Disney Lunar New Year 2024

Lunar New Year returns to Disneyland Resort 2024 with seasonal favorites as we celebrate Year of the Dragon. Visit Disneyland Resort January 23 – February 18 to experience all the offerings of Lunar New Year.

 

Join me as your Disneyland expert to guide you through this multi-cultural celebration at Disney California Adventure Park.

Enjoy Disneyland Resort January 23 – February 18 to experience all the offerings of Lunar New Year, with actual Chinese New Year celebrated on February 10, 2024. My most recent Lunar New Year visit was January 25-28, 2023 and I am looking forward to another visit for this occasion in 2024.

Disneyland Resort Lunar New Year 2024

It’s time to celebrate Disney Lunar New Year—a celebration of Asian tradition and cultures, along with well wishes for the future. Our Lunar New Year celebration begins now with answers to your Lunar New Year frequently asked questions.

 

 

What is Disney Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year celebrates Asian cultures through music, food, dance and tradition, with the addition of beloved Disney characters like Mulan and Mushu and in 2024, we celebrate year of the dragon!

 

 

Lunar New Year is celebrated at Disney California Adventure Park January 23 – February 18, with actual Chinese New Year celebrated on February 10, 2024.

I love being there for Lunar New Year each year and gave my kids their own red envelopes with Disney gift cards inside to spend on snacks and the festival. 

Where is Disney Lunar New Year? 

Traditionally, Lunar New Year is celebrated at Disney California Adventure park, mostly along the pathway that borders Paradise Bay (the water area in front of Pixar Pier) and Paradise Gardens Park. In front of Paradise Gardens you’ll find live entertainment throughout the day and more food offerings.

 

 

How much does Disney Lunar New Year cost?

You can stroll through Lunar New Year marketplaces and enjoy live entertainment for free with valid theme park admission.

Food and drinks are an additional cost (find exact prices on the Disneyland app), just like any other food and drinks in the parks. Get discount Disneyland Resort tickets here. 

When do Disney Lunar New Year marketplace kiosks open?

Lunar New Year marketplace kiosks open daily at 10:30 or 11 am, depending on park hours during the event. 

2024 is the Year of the Dragon. In Chinese culture, Dragons symbolize power, nobleness, honor, luck, and success. See how to celebrate Disney Lunar New Year at Home too.

 

 

There are twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac, based on a 12 year cycle and each year corresponds with an animal (rat/mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig) and calculated based on the Lunar calendar. The previous year’s animal continues until the next Chinese New Year.

Take a look at The Garden of Twelve Friends where the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac are depicted by popular Disney and Disney/Pixar characters at Shanghai Disney.

 

 

While The Garden of Twelve Friends gives us an idea of which Disney or Pixar character might make an appearance at California Adventure, we have seen some adjustments in the past as well. 

• 2024 Year of the Dragon: Mushu
• 2025 Year of the Snake: Kaa 
• 2026 Year of the Horse: Maximus from Tangled
• 2027 Year of the Goat/Sheep: Jolly Holiday Lambs
• 2028 Year of the Monkey: Abu from Aladdin
• 2029 Year of the Rooster: Alan-a-Dale from Robin Hood
• 2030 Year of the Dog: Pluto
• 2031 Year of the Pig: Three Little Pigs
• 2032 Year of the Rat/Mouse: Mickey & Minnie Mouse
• 2033 Year of the Ox
• 2034 Year of the Tiger: Tigger
• 2035 Year of the Rabbit: Oswald, Thumper, Rabbit and Judy Hopps  

Lunar New Year trivia: 2013 was the first year Lunar New Year was celebrated at California Adventure Park and was previously at Disneyland Park.

“It is believed that the years represented by the animals affect the characters of people in the same way like the western astrology signs.” 

 

 

My Chinese Zodiac is Year of the Dog, which was last celebrated in 2018. Here’s how to find out what yours is based on what year you were born. 

• 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

Disney Lunar New Year Wishes

One of the things I love about Disney California Adventure park celebrations (and there are many throughout the year, like Food & Wine Festival comes next!) is they find a way to involve everyone, young or young-at-heart.

 

In the Paradise Garden area of Paradise Gardens Park, take a moment to write your New Year Wishes on a Mickey-shaped Lunar New Year wishing paper. Hang them on the Lucky Wishing Wall for good luck and prosperity during Year of the Tiger.

You can even create your wishing wall at home! Create your own wishing wall and add wishes for the New Year throughout January and February. 

