Disney California Adventure Park is getting ready for a bigger-than-even Lunar New Year Celebratin beginning Friday, Jan. 20 through Sunday Feb. 5, 2017. The extravagant celebration for the Year of the Rooster will take place over the span of 17 fun-filled days and will includec olorful live performances, fun-filled activities, beautiful decor, Disney characters in their Lunar New Year costumes, and special food and merchandise offerings. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Mulan and Mushu will join guests for this very special time of year! 
Guests at the Lunar New Year Celebration will discover new Disney magic as they experience Asian culture through a variety of live performances, including Chinese acrobats and authentic musicians. Each night prior to “World of Color,” a new feature called “Hurry Home” will tell the tale of a journey home for Lunar New Year. The six-minute feature is presented in sequences, utilizing projected animation along with the lighting, special effects and powerful fountains of “World of Color.”
As “Hurry Home” unfolds, guests will get to follow along on the journey of a Little Lantern returning home for the annual celebration of good luck and fortune. Little Lantern encounters three “dream sequences,” featuring appearances by Mulan and the dragon Mushu. “Hurry Home” employs two contrasting animation styles, with fully rendered CG animation and sequences inspired by traditional Chinese paper cut-out style animation. The story is scored with music created for the opening ceremony of Shanghai Disney Resort by Academy Award-winning composer Tan Dun (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”).
Lunar New Year, traditionally celebrated within Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, commemorates the moment when both the sun and the moon begin their journey for another year. Highlights of the Lunar New Year Celebration at Disney California Adventure include:
- Three new Asian marketplaces offering foods inspired by Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures.
- Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Mulan and Mushu, dressed in their Lunar New Year attire to welcome guests and join them for photos.
- Live performances with an impressive array of authentic performers, acrobats, musicians and more.
- A New Year’s Wishing Wall, where guests may add their own wishes for a wonderful future
- Lunar New Year décor, including beautiful ornamental lanterns and banners wishing guests a Happy Lunar New Year in English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
- Lunar New Year commemorative merchandise, including a specially designed t-shirt, pin and the traditional red envelopes for gift-giving.
For a limited time only, Disneyland Resort guests may celebrate the tradition, sights, sounds and tastes of Lunar New Year with a touch of Disney magic, only at Disney California Adventure. For more information and the daily entertainment schedules, go here. You can also read more about Lunar New Year at Disneyland Resort on the Disney Parks Blog here.
Accompanied by treasured Disney tunes interwoven with the distinctive “Baroque Hoedown”
A whimsical train pulls a giant drum unit that proclaims “Disneyland Presents … Main Street Electrical Parade” in bright lights.
Some of the parade’s most impressive scenes are the 23-foot-tall Clock Tower looming over Cinderella’s Ball, attended by elegant ballroom dancers in costumes covered with lights; and the 108-foot-long finale unit, a red-white-and-blue tribute to America. Elliot, the smoke-breathing, 2 tail-wagging “Pete’s Dragon,” weighs more than 5,600 pounds and is 16 feet tall, more than 10 feet wide and 38 feet long. Guests will need to keep an eye out for Elliot, who disappears from time to time along the route. 
The Main Street Electrical Parade was performed more than 3,600 times for more than 75
Guests who wish to be among the first to welcome the parade back to Disneyland may
Now through January 8, guests at the Resort will find many different experiences and offerings. Although it’s possible to see it all in one day, I recommend purchasing a 2-day Park Hopper (or more days) so you can take your time because there’s a lot to see and do. 
Here’s my own personal guide to the Holidays at Disneyland Resort.
Festival of Holidays
With so many little food and drink themed houses set up in the Festive Foods Marketplace, it’s a foodie’s holiday dream come true! If you’ve ever been to the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot, it may remind you of that. It’s so much fun to go “house to house” and sample different beers, wines and savory & sweet treats! Check out the Complete Guide to Festive Eats 
Another fun part about the Festival of Holidays are the craft tables set up around the park. Kids can sit and spend time learning about different traditional holidays celebrated around the world and make a craft, card, or ornament to take home with them.
