Celebrate Lunar New Year at Disney’s California Adventure!

Lately it seems that Disney has a new festival every few months. There’s almost no time in the year you can visit the parks without a special event taking place. But there’s a good reason for that – they’re FUN! Coming up at the end of January is one that I visited for the first time last year and cannot wait to go again this year! From January 25th to February 17th, 2019 Disney’s California Adventure park is celebrating Lunar New Year, the Year of the Pig. Here are the reasons I cannot WAIT to go again (all of which have absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I really want a mini pig):

The Highlight of Lunar New Year – Food, Food, Food, Food, Food!

Of course I’m going for the food! As with any good Disney festival, there are food booths dotted around the promenade. For the Lunar New Year festival the focus is on Asian foods with a Disney twist, and I’m all in! This year there are four booths featuring variations of fried rice, bao buns, egg rolls and NOODLES! Just give me all the noodles. Plus, you’ll find different teas and adult beverages at each booth, too.

This year there’s also a Sip & Savor Pass that consists of a souvenir credential (think VIP pass on a lanyard) with 6 coupons redeemable for food and non-alcoholic beverage offerings at the festival marketplaces. Each pass is $39, and it’s a great way to save a little money if you’re like me and already know you’re going to be eating pretty much everything at the booths!

Over at Paradise Garden Grill restaurant, they’ll be changing their standard menu for the festival to feature traditional Asian dishes.

Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession

This is one of the most gorgeous shows I’ve ever seen. More of a mini parade, it features the music and characters from Mulan, a massive Chinese dragon puppet, drummers, dancers, and acrobats. The colors are so bright and beautiful, and the music reminds me of the time I spent in China last year. It’s such a fun spectacle and really gets you to appreciate the Chinese culture and what the New Year celebrations are like for them.

And this year I’m so excited because as a tribute to the Year of the Pig the Three Little Pigs are going to make a special appearance in full holiday costume!!! Which brings me to the next thing I’m looking forward to…

 

Disney Characters

Every year at this festival Disney friends that we don’t get to see often come out to visit. This year it’s the Three Little Pigs. But we’ll also find our friends Mulan and Mushu, plus Mickey, Minnie and the rest of the Fab Five dressed in colorful event costumes. They always make for a great photo op!

Lunar New Year Activities

Sometimes I’m just a big kid because last year I had so much fun getting my face painted and learning to fold origami animals. This year I’m making a beeline for these kiosks so I can proudly sport my painted face all day. There are always a few designs to choose from – last year I chose cherry blossoms and a lantern – and it’s super quick. Plus, all of the activities are included in your park admission!

And on top of all this there are gorgeous Lunar New Year decorations all over, more holiday entertainment, AND a bunch of merchandise especially for the event! I’m so excited to get back to this festival again. Have you been before? Let me know your favorite part in the comments below!