The Lunar New Year celebration at Disneyland Park is a beloved annual tradition that honors Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures. The festivities typically run for 3-4 weeks from late January through mid-February. Here is an extensive guide to the history, events, entertainment, food, merchandise, and more that make Lunar New Year magical at Disneyland.
History of Lunar New Year at Disneyland
Disneyland first celebrated Lunar New Year in 1996 to coincide with the opening of the Lucky the Dinosaur display in Frontierland. The festival was small at first, but grew over the years with additional entertainment and decor. In 2010, Disney California Adventure began hosting a large Lunar New Year festival to celebrate Asian culture. The event was an instant hit with food booths, Mulan meet-and-greets, special merchandise, and the World of Color pre-show “Hurry Home”. The festival has expanded every year since and continues to be a guest favorite.
2024 Lunar New Year Dates
The 2024 Lunar New Year festival at Disneyland will run from January 23 through February 18. These dates honor the first and last days of celebration in Asian cultures. Guests visiting Disneyland anytime during this 4 week window will be able to enjoy the festivities.
Entertainment & Shows
Lunar New Year features special entertainment and shows throughout Disneyland & California Adventure Park:
- Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession: Mulan, Mushu, and other Disney characters celebrate Lunar New Year with a parade full of music, dancing and colorful costumes. A captivating procession that travels from Hollywood Land to Pixar Pier. Guests can join in on the fun during an interactive finale.
- Hurry Home Fireworks Show: This World of Color pre-show tells the story of a little lantern who gets separated from family during Lunar New Year celebrations. “Hurry Home” features Chinese cultural elements like ribbon and dragon dances over Paradise Bay.
- Lucky the Dinosaur: Lucky emerges in his Lunar New Year best to celebrate among guests in Frontierland. His dance moves and roars are extra special for the holiday.
- Meet & Greets: In addition to Mulan and Mushu, Mickey and Minnie appear dressed in festive attire to pose for photos and give hugs. Be sure to wish them a happy new year!
Food & Dining
Sip and Savor Pass
What it is
- A discounted food pass with tabs that can be redeemed for select tasting-sized food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Cost
- $45 per pass ($42 for Magic Key holders) in 2023. Price typically increases slightly each year.
- Does not include tax.
Where to Get It
- Available at festival merchandise carts, booths, and select stores in the parks.
Number of Tabs
- Comes with 6 pull-off tabs that can each be redeemed for one food/drink item.
Where to Redeem
- Valid at all the Lunar New Year marketplace food booths and select quick-service locations like Paradise Garden Grill.
Duration
- Can be used anytime during the 4-week Lunar New Year festival.
Tips
- Check menus and prices first to pick highest value items.
- Use mobile order where available to skip lines.
Bamboo Blessings
- Mickey Mouse-shaped Hot Dog Bun: Brioche-style Mickey Mouse-shaped buns stuffed with hot dog and finished with sesame seeds and scallions
- Mickey Mouse-shaped Purple Sweet Potato Macaron: Red macaron filled with purple sweet potato buttercream and a crème fraîche center
- Young Master Brewery Pale Ale with mandarin and bergamot zest
- Four Sons Lunar New Year IPA
- Master Gao Brewery Baby Jasmine Tea Lager
- Three Weavers Brewing Co. Moon Rabbit: Golden stout with vanilla and Vietnamese cinnamon (New)
- Stereo Brewing Co. Gingerine: Ginger wheat ale with tangerine, honey, and lemon juice (New)
- Brewery X Green Tea Rice Lager (New)
- Anderson Valley Brewing Co. Black Rice Ale (New)
- Tsingtao Premium Lager (New)
- Tsingtao topped with a frozen mango beer foam (New)
- Lucky Flight: Tsingtao, Young Master Brewery, Stereo Brewing Co., and Three Weavers Brewing Co. (New)
- Prosperity Flight: Four Sons Brewing Co., Master Gao Brewery, Brewery X, and Anderson Valley Brewing Co. (New)
- Lotus Flower Glow Cube
Lucky 8 Lantern
- Quesabirria Eggroll with Guajillo pepper consommé filled with Oaxaca cheese, beef birria, and a side of guajillo pepper consommé (New)
