Lunar New Year celebrations return to Disney California Adventure for 2024 - The Year of the Dragon
Category: Travel
Another year has flown by. Lunar New Year celebrations are in full swing at Disney California Adventure, with plenty of Asian-inspired food, character meet and greets, music, the return of Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, and the nighttime show “Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration” which precedes the colorful “World of Color – ONE” on the water. The festivities run from January 23 – February 18, 2024.
And yes, this is the Year of the Dragon, so it’s time to celebrate Mushu, Elliott, and Figment.
Also returning is the Sip and Savor Pass, which makes it easy for guests to sample a variety of different foods and beverages. The variety of food and drinks during the celebration is always unique and very Far-East inspired. This year there are no tabs to snap off. The pass is now digital. The back of the pass has a bar code which is scanned when placing your order. There is also a PIN that guests must key-in in order to complete the transaction. It’s easy and the receipt shows how many more items are available on the pass. For me, the snap-off tabs seem easier, but there must be a reason Disney is testing this new method. It does work though!
(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)
Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession winds through the park several times a day. It is musical, colorful, and definitely uplifting as the cast members bring all the joy of the celebration and the love of Mulan to the streets of Disney California Adventure.
This year, for the first time, Meilin Lee and her mother Ming Lee from Turning Red are on hand to visit with guests. She’s the little 13-year-old girl that turns into a big Red Panda when she gets excited. Both Meilin and the Big Red Panda are beloved characters. Meilin is in the process of transforming into the panda, with her tail sticking out of her outfit. She’s definitely a happy character to meet this year.
The Wishing Wall is back. This is a place where guests can write their wishes on the back of a Mickey-shaped card and tie it to the wall. Kids especially get a kick out of sending their wishes out into the world. Also, in the area is a place to learn calligraphy.
The Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure brings Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean traditions to the park. With all the colorful ornaments and decor all around the park, not to mention the Asian-inspired food and beverages, plus Mulan’s procession (that is led by non other than Mushu himself – after all it’s the Year of the Dragon), the adorable nighttime pre-show, Asian-clad characters, and plenty to see and do, this annual celebration is an enjoyable tribute to Asian cultures and music – and of course, food.
Click on the link below for an intro to the celebration
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry and travel for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.