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These Disney events include rare characters and limited time experiences

These Disney events include rare characters and limited time experiences


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Do you love meeting unique characters and experiencing new things at Disney? If so, you don’t want to miss these two Disney events!

Lunar New Year

Credit: PhotoPass

Disney California Adventure Park will usher in the Lunar New Year with a joyous tribute to Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures with a multicultural celebration. It’s filled with best of wishes for the new year.

More than any other zodiac animal, the rabbit symbolizes luck. In 2023, Disney will be celebrating the Year of the Rabbit. With the it being the Year of the Rabbit, do you think Oswald may be included?

Disney celebrates the Lunar New Year from January 20 through February 15, 2023.

Rare Characters

Credit: Disney

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse celebrate the Lunar New Year in their festive attire. In addition, Mulan and Mushu from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Mulan will be here.

Also returning beginning January 20, you’ll once again get to see Raya, from the Disney Animation film Raya and the Last Dragon. Under a forest canopy deep in the heart of Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, you may encounter her greeting new friends.

Limited Experiences

Credit: Disney

The centerpiece of the celebration will be “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession.” This is a vibrant performance hosted by Mulan and Mushu, that features dozens of spirited parade performers as they honor family, friendship, and the potential for a fortune-filled new year.

In 2023, the procession will be extended throughout all of Disney California Adventure along the parade route from Paradise Gardens through Hollywood Land.

Credit: Disney

“Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration” also returns, presented prior to “World of Color.” This heartwarming nighttime water show tells the tale of a little lantern’s quest to reunite with family for the annual celebration of good luck and fortune.

Limited Offerings

Credit: Marisol

There will be two additions for the new Lunar New Year marketplaces: Bamboo Blessings and Wrapped with Love. They will join the returning marketplaces, including Lucky 8 Lantern, Prosperity Bao & Buns, Red Spice Traders, and Longevity Noodle Co.

You’ll get to enjoy even more Lunar New Year celebrations with family-friendly fun including crafts, Chinese calligraphy demonstrations and the Lucky Wishes Wall, where guests can share their hopes for the future/year ahead. Plus, additional tasty treats and festival items will be available at Paradise Garden Grill and Lucky Fortune Cookery.  

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

Credit: Disney

The foodie favorite Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will once again feature the best of what California has to offer! This festival includes 12 festival marketplaces that feature a smorgasbord of sweet and savory foods along with creative cocktails, beer, wine and tasty non-alcoholic beverages.

In addition, guests will find even more festival-inspired dishes at select restaurants throughout Disney California Adventure and special items will also be featured in the Downtown Disney District and at the Hotels of Disneyland Resort.

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival runs from March 3 through April 25, 2023.

Limited Experiences

Credit: Disney

Family-friendly entertainment also returns to the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival with appearances by the Jammin’ Chefs, Chef Goofy, and the “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Unbirthday Party” show. In addition, there will be even more exciting entertainment to check out on the Palisades Stage and the Paradise Gardens bandstand.

Guests of all ages will also enjoy crafts, complimentary weekend culinary demonstrations, and artist events and signings.

Plus, Soarin’ Over California will return for a limited time during the festival! This beloved attraction celebrates the beauty and wonder of the Golden State, from San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the crashing waves in Malibu.

Soarin’ Over California will return for a limited time during the festival!

And for those looking to elevate their Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival experience, there will be additional bookable signature events.

Will you attend these fun limited events? Do you wish Soarin’ Over California would return to Disney World? Please share your thoughts in the comments below or on our Facebook Page.

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