You’d think after the New Year’s rush, the crowds at 1313 Disneyland Dr. would thin out. Honestly, it’s usually the opposite. January in Anaheim has become this weird, unofficial "celebrity season." Maybe it’s the crisp California air or just the fact that half of Hollywood is trying to squeeze in a family trip before award season madness really peaks, but celebs at Disneyland today are basically as common as overpriced churros.
If you’re walking down Main Street, U.S.A. right now, keep your head on a swivel. You aren't just looking for Mickey; you're looking for the tell-tale plaid vest of a VIP tour guide.
Who is actually in the Parks?
It is January 16, 2026. The parks are buzzing. Just this week, we’ve seen a massive uptick in sightings. Hilary Duff—who is currently riding the wave of her new single "Roommates"—was spotted near Fantasyland earlier this week, looking like she hasn't aged a day since Lizzie McGuire. It’s a bit of a full-circle moment, really. Fans on social media have been tracking her, and while she’s mostly stayed low-key with her family, that Disney blonde is hard to miss.
Then you’ve got the heavy hitters. Kanye West and Bianca Censori were recently seen navigating the Pixar Pier crowds over at Disney California Adventure. Say what you want about the man, but he’s a regular at the parks. They were spotted with Saint and Chicago, hitting the rides without much of a fuss. Usually, when Ye shows up, the security detail is... intense.
The Plaid Vest Giveaway
Ever wonder how people spot them so fast? It’s the "Plaids."
If you see a group of people being escorted by a Cast Member in a blue and red tartan vest, that is a VIP Tour. It costs a few thousand dollars—at least—and it’s the only way the A-list survives the park without being mobbed. Most celebs at Disneyland today aren't standing in the 90-minute line for Space Mountain. They’re slipping through the Lightning Lane exits or side doors.
But sometimes, they just blend in.
I remember seeing John Favreau not long ago. He wasn't even doing the VIP thing; he was literally just there working. He’s been deep in production for that new Oswald the Lucky Rabbit project for Disney+. When you see a guy in a baseball cap looking way too intently at the architecture in Adventureland, there’s a 50% chance it’s an Imagineer and a 50% chance it’s a director scouting a shot.
Where to Spot Them (The Secret Spots)
If you’re hunting for a selfie, give up now. Most celebs won't stop for them because it creates a "code red" crowd situation. But if you just want to see them in the wild, there are specific spots where they congregate.
- 21 Royal: This is the ultra-exclusive dining room above Pirates of the Caribbean. If you see a private elevator moving, someone famous is likely heading up for a $15,000 dinner.
- The Grand Californian Lobby: Since it has its own entrance to California Adventure, many stars stay here. It’s not uncommon to see someone like Ashley Tisdale or Vanessa Hudgens grabbing a coffee at GCH Craftsman Grill.
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: This remains the biggest draw. Everyone from Pedro Pascal to the occasional Marvel star has been seen grabbing a Cold Brew Black Decaf at Milk Stand.
Why Today is Different
Today is particularly interesting because the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts just kicked off in Florida. You’d think the stars would be there, right? Wrong.
While the Disney on Broadway stars are mostly in Orlando, the "lifestyle" celebs—the influencers, the TV actors, the musicians—tend to stick to Anaheim. It’s closer to home. It’s a Tuesday-to-Thursday kind of vibe for them.
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We also have the Disney Adventure cruise ship making its way toward Los Angeles soon. There’s a lot of corporate synergy happening. Don't be surprised if you see some of the Zombies 5 cast or the latest Disney Channel breakout stars filming promos near Sleeping Beauty Castle today. Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim are basically permanent residents of the parks at this point.
The "Normal" Celeb Behavior
It’s funny. We think of them as these untouchable figures, but at Disneyland, they’re just parents trying to keep a toddler from having a meltdown.
Take Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. When they visited recently, they were doing the same stuff everyone else does—riding Dumbo the Flying Elephant and hitting Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Well, okay, they weren't exactly standing in the 110-minute standby line, but they were experiencing the same magic.
The nuanced reality of celebrity sightings is that they happen in flashes. You’ll see a familiar face, realize it’s Jordan Chiles or Suni Lee (the Olympic gymnasts love a Disney day), and by the time you've pointed it out to your friend, they've vanished into the crowd.
What to do if you see someone
- Don't scream. Seriously. It ruins their day and yours when security has to move them.
- Look for the "Plaid." If you see a VIP guide, look at the people they are with.
- Check the "Storytellers Cafe." It’s a sleeper hit for celeb sightings during breakfast.
What’s Coming Next?
If you missed out on seeing anyone today, keep an eye on the calendar. January 22nd is when the new Angel & Stitch popcorn buckets drop. For some reason, these merch launches attract the "Disney Adult" celebs like moths to a flame.
Also, with the 70th Anniversary celebrations still echoing through the park, Disney is keeping the guest list high-profile. The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the busiest for star-tracking.
If you're planning a trip to catch a glimpse of someone famous, mid-week mornings are your best bet. The parks are quieter, the lighting is better for their "candid" Instagram shots, and they can move through New Orleans Square without being noticed.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the official Disneyland App for "refurbishment" schedules. Celebs hate construction walls as much as you do, so they tend to avoid the parks when major icons like Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain are down for maintenance. If the big rides are all open, the stars will be out. Also, keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for surprise "After Dark" event announcements—these private parties are the ultimate celebrity magnets.