Disney California Adventure knows how to celebrate, and Lunar New Year 2025 was no exception.
From delicious food to festive decorations, it was a day filled with excitement, flavors, and surprises.
If you’re thinking about going, here’s everything you need to know based on our visit. (watch the video above to see everything written below!)
What Is Lunar New Year at California Adventure?
Every year, California Adventure hosts a Lunar New Year celebration.
It’s all about celebrating Asian cultures through food, entertainment, and decor. This year, they pulled out all the stops with themed food booths, live performances, and even special character appearances.
If you love trying limited-time dishes, soaking in vibrant decorations, or just want a unique Disney experience, this event is perfect for you. It’s family-friendly and full of fun for all ages.
The Food: What We Tried
One of the biggest reasons we went was the food. California Adventure’s Lunar New Year menu featured limited-time dishes and drinks inspired by Asian flavors. Here’s everything we ate:
1. Scallion Pancake Tostada
This was a small dish but packed with flavor. The bulgogi was tender and seasoned perfectly. The scallion pancake base was crispy and delicious. Our only gripe? The portion was pretty small for the price.
2. Garlic Noodles
The garlic noodles were a solid choice. They had a light kick and were perfectly cooked. It was a simple dish but so satisfying. If you’re a fan of noodles, don’t skip this one.
3. Bulgogi Pizza
We weren’t sure how bulgogi would work on this pizza, but it surprised us. The sweet and spicy sauce paired well with the cheese. It’s not for everyone (kids might find it too spicy), but we thought it was worth a try.
4. Dalgona Cake
This dessert was a fun twist on the classic Korean dalgona candy. It was huge, moist, and topped with a bitter-sweet dalgona layer. Definitely a dessert to share—it’s big!
5. Vietnamese Coffee Churro
We had mixed feelings about this one. It had a nice coffee flavor but tasted a bit like instant coffee. We wished it had more condensed milk. Still, it’s worth a try if you’re a churro lover but the regular churro might be good enough for most of us.
6. Mandarin Orange Mule
This drink was refreshing and not too sweet. It’s a great way to cool off while walking around. We’d definitely order this one again.
7. Makgeolli
If you’re into drinks with a bit of sweetness and on the stronger side, this one’s for you. It was light, slightly sweet, and a nice surprise on the menu.
8. Vietnamese Coffee
This one was great. We’re always looking for alternative to Starbucks. It’s not as intense as your typical Lee’s Sandwiches Vietnamese coffee but it provides a good kick and coffee flavor without too much sweetness from the condensed milk.
9. Mickey Sausage Bread
Another great one that we would get again. The bread is extremely fluffy/soft and the sausage part isn’t too salty & pairs well together. There’s green onions on the outside but could still use a bit more.
The Experience
The food wasn’t the only highlight. California Adventure goes all out for Lunar New Year with:
- Decorations: The park is filled with red and gold accents, lanterns, and banners. It’s beautiful and makes for great photos.
- Live Performances: We saw traditional Asian dancers and musicians, which added so much to the festive vibe.
- Character Meet-and-Greets: Mickey and Minnie in their Lunar New Year outfits were the real stars for us. Seeing them in hanboks was such a nice surprise and made the trip feel extra special.
Who Is This Experience For?
Lunar New Year at California Adventure is for:
- Foodies: If you love trying limited-time dishes, this is the perfect event for you.
- Families: It’s a great way to introduce kids to Lunar New Year traditions in a fun and engaging way.
- Disney Fans: Seeing the characters in themed outfits and experiencing the unique decor is a must for any Disney lover.
- Anyone Who Loves Festivals: Even if you’re not a big Disney fan, the atmosphere and cultural elements make it worth visiting.
Tips for Your Visit
- Plan Ahead: The lines for food can get long. Use the mobile order feature if it’s available for quicker service.
- Arrive Early: The park can get crowded, especially on weekends. Getting there early means shorter lines and more time to enjoy.
- Budget for Food: The dishes are on the smaller side, so you’ll probably want to try multiple items. Budget accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Lunar New Year 2025 at California Adventure was such a fun way to celebrate the holiday.
From the unique dishes to the festive atmosphere, it’s an event we’d recommend to anyone looking for something special.
Whether you’re there for the food, the decor, or the Disney magic, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re planning to go, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your visit.