- Mandarin Mousse Cake: Layers of mandarin mousse with vanilla cake and clementine compote finished with white chocolate crunch balls and a tangerine glaze (New)
- Coconut-Lavender Matcha Foam Iced Coffee: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. French Bistro Blend, coconut milk, coconut cream, and white chocolate sauce garnished with lavender matcha, coconut foam, sea salt, and purple sanding sugar (Non-alcoholic) (New)
- Lotus Flower Glow Cube
Red Dragon Spice Traders
- Gochujang Elote: Steamed corn on the cob rolled in gochujang aїoli and cotija cheese drizzled with spicy gochujang sauce (New)
- Red Spice Fried Chicken Bites: Fried chicken chicharrones in spicy red chile sauce (New)
- Guava Whiskey Cocktail: Whiskey, ginger liqueur, guava nectar, coconut cream, and lime juice garnished with a lime wheel (New)
- Dancing Firecracker: Pineapple and lime juices, guava nectar, spicy honey, and house-made hibiscus syrup garnished with a lime wheel (New)
- Lotus Flower Glow Cube
Wrapped With Love
- Pork and Shrimp Wontons with a black garlic sauce (New)
- Bok Choy & Mushroom Dumplings with a black garlic sauce (New) (Plant-based item)
- Pineapple Baijiu Cocktail: Dark Rum, baijiu, Allspice Dram, pineapple and orange juices, and falernum syrup garnished with a dried red pineapple chip (New)
- Grapefruit-Melon Wine Cocktail: Sauvignon blanc, grapefruit liqueur, watermelon purée, rock melon syrup, and lime juice garnished with skewered grapes (New)
- Lotus Flower Glow Cube
Prosperity Bao & Bun
- Pepperoni Pizza Bao Bun served with marinara (New)
- Char Siu BBQ Pork Bao with pickled red onion and jalapeño
- Peach Yuja-Ade: Yuja-lemongrass purée, dragon fruit and peach syrups, lemon juice, and butterfly pea flower tea garnished with a lemon wheel (Non-alcoholic)
- Soju Peach Yuja Ade: Soju, yuja-lemongrass purée, dragon fruit and peach syrups, lemon juice, and butterfly pea flower tea garnished with a lemon wheel
- Lychee Celebration: Gin, prosecco, lychee syrup, yuja-lemongrass purée, and grapefruit juice garnished with an edible purple orchid
- Lotus Flower Glow Cube
Longevity Noodle Co.
- Garlic Noodles: Long noodles tossed in zesty garlic butter with parmesan
- Spicy Pork DanDan Noodles: Pan-fried noodles with ground pork and spicy tri-chile sauce
- Raspberry Oat Milk Tea: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Ceylon Tea, raspberry and demerara syrups, and oat milk garnished with skewered raspberries (New)
- Lotus Flower Glow Cube
Lunar New Year Offerings Throughout Disney California Adventure Park
Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
- Milk Tea Taro Cheesecake: Milk tea cheesecake with a taro mousse (New)
Lamplight Lounge
- Surf & Turf Fried Rice: Five Spice-rubbed New York steak, sautéed shrimp, fried rice, ginger pea purée, and chile oil topped with a carrot salad (New)
- Sesame Seed Donuts: Donuts topped with sesame seed brittle and served with a kaya jam dipping sauce (New)
- Three Weavers Brewing Co. Seafarer Kolsch-style (New)
- Lamplight Lounge Lunar New Year Cocktail: Han Soju, Aperitivo Aperol, carrot and orange juices, and cream of coconut garnished with a raspberry and mint (New)
Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining
- Pork Dumplings with Chinese broccoli, roasted mushrooms, Fresno chiles, and fried shallots (New)
- Lamplight Lounge Lunar New Year Cocktail: Han Soju, Aperitivo Aperol, carrot and orange juices, and cream of coconut garnished with a raspberry and mint (New)
Lucky Fortune Cookery
- TBD
- Lotus Flower Glow Cube
Magic Key Terrace
- Pork Spare Ribs with peanut-chile sauce, Asian slaw, toasted peanuts, and crispy noodles (New)
Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart (Mobile order available)
- Green Tea Horchata (New)
- Dalgona Coffee Bundt Cake: Coffee Bundt cake filled with sweet milk and topped with dalgona foam (New)
Paradise Garden Grill (Mobile order available)
- Kimchi Bokkeumbap: Kimchi, potato, carrot, and onion fried rice with egg and Korean chili paste topped with crispy sweet and sour tofu and black sesame seeds (New) (Plant-based Item)
- Shrimp Lo Mein: Lo mein noodles tossed with shrimp, mushrooms, onions, carrots, and bok choy (New)
- Dak Bulgogi: Korean BBQ chicken served with rice and kimchi
- Bánh Mì: Grilled pork belly with pickled carrots, cucumbers, daikon, and jalapeños with a spicy mayo
- Sweet and Sour Whole Fish served with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables (served family-style for two) (New)
