Today the Disneyland Resort announced the return of two fan favorite experiences in 2023. Both the Lunar New Year celebration and the Disney California Food & Wine Festival will be returning in the spring of 2023. The Lunar New Year celebration will be taking place from January 20 through February 15 and Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will be from March 3 through April 25.
Lunar New Year will be celebrating the Year of the Rabbit during its run this coming year, along with the Year of the Cat (this will be in recognition of the Vietnamese zodiac calendar). The Disney Parks Blog shared that the “Chinese zodiac calendar plays a significant role in shaping the traditions, holidays and foods enjoyed in Asian communities all over the globe. In Chinese culture, the rabbit has the unique characteristic of waiting for an opportune moment and then leaping into action. More than any other zodiac animal, the rabbit symbolizes luck.” The celebration will again take place at Disney California Adventure. It will include the return of some favorite offerings. This includes:
- Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession – Mulan and Mushu lead this processional along the entire parade route this year as they honor family, friendship, and the potential for a fortune-filled new year.
- Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration (ahead of World of Color) – nighttime water show that tells the tale of a little lantern’s quest to reunite with family for the annual celebration of good luck and fortune.
- Arts & Crafts
- Disney characters including Mulan, Mushu, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in festive attire.
There will also be two new Lunar New Year Marketplaces added for guests to experience more festive foods during the celebration. These two Marketplaces are Bamboo Blessings and Wrapped with Love. These join returning Marketplaces that include Lucky 8 Lantern, Prosperity Bao & Buns, Red Spice Traders, and Longevity Noodle Co. The sip & Savor pass will be returning to allow guests to eat and drink their way through six food & non-alcoholic beverage selections.
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is a delicious time of year to visit the Disneyland Resort, specifically Disney California Adventure. This festival will offer 12 different marketplaces with a wide range of foods to feast on. There will also be some fantastic entertainment, crafts, complimentary culinary demonstrations, and also artist events and signings. Select Downtown Disney District restaurants will also be offering festival-inspired dishes. One other highlight will be the return of Soarin’ Over California once again for a limited time during the run of the festival.
Both the Lunar New Year and the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival have become favorite annual traditions for Disneyland Resort guests. They make two of three annual favorite Disney California Adventure traditions, the third being Disney Festival of Holidays which is currently being celebrated.
Are you excited about the return of Lunar New Year and Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival? What are you most looking forward to from each of these? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
