Disney California Adventure Park is an enchanting destination year-round, but visiting during the Lunar New Year Celebration is a truly magical experience. From January 17 through February 16, 2025, the park transforms to honor Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese traditions with dazzling entertainment, festive decorations, and an array of culinary delights—all while maintaining that signature Disney magic. Our family’s visit during the celebration left us with cherished memories, and we can’t wait to share the highlights with you!
An Ideal Time to Visit
January is one of the best times to visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. With winter hotel pricing and discounted tickets, you can enjoy the parks without the heavy crowds typical during peak seasons. Even with the 70th anniversary festivities ramping up for spring, our mid-January visit offered minimal wait times. The longest line we encountered was just 60 minutes, making it a stress-free experience for our family.
Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession
One of the most breathtaking aspects of the celebration is Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession. This captivating parade begins in Hollywood Land and winds its way to Paradise Gardens. The combination of triumphant music, vibrant costumes, and talented performers creates a mesmerizing spectacle. Mulan, Mushu, and other Disney friends lead the procession, accompanied by Chinese entertainers showcasing their cultural artistry. We made sure to catch this performance multiple times throughout the day because it was that good—each viewing seemed to unveil new details and surprises. My husband recorded the parade for all those who won’t be able to attend:
The Lunar New Year Wishing Wall
Another delightful activity is the Lunar New Year Wishing Wall in Paradise Gardens Park. Here, guests are invited to write down their wishes for hope, health, and happiness in the upcoming year. Seeing the wall adorned with heartfelt messages from visitors worldwide was a touching reminder of the universal aspirations that bring us together. Our daughter enjoyed drawing her own picture of good fortune, and adding it to the wall became one of her favorite moments of the trip.
Festive Decorations and Atmosphere
Disney California Adventure Park’s Lunar New Year decorations are nothing short of stunning. Elaborate displays, glowing lanterns, and symbolic ornaments adorn the park, creating a vibrant yet serene atmosphere. The attention to detail is impeccable, with traditional Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese design elements seamlessly integrated into the Disney aesthetic. It’s festive without feeling overwhelming, making it perfect for families with young children.
Culinary Delights
If you’re a foodie, the Lunar New Year Celebration is not to be missed. The culinary team truly outdid themselves this year, offering dishes inspired by Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese flavors. Some of our favorites included the returning Garlic Noodles and the sweet yet sophisticated Strawberry Milk Tea Macaron.
We also tried the Spicy Gochujang Chicken Tacos and the Vietnamese Coffee Churro, both of which were instant hits. The churro’s subtle coffee flavor and sweet glaze made it a perfect mid-afternoon snack. Marvel wasn’t too keen on the Snake Sourdough Bread due to its seaweed seasoning, but our son Dash adored his Baymax bread and insisted on carrying it around the park. I regret not trying the sugar art and sugar fruit cart that everyone was raving about—next time, it’s at the top of my list!
Hurry Home: A Lunar New Year Celebration
Each night, visitors are treated to Hurry Home: A Lunar New Year Celebration, a beautiful pre-show before World of Color. This 6-minute tale follows Little Lantern on a heartwarming journey to reunite with family for Lunar New Year. Accompanied by an emotive musical score by Academy Award-winning composer Tan Dun, the show captivated our entire family. The combination of stunning visuals and a heartfelt story made it a can’t-miss experience.
Special Character Appearances
One of the biggest highlights for our family was meeting the special characters dressed in Lunar New Year attire. From Mei Mei and her mom from Turning Red to Mickey, Minnie, Mulan, and Mushu, the interactions were pure magic. Chip and Dale’s antics in their festive outfits had our kids giggling nonstop. Marvel Superhero Shang-Chi also made appearances, adding an extra layer of excitement for Marvel fans.
Final Thoughts
The Lunar New Year Celebration at Disney California Adventure Park is a perfect blend of cultural traditions and Disney magic. Whether you’re savoring flavorful dishes, watching dazzling performances, or soaking in the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For our family, it was the character interactions and incredible food that stood out the most, creating memories we’ll cherish for years to come. If you’re considering a visit, don’t hesitate—this celebration is a truly special way to kick off the Year of the Snake.