- Tiger Milk Tea with BobaBam Brown Sugar Boba (Non-alcoholic) (New)
- Hite Beer
- Blackberry Soju Cocktail: Soju, blackberry purée, and lemon juice with a hint of ginger (New)
- Lotus Flower Glow Cube
Sonoma Terrace (Mobile order available)
- Shrimp Spring Roll: Shrimp with scrambled eggs, noodles, crushed peanuts, and Thai basil served with tangy slaw and pad Thai sauce (New)
Goofy’s Churro Cart
- Almond Cookie Churro coated in cookie crumble and topped with almond icing (New)
Outdoor Food Carts (Available Jan. 19 through Feb. 12)
- Chicken Bao: Steamed bao with chicken, butternut squash, and lime served with a spicy red curry sauce (New)
- Baked Coconut Almond Nian Gao: Baked sticky rice cake topped with coconut and almonds (New)
- Purple Grape Cotton Candy
- ACE High! Hard Cider Imperial Apple Cider
- Master Gao Brewery Puffed Rice Chinese Pale Ale
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Hearthstone Lounge
- Rabbit Firecracker: Spiced rum, orange brandy, lemon oil, honey, and black tea garnished with star anise and pink peppercorns (New)
GCH Holiday Cart
- Lunar New Year Cookie (New)
- Assorted Pretzel Sticks
Storyteller’s Café
- Offering Lunar New Year-inspired offerings such as fried rice and spring rolls
Disneyland Hotel
Goofy’s Kitchen
- Offering Lunar New Year-inspired offerings such as fried rice and spring rolls
Downtown Disney District
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes (Available Jan. 20 through Feb. 15)
- Year of The Rabbit CrazyShake: Vanilla-frosted rim with red and gold sixlet, Chinese zodiac rabbit vanilla cupcake, red and gold rock candy, whipped cream, red sprinkles, and caramel drizzle
Catal Restaurant (Available Jan. 20 through Feb. 15)
- Pork Belly Bao Bun: Pork belly, soy Gochujang glaze, baby mixed greens, spring onions, spicy mayo, and charred lemon (New)
- Kung Pao Paella: Valenciano paella rice, kung pao chicken, lemon vinaigrette, spring onions, water chestnuts, roasted peppers, roasted peanuts, and chiles (New)
- Lunar Eclipse: Gin, cherry liqueur, triple sec, lime juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and bitters and topped with soda and gold glitter (New)
Mad Dumplings Food Truck (Available Jan. 13 through Feb. 5, starting at 3 p.m. daily)
- Food truck serving unique dumplings and rice dishes (New)
Naples Ristorante e Bar (Available Jan. 20 through Feb. 15)
- Firecracker Chicken Pizza: Hoisin, mozzarella cheese, marinated chicken, carrot strings, and a firecracker sauce drizzle topped with a sliced green onion garnish (New)
- Lunar New Year Margarita: Tequila blanco, pomegranate juice, lime juice, agave, and simple syrup with a pinch of salt (New)
Sprinkles (Available Jan. 16 through 29)
- Lunar New Year Gold Bunny Almond Red Velvet: Red velvet cake with slivered almonds lined with an almond cookie crust and topped with almond cream cheese frosting (Available while supplies last.)
- Lunar New Year Red Box: Three Lunar New Year Gold Bunny Almond Red Velvet cupcakes, Three Almond Red Velvet cupcakes, Three Dark Chocolate cupcakes, Three Strawberry cupcakes, and Eight Limited-edition red envelopes (Available while supplies last.)
Tortilla Jo’s (Available Jan. 20 through Feb. 15)
- Asian Tuna Nachos: Tuna marinated 24 hours in a Vietnamese-style sauce with diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, avocado cream, Asian spiced aïoli, and Vietnamese-style glazed sauce (New)
- New Year Sunrise: Rum, grenadine, lime juice, orange juice and pineapple juice (New)
Uva Bar & Cafe (Available Jan. 20 through Feb. 15)
- Lunar Eclipse: Gin, cherry liqueur, triple sec, lime juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and bitters topped with soda and gold glitter (New)
Merchandise
The Lunar New Year festival cart near Paradise Gardens offers exclusive merchandise featuring Mickey, Minnie, Mulan, and more. Some of the most popular collectibles include:
- Spirit jerseys with Chinese characters and zodiac animal prints
- Plush characters dressed in traditional Asian clothing
- Tshirts with “Happy Lunar New Year” in English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese
- Tervis tumblers decorated with lanterns and flowers
- Pressed penny souvenir sets
- Mystery pin boxes
The selection varies slightly each year, but expect to find lots of red and gold merchandise highlighting Chinese culture.
