Top 5 Must Do’s for the 2026 Disneyland Lunar New Year

Disneyland Lunar New Year Top Five

The Year of the Horse has officially arrived at the Disneyland Resort! From January 23 through February 22, 2026, Disney California Adventure park is transformed into a vibrant celebration of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures. If you’re planning a visit, here are the five absolute must-do experiences to add to your list.

Related – Full Lunar New Year Menu at Disneyland Resort

Meet Red Panda Mei in Her Solo Debut

The biggest buzz of the 2026 festival is the arrival of Red Panda Mei from Turning Red. For the first time ever, Mei is meeting guests in her massive, “full panda” form at the Pixar Pier Bandshell. She is notoriously fluffy, high-energy, and ready for giant hugs. While she doesn’t sign autographs, the photo ops with this 13-year-old-spirit-turned-panda are easily the most popular in the park.

Watch Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession

This isn’t just a parade; it’s a rhythmic, colorful celebration of family and friendship. Mulan and Mushu lead a troupe of umbrella dancers, martial artists, and drummers along the Performance Corridor. Keep an eye out for Horace Horsecollar, who takes a lead role this year in honor of the Year of the Horse, along with Chip and Dale in their brand-new festive attire.

Sip and Savor Through the Marketplaces

You can’t visit the festival without tasting the food! There are six dedicated marketplaces—like Bamboo Blessings and Longevity Noodle Co.—serving up Asian-inspired dishes with a Disney twist.

• Must-Try New Items: The Japchae Noodles with kalbi short rib and the Five-Spice Popcorn Chicken.
• Pro Tip: Buy a Sip and Savor Pass to get six digital coupons that can be redeemed for tasting-sized portions across the festival.

Add a Hope to the Lucky Wishes Wall

Located in Paradise Gardens, the Lucky Wishes Wall is a beautiful, interactive tradition. Guests of all ages can write down their personal hopes for health, luck, and prosperity in the new year and tie them to the decorative wall. It’s a wonderful moment of reflection amidst the high-energy festival atmosphere.

Catch the “Hurry Home” Water Show

Before the main nighttime spectacular, World of Color – Happiness!, begins, make sure you’re in your viewing spot early for Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration. This six-minute pre-show uses the massive water screens to tell the heartwarming story of a Little Lantern’s journey home for the New Year, set to a stirring score by Academy Award-winning composer Tan Dun.

Will you be celebrating Lunar New Year at the Disneyland Resort?

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