This year we ring in the Year of the Pig, and Southern California wouldn’t miss the opportunity to celebrate our incredible range of cultures. Both the Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are hosting festivities in honor of the colorful Lunar New Year proceedings. Here’s what you’ll soon find in the parks:
Universal Studios Hollywood Lunar New Year
Yesterday, Universal Studios Hollywood announced this year’s festival lineup. Running from February 2 through February 17, the event will take place within Universal Plaza, complete with red Chinese Lanterns and plum blossom Wishing Trees. You will be able to eat from Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop, which is back by popular demand to serve up delicious culturally-themed food such as Po’s Dumplings, Dragon Warrior Bao, Oogway Eggrolls and Secret Ingredient Stir Fry Noodles. Mr. Ping himself will also be around to interact with guests. The real centerpiece of the Lunar New Year festivities is at the DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda Jade Palace Performance Stage and the exciting Dragon Warrior Training Show based on the fantastic Kung Fu Panda franchise.
You’ll also be able to meet Hello Kitty, who will step out in style, wearing her signature red bow with specially-designed Lunar New Year attire! And the fun doesn’t stop there. It was announced that an Mandarin-speaking Transformer’s MEGATRON will once again greet guests at the entry of the festival area, engaging guests in Mandarin.
Disney California Adventure Lunar New Year
If you head a bit more south, you’ll run into Disney California Adventure’s own Lunar New Year celebration. This event is available from January 25 to February 17. This auspicious occasion will include Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession as well as other unique holiday entertainment. Guests will be delighted by special appearances of Characters in colorful event costumes. There will also be an abundance of kid-friendly crafts and activities, including face painting.
A new menu awaits you at the festival food booths as well as commemorative merchandise. Chef creations such as Mickey Chinese Hot Dog Buns, Firecracker Three Cup Chicken, and Mandarin-Orange Green Tea Tarts await curious palates. A Sip and Savor Pass will be available for $39(tax included, AP discount applies) which will allow you to sample 6 non-alcoholic items from the booths.
Both of these Lunar New Year festivities are included with regular park admission and we look forward to giving you an in-depth look at them in the near future.
Overall, we are pleased that local parks are starting to celebrate Lunar New Year and bring it to the masses. The festivals provide a perfect transition between Christmas and Spring Break. In the case of Disney, it slots in nicely between Festival of Holidays and Food and Wine Festival, giving fans nearly half a year of specialty food.
Now, what are you waiting for Knott’s? . . . We’d love to see your take on what’s quickly becoming a new holiday for all to enjoy.