Day 106: Lunar New Year Celebrations at Disney California Adventure: Part 1

January 28, 2023

Dear Disney,

Darling and I have been to Disneyland more than a dozen times between the two of us, but we have always gone during late Spring through Mid-Summer. However, this year we found ourselves at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure during the Lunar New Year Celebration. Darling and I were very excited for this new experience. Darling and I have two different perceptions of the Celebration, so we are going to write two different letters. This first letter is going to be from me, and the second will be from Darling.

Disney California Adventure is a fun park, and it is our children’s favorite. As stated, we recently had the chance to enjoy two-day Park Hopper tickets and we started each day at Disney California Adventure. We decided previously that we would rope drop each day, stay until the mid-afternoon and transfer over to Disneyland for the remainder of the evenings.

I knew that California Adventure had the Lunar New Year Celebrations, and because of the very limited time this event occurs, I was really excited to go and experience this unique event. Coming into the park, I had assumptions I would be seeing of Lunar New Year decorations throughout, but I was incorrect. At the gates and throughout Buena Vista Street, the streetlights had the “100 Years of Wonder” buntings on them, not the Lunar New Year buntings. As you head further down Buena Vista Street and towards the Pacific Wharf, you start to see the decorations for the Lunar New Year. This year, being the Year of the Rabbit, the decorations highlighted Oswald the Rabbit.

Finally, the decorations unfold into a series of food vendor locations around Pacific wharf and Paradise Gardens. The food vendors sold Asian inspired drinks, desserts, and entrees. From Teriyaki Turkey legs to Pepperoni Pizza Bao Buns, the food was eclectic but fun. There was lots of merchandise for the event: pins, ears, and clothing. Loving pins, I bought both of the varieties they sold.

Throughout the day, Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession would travel down Hollywood Boulevard and end at Pacific Wharf. There were Flower Dancers, Dragon Dancers, and Lions, meandering through the street and interacting with the crowds. Later in the evening, right before the World of Color show, there was a short water show about a lantern trying to find its way back to his family. The short was called “Hurry Home” and it was beautiful. The Academy Award®-winning composer Tan Dun wrote the score.

Participating in the Lunar New Year celebration was a lot of fun. The event only lasts a few weeks, so being in the park felt special. Watching the parade and seeing the decorations left me feeling happy. Because of how limited the event timing is, there was a problem with crowds. At one point, the crowds were so extreme that my daughter and I could not cross the street. We did not eat any of the event specifics food items due to the length of the queues.

Overall, celebrating the Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure was something that I never thought I would be able to do. I strongly suggest going during the Lunar New Year to participate in this event. However, have realistic expectations. There will be crowds and there will be queues. Just take the time to rest your feet and contemplate the year to come.

Until tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Jim Dear