellish favorite attractions that get a special holiday overlay. In Disneyland, Guests will be serenaded with choruses of jolly tunes on the wintry waterway of “it’s a small world” Holiday, and Jack Skellington from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” redecorates the Haunted Mansion, transforming it into the frightfully festive Haunted Mansion Holiday, complete with a new, hauntingly delightful gingerbread house. Gear up for some cheer in Disney California Adventure on Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, which will both undergo seasonal spins for the “haul-idays.”

Delight in Seasonal Spectaculars and Holiday Entertainment

A photo with Disney characters becomes even more merry, as Mickey Mouse and some of his friends will don all-new outfits in Disneyland park, putting a spin on the classic red and green with midcentury modern-inspired looks! Plus, the whole family can visit with Santa Claus, who will pose for jolly photos around Disneyland Resort through Dec. 24.

And of course, the holiday season isn’t complete without enjoying some merry entertainment. At Disneyland Park, “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” will spread cheer, starring characters from Disney Animation’s “Frozen,” Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story” and many more. In the evenings, Guests can watch as the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular illuminates the night sky with breathtaking fireworks and sprinklings of snow. And for Guests who want to add even more holiday magic to their trip, the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour will offer a hosted experience of select seasonal offerings and reserved viewing for “A Christmas Fantasy Parade.”**

At Disney California Adventure Park, “World of Color – Season of Light” will fill Paradise Bay with the spirit of togetherness and love as hundreds of fountains illustrate warm moments from Disney animated films.

In addition to holiday shopping and dining in the Downtown Disney District, Guests can groove to a variety of “mistle-toe-tapping” live musical performances on select evenings at the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage. At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel, Guests can enjoy a wonderfully cozy atmosphere, enhanced with live entertainment some nights.

We are counting down the days until Holidays at the Disneyland Resort begins!

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe: An Adventurous Tex-Mex Dining Experience

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Nestled in Frontierland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe is a beloved dining spot that celebrates the adventurous spirit of the Wild West. With its cowboy theming, Tex-Mex cuisine, and immersive ambiance, this quick-service restaurant invites guests to indulge in a flavorsome journey through the American frontier.

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe pays homage to the legendary cowboy Pecos Bill, who is famous for his tall tales and exploits in the Wild West. The restaurant’s exterior resembles an old-fashioned Western saloon, complete with wooden facades, swing doors, and rustic signage. Inside, guests are greeted by Western-themed decor, including cowboy hats, saddles, and ranch-inspired artwork, transporting them to a bygone era of frontier adventures.

The menu at Pecos Bill’s is a delightful fusion of Tex-Mex cuisine and traditional American favorites. Guests can build their own hearty Mexican rice bowls, tacos, or fajitas, complete with a wide selection of toppings and savory fillings like seasoned beef, chicken, or plant-based options. The Fixin’s Bar offers a variety of fresh toppings and sauces, allowing diners to customize their meals to perfection.

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe provides a spacious dining area with ample seating, making it a convenient spot for families and groups. The themed seating areas, such as the “Golden Horseshoe Revue” room and “Pecos Bill” room, offer diverse settings for guests to enjoy their meals. The lively ambiance and Western music add to the immersive dining experience, making it feel like a true cowboy feast.

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe at Magic Kingdom brings the spirit of the Wild West to life. With its cowboy theming, Tex-Mex delights, and immersive ambiance, this restaurant ensures a flavorsome and adventurous dining experience for all guests.

Westward Ho: A Frontier Snack Stop

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Located in Frontierland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Westward Ho is a beloved snack stop that captures the essence of the American frontier. With its rustic theming, convenient location, and delectable offerings, this quick-service kiosk provides guests with a delightful taste of the Wild West during their theme park adventure.

Westward Ho’s design transports visitors to the rugged landscapes of the Wild West. The kiosk resembles an old-time Western wagon, complete with wooden panels, wagon wheels, and vintage signage. The rustic theming immerses guests in the ambiance of the American frontier, creating a charming setting that perfectly complements the surrounding Frontierland theme.

Westward Ho offers a mouthwatering assortment of snacks that cater to different tastes. Guests can indulge in classic theme park favorites like freshly popped popcorn, refreshing frozen beverages, and Mickey pretzels served with zesty cheese sauce. For those with a sweet tooth, the kiosk also serves churros and delicious seasonal treats. The diverse menu ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy as they continue their Wild West adventure at Magic Kingdom.