 

 

Families and children alike will also enjoy decorating a Lunar New Year craft to take home or maybe even stop to get your face painted during Lunar New Year. Note face painting did not return in 2023, we’ll see if it’ll be back in 2024.

 

Disney Lunar New Year Food

There are many popular Disney shirts with a variation of “I’m just here for the food” printed across the front. No shame here! And with the tasty Asian cuisine offered during Lunar New Year, we can see why you might just be coming for the food. 

Take a look at Lunar New Year food from past years to get an idea for what you’ll eat at the parks in 2024 and what you can recreate at home.

 

 

Each marketplace in Paradise Gardens Park offers Asian inspired cuisine, making for some mighty sampling and tasting your way through Asia, all without leaving Disneyland Resort. Food items range from about $7-12.

What’s the Lunar New Year Sip & Savor Pass? 

For about $43 you can taste your way through Lunar New Year. Choose your favorite food items, Lunar New Year desserts or non-alcoholic beverages with the convenience of a pre-paid Sip & Savor Pass. 

 

Is there a Magic Key discount for the Sip & Savor Pass?

Yes, Magic Keyholders can purchase the Sip & Savor Pass for a few dollars less at about $40.

I suggest checking out the lines and hopping in the shortest one for your entire order. Why? It’ll save you time! Order your food at one kiosk, keep your receipt and pick up food throughout the day by going straight to the pick up window. 

 

 

Disney Lunar New Year Bamboo Blessings Food

• Strawberry Milk Tea Macaron: Strawberry buttercream with milk tea center (New but with the classic look)

 

 

• Mickey-shaped Hot Dog Bun: Brioche-style Mickey-shaped bun stuffed with hot dog and finished with sesame seeds and scallions
  

   

  

• See my Mickey Chinese hot dog bun copycat recipe, this one wins it for me with the Mickey presentation! My kids loved it too.

  • Taro Vietnamese-style Iced Coffee: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Vietnamese-style Coffee, cocoa powder, and condensed milk garnished with a taro chocolate sweet cream (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New)
  • Lunar New Year Punch: Mango nectar, tangerine and grapefruit juices, and banana and coconut syrups garnished with mango jellies (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New)
  • Lunar Punch Cocktail: Coconut rum, mango nectar, tangerine and grapefruit juices, and banana and coconut syrups garnished with a purple orchid (New)
  • Mickey-shaped Macaron Straw Clip 
  • Lotus Flower Glow Cube

Disney Lunar New Year Red Dragon Spice Traders Marketplace

• Spicy Fried Rice with tofu and crispy peas (New)
• Red Spice Fried Chicken Bites: Fried chicken chicharrones in spicy red chile sauce
• Peach Basil Collins: Gin, ginger liqueur, white peach purée, lemon juice, and house-made Thai basil syrup topped with Topo Chico and garnished with a purple pansy (New)
• Guava Whiskey Cocktail: Whiskey, ginger liqueur, guava nectar, coconut cream, and lime juice garnished with a lime wheel

Disney Lunar New Year Wrapped with Love Food

• Fried Lemongrass Chicken Dumplings with plum sauce (New)
• Steamed Pork & Vegetable Dumplings with black garlic sauce (New)
• Yuja-Pineapple Cooler: Pineapple juice, yuja purée, rice milk, and condensed milk garnished with a cherry and coconut foam (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New)
• Raspberry Oat Milk Tea: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Ceylon Tea, raspberry and demerara syrups, and oat milk garnished with skewered raspberries (Non-alcoholic beverage)

Disney Lunar New Year Prosperity Bao and Buns Marketplace

• Kung Pao Bao with plant-based chicken, toasted peanuts, and scallions (New)
• BBQ Pork Bun with kimchi mayo and garlic chile crunch (New)
• Brewery X Grapefruit Panda Pool Party Bamboo Rice Lager (New)

 

 

• Harland Brewing Co. Tangerine Dragon Fruit Hefeweizen (New)
• Stereo Brewing Co. Jasmine Tea Lager (New)
• Eagle Rock Brewery Lychee IPA (New)
• Dragon Beer Flight (New)
• Tsingtao with Frozen Mango Beer Foam

 

Disney Lunar New Year Longevity Noodle Co. Marketplace

• Shrimp Lo Mein Noodles: Pan-fried lo mein noodles with sautéed shrimp garnished with green onions (New)
• Garlic Noodles: Long noodles tossed in zesty garlic butter with parmesan, these are delicious!
• Dragon Cocktail: Dragonberry rum, white rum, lychee nectar, dragon fruit and Chinese five-spice syrups, lime juice, and house-made coriander tea garnished with a dried dragon fruit wheel
• Mickey-shaped Macaron Straw Clip 
• Lotus Flower Glow Cub