When Do the Marketplace Kiosks Open?
You can expect the tasting booths and food kiosks to open each morning between 10:30-11:00am at Disney California Adventure during the Lunar New Year festival. The opening time adjusts slightly based on the park’s hours for the day.
Costumes
Guests of all ages love dressing up for Lunar New Year at Disneyland! From traditional hanboks and qipaos to more modern Asian-inspired fashion, it’s fun to wear vibrant colors and prints that match the festival’s atmosphere. Cast members also sport colorful attire during Lunar New Year. Mickey, Minnie, Mulan, and Mushu appear in special Chinese-style costumes that are extra fanciful for the holiday.
Lucky Wishes Wall
Every year, guests can write down their wishes for the new year on red tags and hang them on a “Lucky Wishes Wall” display.
- Guests write down hopes and wishes for health, happiness, prosperity etc. on red Mickey Mouse-shaped tags.
- The tags are then tied or hung on decorative chains/streamers as part of a Lucky Wishes Wall installation.
- The wishes wall and tags are available daily during the Lunar New Year festival at Disney’s parks.
- Making and hanging wishes is meant to bring good fortune in the new year, according to the article sources.
How Much Does Lunar New Year Cost?
The festival takes place at Disney California Adventure park, so you need a valid park ticket and reservation to access the park. Once inside, all of the Lunar New Year entertainment, activities, and food are included as part of your day.
A few key points on pricing:
- The festival is included with regular theme park admission to Disney California Adventure. No extra fee.
- The Sip and Savor food pass provides discounts on select food and beverage items. The 2023 pass was $45. Pricing typically increases slightly year-over-year.
- Magic Key holders receive a small discount on the Sip and Savor pass.
Chinese Zodiac
2024 is the year of the Dragon!
Animals
The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.
Order and Years
The order of the animals is based on the legend of their race to bid farewell to the Jade Emperor.
The years repeat in a 12-year cycle:
Rat: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Ox: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Goat: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Monkey: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Rooster: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Elements
Each year is also associated with one of the five elements – Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood. So 2026 is specifically the year of the Fire Horse, 2027 is the Fire Goat, etc. The elements provide additional meaning and characteristics for each zodiac year. For example, the passionate Fire element matches the energetic nature of the Horse.
Upcoming Years:
2024 – Year of the Dragon
2025 – Year of the Snake
2026 – Year of the Fire Horse
2027 – Year of the Fire Goat
2028 – Year of the Earth Monkey
2029 – Year of the Earth Rooster
2030 – Year of the Metal Dog
Past Lunar New Year Festivals
While the entertainment and food changes a bit year to year, Lunar New Year has been consistently filled with fortune, fun and friendship for over 25 years at Disneyland. Past highlights include the 2020 Year of the Mouse celebration which expanded meet-and-greets, and the 2022 Year of the Tiger festival that saw Chip and Dale appear in tiger costumes for the first time.
Tips for Attending Lunar New Year
Here are some tips for attending the Lunar New Year events at Disneyland:
- Arrive early. The events, especially Mulan’s procession, get crowded quickly. Arrive 30+ minutes early to get a good viewing spot.
- Check the schedule. Use the Disneyland app or guide maps to see procession times, stage show times, etc. Plan your day accordingly.
- Try the special food and drinks. Marketplace booths and restaurants offer unique Asian-inspired cuisine just for Lunar New Year. The Sip and Savor pass offers discounts.
- See the characters. Mulan, Mickey and others appear in festive attire perfect for photos during the festival.
- Make a wish. Write down hopes for the new year on tags and tie them to the Lucky Wishes Wall display for good fortune.
- Don’t miss World of Color pre-show. The “Hurry Home” pre-show has special Lunar New Year elements like ribbon dancers over Paradise Bay.
- Browse merchandise. The festival cart near Paradise Gardens has themed spirit jerseys, plush characters, tumblers and more.
- Ask questions! Cast members have lots of insights and can point you towards the best festival sights and activities.
- Stay until evening. Special lighting and lanterns create atmosphere. Consider a Blue Bayou dining package to cap off the night.
- Have fun! Soak in all the sights, sounds, cuisine and culture of this vibrant multicultural celebration.
Conclusion
Disneyland guests can always expect beautiful decor, cheerful music, and Disney magic to ring in the new year! The rich traditions of Lunar New Year combine with Disney whimsy for a one-of-a-kind festival unlike any other. With entertainment, cuisine, shopping and photo ops, Disneyland’s celebration offers something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s to prosperity, happiness, and making magical memories among family and friends this new year!