Westward Ho’s central location makes it a convenient pit stop for guests exploring Frontierland. Whether visitors are in the mood for a quick bite or a refreshing drink, this snack kiosk offers a variety of options to keep energy levels high and taste buds satisfied. Its proximity to popular attractions like Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad makes it an ideal spot to refuel between adventures.

Westward Ho at Magic Kingdom is a delightful stop for those seeking a taste of the Wild West. With its rustic theming, tempting snacks, and convenient location, this snack kiosk offers guests a brief but enjoyable frontier experience during their magical Disney journey.

Man Dies After Accidental Fall From Balcony at Deluxe Disney World Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Late last week, we shared some sad news from Walt Disney World. Social media was ablaze after the reported death of a Disney World Guest at the Contemporary Resort. Although early reports suggested that the death may have been attributed to a possible suicide, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has ruled the death accidental and provided further updates on what actually occurred at the Contemporary Resort on the morning of July 26.

The Orange County Medical Examiner identified the fall victim as 39-year-old Jeffery Vanden Boom of Greendale, Wisconsin. Ultimately the medical examiner ruled the death accidental due to blunt force trauma that occurred at the deluxe Resort outside of Magic Kingdom. Although initial reports also suggested that the Guest had fallen from the bridge connecting Bay Lake Tower to The Contemporary Resort, it was noted that the Guest actually fell from their Resort balcony and the incident was accidental in nature.

In a statement to Fox News Digital on Friday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said, “On July 26, 2023, at 5:33 a.m., deputies responded to the Contemporary Resort after a call came in about a man unresponsive on the hotel grounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.”

Fox News explained that Disney had not officially responded to their attempts to comment regarding the death. Ultimately, this isn’t unlike Disney as they often allow the proper authorities to handle and speak about these types of situations at Walt Disney World. The same can be said regarding other simliar occurences that have taken place at Disney World, including an 83-year-old Florida veteran who fainted and later passed away after riding the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover last September. Although CPR was initiated, Joseph A. Masters would later pass away. His late wife Alice told the Orlando Sentinel, “I tell everybody now that my husband died in his happy place because he loved Disney.”

Regarding the latest death to happen at Walt Disney World, initial reports on social media claimed that the death was an apparent suicide. One Reddit user posted, “I’m pretty sure someone just died at our hotel (Contemporary Resort)… we got a call at 7:30 someone had a medical emergency and not to go on the balconies and then they had people redirecting us. Then we went outside and there’s a tent set up right under a balcony and it’s all taped up.”

This update to our initial story deeply saddens us. Despite the initial assumptions around the death, realizing and understanding that bad things can happen even at Walt Disney World is a hard pill to swallow. We hope that the family and friends of the victim find peace during this difficult time.

The Diamond Horseshoe: A Classic Frontier Revue

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Situated in Frontierland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, The Diamond Horseshoe is a nostalgic dining experience that takes guests on a journey back in time to the Wild West. With its rich history, interactive entertainment, and scrumptious fare, this charming restaurant provides a unique blend of frontier fun and culinary delights.

The Diamond Horseshoe’s design pays homage to the golden era of the American frontier. The restaurant’s exterior features a rustic facade adorned with horseshoe motifs and old-time signage, giving guests a sense of the Wild West adventure that awaits inside. The interior is reminiscent of an old-time saloon, complete with vintage decor, wooden accents, and western memorabilia. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes guests feel like they’ve stepped into the heart of a Wild West town.

The Diamond Horseshoe offers a unique form of entertainment that complements its thematic setting. During mealtime, guests are treated to a live, interactive frontier revue featuring musical performances and humorous skits. Talented performers engage with the audience, adding an immersive element to the dining experience. The entertaining show captivates guests of all ages, creating a lively atmosphere that perfectly complements the Wild West theme.

The menu at The Diamond Horseshoe features a delicious array of hearty frontier fare. Guests can savor an all-you-can-eat family-style feast, which includes roasted turkey, country ham, barbecue pork, and classic side dishes like cornbread, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese. The delectable spread, inspired by traditional American frontier cuisine, ensures that guests leave the restaurant fully satisfied and ready for more frontier fun.

The Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom is a delightful blend of history, entertainment, and mouthwatering cuisine. With its Wild West ambiance, interactive frontier revue, and scrumptious fare, this restaurant offers guests an unforgettable dining experience steeped in frontier charm.