The Lunar New Year falls on February 5 this year and welcomes in the Year of the Pig. Lunar New Year is one of a variety of spring festivals with Chinese roots and celebrates renewal, family, and a chances to change your luck. This year Disney California Adventure will have as special Lunar New Year festival that runs for 24 days from Friday, January 25 through Sunday February 17, 2019.
During this multicultural celebration, you can experience live entertainment and musical performances, including an enhanced “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” fun-filled arts and crafts, beautiful décor, delicious cuisine and themed merchandise for the whole family to enjoy. Even the Three Little Pigs join in the fun with a rare appearance.
Guests at the Lunar New Year celebration will discover a touch of Disney magic as they experience Asian culture through inspired food, music and entertainment with their family and friends, all to welcome another year of good fortune. Lunar New Year, traditionally celebrated within Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, commemorates the moment when both the sun and the moon begin their journey for another year. Highlights of the Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure include:
- “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” a bright and bold parade hosted by Mulan and her faithful dragon, Mushu, that honors Lunar New Year and celebrates family and friendship. As a special treat for the Year of the Pig, the Three Little Pigs (Fiddler, Fifer and Practical) join the procession in their full holiday garb, along with Goofy in his “god of Good Fortune” attire and Chip ‘n’ Dale in their red vests. “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” is enhanced this year with a longer processional route, from Pixar Pier to Paradise Gardens Park, where guests will gather to watch the festivities. A troupe of Chinese performers bring additional dancers, martial artists and drummers to add extra excitement to the beautiful and colorful procession.
- Beloved characters Mulan, Mushu, Pluto, Mickey and Minnie donning their Lunar New Year attire and greeting guests at Paradise Gardens Park.
- Four Asian marketplaces offering delightful foods inspired by Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, all with a Disney twist. New this year is the Sip and Savor pass, available for any guest to purchase if they wish to get the best value as they taste their way through the festive Asian marketplaces.
- Longevity Noodle Co.
- Lucky 8 Lantern
- Prosperity Bao & Buns
- Red Dragon Spice Traders
- A special Lunar New Year menu at Paradise Garden Grill that offers items inspired by traditional Asian fare, plus a new Festival Food and Beverage Cart inside Paradise Gardens.
- Live, daily performances with authentic musicians.
- New this year, the Melody of China ensemble entertains guests with Chinese classical, folk and contemporary music, with a trio of artists that play the yangqin (Chinese dulcimer), pipa (Chinese lute) and Erhu (Chinese fiddle).
- Vietnamese artist Dat Nguyen plays traditional and original compositions on classical guitar, lute, flute and melodica at Paradise Garden Bandstand.
- An area for guests to try complimentary arts and crafts with local artisans, including Chinese calligraphy, paper lantern making and face painting.
- A Lucky Wishing Wall, where guests may add their own wishes for a wonderful future.
- Beautiful Lunar New Year décor, including ornamental lanterns and banners wishing guests a Happy Lunar New Year in English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
- New Lunar New Year merchandise inspired by different cultures of East Asia.
- Special items all the way from Shanghai Disney Resort, including traditional red envelopes for gift-giving, Minnie Mouse ear headbands, lantern glow wands and more.
- Commemorative items with Lunar New Year designs, including a limited-edition pin, adult hoody and tees.
The Lunar New Year festival has really grown in popularity at Disney California Adventure. If you’re heading there this year, what are you looking forward to the most?