I have shared previously how much I love limited time magic events at Disneyland! Another event I got attend was 2020’s Lunar New Year event at California Adventure. Lunar New Year is traditionally celebrated by many east Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, Korea, Vietnam. This celebration marks the first new moon of the of the lunisolar calendar. Disney California Adventure Celebrated the Lunar New Year from January 17, 2020-February 9, 2020. 2020 happened to be the year of the mouse which coincided well with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession
There were several themed activities you could attend as long as you had enough time in your day. One of those was a beautiful procession of Mulan as well as other Disney characters. The procession took place about 4 times a day and highlighted Disney characters in beautiful red costumes dancing along to drums and music. I really like how they weaved martial art, dance, and drumming into the procession. I also learned that many of the performers were from east Asian countries invited by Disney to perform.
Special Asian-inspired Treats
It can’t be a special celebration without special food! There were four special food vendors that that a variety of items inspired by Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures. We didn’t have a ton of time to eat but we did try this beautiful Purple Yam Macaron with Crème Fraîche. It was almost too beautiful to eat! I especially loved the gold brush stroke on the top.
Lucky Wishing Wall
In Paradise Gardens Park there was a “Wishing Wall” set up where you could write down your own wish on a cute mickey cutout. While 2020 had other plans I treasure my little wish and have one hanging on my wall.
Another item I brought home with me was the coloring I did of the Dragon’s “Pearl of Wisdom.” Not super photogenic but I really love to color and it was a fun opportunity to do so in the parks. I’m truly a kid at heart.
Lunar New Year Merchandise
Of course with any special event there has to be exclusive merchandise. Disney had special red spirit jerseys, Minnie Mouse headbands, and pin sets. I ended up settling for a set of these beautiful Disneyland themed red envelopes. They are now hanging on my wall in a glass floating frame. There was a set of two so I mailed to other envelopes to Disney pals.
I feel very lucky that I got to experience this event last year especially since soon after the world shut down. If you have the opportunity to attend a future Lunar New Year Event please go it’s a lot of fun and a great opportunity to learn about different cultures.