The Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession is a popular parade at Disneyland that celebrates Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean Lunar New Year traditions. The parade features Mulan and Mushu, along with dancers, acrobats, drummers, and a colorful Chinese dragon puppet. Guests of all ages enjoy the sights and sounds of this cultural celebration. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, including the history and significance of the parade, details on the schedule and viewing locations, dining packages and available merchandise.
History and Significance
Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession first debuted at Disneyland in 2020 to coincide with the park’s Lunar New Year festival. The parade pays tribute to the beloved 1998 Disney animated film Mulan and honors the family traditions and hopes for good fortune associated with the Lunar New Year holiday across various Asian cultures. The parade has quickly become a guest favorite and signature part of the Lunar New Year celebrations at Disneyland.
In 2023, the parade was expanded to utilize the full parade route from Pixar Pier to Hollywood Land, allowing more guests to view the festivities. The parade also introduced a stunning new float designed with vibrant red and gold colors and flickering lanterns for Mulan and Mushu’s grand arrival. The cultural highlights and excitement of the parade make it the central entertainment offering of the Lunar New Year event at Disneyland, which visitors flock to experience.
Parade Details and Schedule
Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession takes place in Disney California Adventure Park. The parade runs daily from January 20 through February 15 each year as part of the three-week Lunar New Year festival. The parade kicks off with the sound of pounding drums as Mulan, Mushu, and a group of performers gather to celebrate the new year. The procession then steps off from near the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction and makes its way along the entire parade route towards Paradise Gardens Park. Guests can view the parade at the following scheduled times:
- 12:20 pm
- 1:45 pm
- 4:15 pm
- 5:45 pm
The parade lasts approximately 20 minutes as it winds through the park. Guests should arrive at least 15–30 minutes in advance to secure a good viewing spot along the route. In the evening performances, the parade takes on a magical glow thanks to the glittering lights strung on Mulan’s dramatic float and the glowing red lanterns carried by performers.
Best Viewing Locations
With the parade now utilizing the full parade route, there are many excellent spots to watch the procession. Some top viewing locations include:
- Pixar Pier – The parade kicks off here, allowing you an up-close first look. Position yourself along the parade route, anywhere from the Incredicoaster to Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind.
- Paradise Gardens Park – The parade concludes here, so you can see the grand finale with Mulan’s float surrounded by dancers and drummers. Find a spot across from Goofy’s Sky School.
- Hollywood Land – The middle section of the route allows you to see the parade amidst the charming Hollywood-inspired scenery.
- Sonoma Terrace – Nab a table at this dining location for an elevated view of the parade floats and performers. Make reservations early.
Arrive early for a front row curbside view, or sit further back to take in the full scope of the parade. If you have small children, allow them to sit on the ground in front so they can see comfortably.
Dining Packages
You can enhance your Lunar New Year visit with a dining package that includes reserved viewing of Mulan’s parade. The Plaza Inn Lunar New Year Dining Package offers breakfast or lunch at the iconic restaurant plus guaranteed seats for the first parade performance of the day. The package costs $45 per adult and $25 per child ages 3-9. With the dining package, you’ll receive a voucher for your reserved parade viewing location.
Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to enjoy priority seating right along the parade route. The award-winning character breakfast or lunch gives you tasty dishes like waffles, fried chicken, and pot roast before heading out to view the dazzling parade. It’s a relaxing way to celebrate Lunar New Year with delicious food and entertainment.
Merchandise
After you watch Mulan and Mushu delight crowds along the parade route, stop by the many Lunar New Year merchandise shops to pick up decorative souvenirs. You‘ll find exclusive Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession merchandise like apparel featuring Mushu and parade performers, photo frames for capturing memories, decorative magnets, and themed spirit jerseys.
Traditional Lunar New Year collectibles are also available, like shirts and plush animals showcasing the zodiac animal of the current year. There is fine jewelry, art, lanterns, fans, and more to round out your festival shopping. Annual passholder exclusives and limited edition items get snapped up quickly, so shop early in the festival to get the best selection.
Tips for Attending
Arrival Time
- Arrive 15–30 minutes before the scheduled parade time to get a good viewing spot. The parade is very popular, so spots fill up quickly.
- For dining packages that include reserved viewing, arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Viewing Locations
- Along the parade route from Pixar Pier to Paradise Gardens Park. Good spots include near Goofy’s Sky School, across from Bayside Brews, and the Sonoma Terrace dining area.
- If you have a dining package, it will include reserved viewing in a prime location.
Schedule
- Runs daily January 20–February 15 as part of the Lunar New Year festival
- Typical show times are 12:20pm, 1:45pm, 4:15pm and 5:45pm. Check Disneyland app for updated times.
Photography Tips
- Late afternoon shows have best light on performers
- If taking photos, find a spot with the Mickey Fun Wheel in background
Dealing with Crowds
- Be patient and polite when looking for a viewing spot
- Avoid stopping in middle of walkways to look at maps, causing bottlenecks
Lunar New Year Festival
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important festival in China and other Asian countries that follows the lunar calendar. It marks the beginning of a new year and spring season. In 2024, Lunar New Year falls on Saturday, February 10. Celebrations typically last around 2 weeks from the new moon to the full moon. Key traditions of the festival include:
- Family reunions and gatherings
- Ancestor veneration and paying respects
- Festive decorations and colors like red
- Fireworks, lion dances, dragon dances
- Exchanging of red envelopes with money
- Eating symbolic foods like dumplings, niangao rice cakes, fish
- Wearing new clothes
The Disneyland Resort celebrates with a Lunar New Year Festival from January 23 – February 18, 2024 this year. Festivities at Disney California Adventure highlight Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese traditions. These include:
- “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” parade
- Asian marketplace food booths
- Crafts activities like calligraphy
- Entertainment acts and musical performances
- Special merchandise and souvenirs
The centerpiece is the colorful parade with Mulan, Mushu, dancers, acrobats and drummers. It runs multiple times daily along the full parade route.
Conclusion
Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession brings the sights, sounds, and traditions of an important Asian holiday to life through dazzling costumes, acrobatics, and choreography. It has fast become a beloved guest favorite at Disneyland that kicks off the Lunar New Year festival on a high note. With so many excellent viewing spots that now encompass the full parade route, it’s easier than ever for guests to take in the cultural celebration. Pair your visit with Lunar New Year dining and shopping for a complete experience. However, you choose to enjoy it, Mulan’s parade promises a fortune-filled good time for all.