Disney Lunar New Year Lucky 8 Lantern Marketplace

• Quesabirria Eggroll with guajillo pepper consomé
• Mandarin Orange Mousse Cake: Layers of mandarin mousse with vanilla cake and clementine compote finished with white chocolate crunch balls and a tangerine glaze
• Hibiscus Apple Soju-rita: Blanco tequila, grapefruit liqueur, soju, green apple and hibiscus syrups, house-made hibiscus tea, and lemon juice garnished with a dried apple chip (New)
• Mango Melon Cocktail: Overproof rum, baijiu, allspice liqueur, mango nectar, rock melon syrup, and lime juice topped with grapefruit soda and garnished with a lime wheel (New)
• Mickey-shaped Macaron Straw Clip 
• Lotus Flower Glow Cub

Bonus eats! Lunar New Year food expands to various dining locations in the parks. You can use your Sip & Savor pass on select “Sip and Savor” size portions.

Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta

• Milk Tea Taro Cheesecake: Milk tea cheesecake with a taro mousse

Lamplight Lounge

• Spicy Dan Dan Noodles: Crispy pork belly and noodles tossed in spicy Szechuan sauce paired with carrots, cucumber, and crispy shallots garnished with green onions and micro cilantro (New)
• Milk Tea and Taro Donuts: Warm, fluffy donuts dipped in milk tea, drizzled with taro icing, garnished with boba with milk tea dipping sauce (New)
• Lunar New Year Cocktail: Han Soju, Ancho Reyes Ancho Chile Liqueur, dragon fruit syrup, lemon juice, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, and firewater bitters with mint garnish (New)

Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining

• Kung Pao Bao: Kung pao-glazed crispy pork belly, soft bao bun, red peppers, toasted peanuts, and green onions
• Lunar New Year Cocktail: Han Soju, Ancho Reyes Ancho Chile Liqueur, dragon fruit syrup, lemon juice, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, and firewater bitters with mint garnish (New)

 

 

Magic Key Terrace

• Pork Spare Ribs with peanut-chile sauce, Asian slaw, toasted peanuts, and crispy noodles 

Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart (Mobile order available) 

• Green Tea Horchata 
• Dalgona Coffee Bundt Cake: Coffee Bundt cake filled with sweet milk and topped with dalgona foam 

 

 

Paradise Garden Grill (Mobile order available)

• Bulgogi Fried Rice with kimchi, egg, pickled cucumber, green onion, and sesame seeds (New) (Plant-based)
• Whole Fish with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and black vinegar and soy sauce with sugar, garlic, and red Fresno chile (Served family-style for sharing for two) (New)
• Shrimp Lo Mein: Lo mein noodles tossed with shrimp, mushrooms, cabbage, corn, and bell pepper (New)
• Pork Banh Mi Sandwich: Grilled pork belly with pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, and jalapeño with spicy mayo
• Korean-style BBQ Chicken served with steamed rice, kimchi, and pickled cucumber
• Korean-style Chicken: Marinated chicken served with steamed rice and broccoli (Disney Check Kids Meal)
• Mango Pudding with a hint of coconut milk topped with mango and a chocolate décor
• Tiger Milk Boba Tea with Brown Sugar Boba (Non-alcoholic beverage)
• Yuja Makgeolli Cocktail: Citrus-flavored rice wine, soju, and a splash of Sprite
• Four Sons Brewing Lucky Dragon IPA

Sonoma Terrace (Mobile order available)

• Gochugaru Shrimp Roll: Gochugaru-marinated shrimp on a potato roll with kimchi slaw, gochujang mayonnaise, spicy pickle spear (New)

Outdoor Food Carts (Available Jan. 19 through Feb. 12) 

• Chicken Bao: Steamed bao with chicken, butternut squash, and makrut lime served with Vietnamese sweet tangy dipping sauce
• Baked Brown Sugar Nian Gao: Baked sticky rice cake topped with brown sugar (New)
• Char Siu Turkey Leg (New)
• Cantaritos Mandarin (New)  
• Harland Brewing Co. Lunar Maps Hazy IPA (New)

Disney Lunar New Year World of Color

Will World of Color be back for Lunar New Year? YES! Wolrd of Color, along with Hurry Home will show this season. See Hurry Home across the waters of Paradise Bay. It is such a beautiful way to end your evening at the parks.

 

 

World of Color is a stunning light and water projection show at California Adventure. Hurry Home is a “short” before the main World of Color show featuring Mulan and includes music by Academy Award®-winning composer Tan Dun. Be aware that Hurry Home does end with a short fireworks display.

Meet Mulan,  Turning Red & More

Mulan is truly the princess of Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure park and we love seeing her celebrated!

 

 

During Lunar New Year, join Mulan and Mushu in a bright and vibrant parade, “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession”. 

The parade is performed multiple times per day now on the entire parade route in Disney California Adventure Park. You can catch Mulan and Friends traveling throughout Paradise Gardens Park, and on through Hollywood Land with an exquisite display of dance and music with California Adventure as a back drop.

 

 

Tips for viewing Mulan’s Lunar New Year Processional. Check the Disneyland app for the scheduled times. To avoid the sun shining bright in your face during the show, select an earlier time before 4 pm.

 

 

The last performance of the day usually has the sun right in the background. Also note there may be a loud firecrackers finale which may scare the younger children. I was even told about the firecrackers and was still startled by their display.

New in 2024 you can meet Meilin and Ming Lee from “Turning Red!” You can meet them just past The Little Mermaid main entrance, if you’re walking toward Grizzly River Run on the left.

 

 

Traditional music and music from Disney’s animated movie Mulan surrounds you as Mulan and Mushu lead the way. A celebration filled with music, costumes and dancing, including a Chinese dragon puppet, warriors,  drummers and beautiful costumed dancers make their way through California Adventure Park.

Will we see Raya again in 2024? It only makes sense to have Raya be a permanent part of Lunar New Year but we will update this with details as soon as we know for sure. 

 

 

Raya is usually found in a setting inspired by her native Kumandra, recreated in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. In past years we’ve also met featured characters of the year like the three little pigs during year of the pig.

 

 

Throughout the day you can also meet Mulan, Mushu, Pluto and Mickey and Minnie and other characters who will rotate in the Paradise Gardens Park Gazebo near Goofy’s Sky School.

 

 

There’s always someone new to meet and I love it!

Disney Lunar New Year Shopping

I love to do a little shopping at Disneyland, okay a lot of shopping. The Lunar New Year merchandise will be available soon online at the Disney Store. 

 

 

 I mean, look at this jacket. It’s everything!!

 

A new Lunar New Year item this year is the light up lantern. I also love the red envelopes you can purchase for gift giving. I think a Disneyland gift card will go great inside, don’t you? 

Looking Back at Disney Lunar New Year 

I am always intrigued by Disney history, especially of Disneyland Resort. If you enjoy Disney history like I do, you might enjoy some of these fast facts about Disney Lunar New Year.

2011 was the first year I could find documentation of Lunar New Year at Disneyland Resort. It was celebrated as part of “Family Fun Weekends” and limited to two weekends only. This was year of the Rabbit and didn’t seem to be tied to any Disney character during the initial launch. It was also hosted at Disneyland Park.

 

 

2012 Lunar New Year returned but this time to the area near “it’s a small world”. It seemed to be such an emerging celebration that it being Year of the Dragon wasn’t even mentioned. 

2013 was the first time Lunar New Year was celebrated at Disney California Adventure Park and was extended for a 5 day celebration in Pacific Wharf.

 

 

2014 and 2015 gave way to celebrations we know today with more familiar sights like lantern making, wishing wall and more Disney characters in their traditional Chinese attire. The celebration also moved to Pacific Gardens Park area of California Adventure and included a small procession.

 

 

2016 Lunar New Year lasted 17 days! This year was the first to feature the World of Color pre-show “Hurry Home”, added more live entertainment and introduced 3 festival food marketplaces.

2017 and 2018 is the first year I noticed the procession having an official title “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” in addition to all the other events and offerings from previous years.

 

 

2019 was year of the Pig when I was invited by Disney to come enjoy the festivities on behalf of my website and Disneyland with Kids. Festival marketplace offerings also expanded since they were first introduced in 2016.

2020 Lunar New Year celebration did indeed happen. I remember being there on the actual date of Lunar New Year and hearing about the new health concerns. . . and we all know how that turned out. 

2021 with the Resort still closed, we celebrated Lunar New Year at home with tons of fun activities and food. 

 

 

2022 I celebrated by eating way too much at Disney Lunar New Year! I loved having it back.

2023 I bought the best Disney jacket ever and will be wearing every Lunar New Year forward!

Let me know how you’ll be celebrating Lunar New Year in 2024 and I hope it includes a visit to Disneyland Resort!