Entertainment during Festival of Holidays
The popular Disney ¡Viva Navidad! is sure to wow you as it also returns as part of the fun at Festival of Holidays.
There”ll also be a wonderful finale to celebrate Three Kings Day (Dia de los Reyes).The special festivities for Three Kings Day will run Jan. 5-8, 2017, including music and storytelling in Paradise Garden. Treats for this holiday will include traditional Rosca de Reyes bread.
Meet Elena of Avalor
Santa at Redwood Creek Trails 
When you enter the area, a Cast Member will give you a fun guide to help you find Santa and join in on some fun Elf Games.
“World of Color—Season of Light”
At the top of Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll find twinkling lights, festive holiday garland and nearly 1,800 ornaments decorate the soaring Christmas tree in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A.. It’s an ideal place for guests to begin their holiday traditions. The Christmas tree becomes an enchanting place for guests to take their holiday photos, up close or with all 60 feet of the shimmering tree.
The classic Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle brightens the park nightly with magical snowfall moments along Main Street, U.S.A., concluding with “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks and its stirring snowfall finale.
Specially Transformed-for-the-Holidays Attractions 
Guests at Disneyland Park can enjoy the one-of-a-kind transformations that create “it’s a small world” Holiday, Jingle Cruise and Haunted Mansion Holiday. Now celebrating its 20th holiday season, “it’s a small world” Holiday has added some “Hidden 20s” for guests to discover on their voyage.
“It’s a Christmas Fantasy” Parade
Santa, who makes a jolly appearance in the parade, also will be found welcoming guests at his special location in Critter Country while he visits Disneyland.
There’s so much to see and do during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort and it’s a perfect time to create new family memories together! For more information, please visit 
A very special thank you to Disneyland Resort for hosting our family for a festive day in the parks
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is a time many guests celebrate as an annual tradition,
At Disneyland Park will enjoy the one-of-a-kind transformations that create “it’s a small world” Holiday, Jingle Cruise and Haunted Mansion Holiday. Now celebrating its 20th holiday season, “it’s a small world” Holiday has added some “Hidden 20s” for guests to discover on their voyage.
Haunted Mansion becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday, with Jack Skellington
Jungle Cruise is transformed into Jingle Cruise, as the jungle skippers gather
There’s so much to see and do during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort and it’s a perfect time to create new family memories together! For more information, please visit 
The walk route is filled with Disney magic, including entertainment and the world-famous characters and gives you the opportunity to experience the magic of being in the Parks before they’re open to regular guests. 
As the largest and most unique single fundraising pediatric walk event in the nation, last year’s walk raised more than $2.5 million dollars for the hospital’s KidsCare Fund bringing the quarter-century total to over $26 million. Now in its 26th year, the 2016 walk promises to be extra “spooktacular” as it occurs on Halloween weekend this year and will be packed with fun for the whole family! 
With your help, this goal can definitely by made and hopefully surpassed! There are a few different ways that YOU can help! First of all, you, yourself, can participate in the CHOC Walk. (
CHOC Walk participants also have the opportunity to attend the 2nd annual CHOC Walk Ambassadors’ Luau, the afternoon before the walk, on Saturday, October 29 at at the Disneyland® Hotel’s Adventure Lawn. The luau is hosted by CHOC Walk Ambassadors, past and present, as a way to raise additional funds for the CHOC Walk in the Park and celebrate the courage and strength that they, and thousands of other CHOC patients and families, have shown during their medical journeys. 
This special Polynesian-themed event for the whole family will be the perfect way to celebrate the day before the CHOC Walk. The event will feature activities for attendees of all ages, including: special photographs with Disney® characters; tattoos by Kaman’s Art Shoppe; Ambassadors’ silent auction; delicious luau-inspired dinner; authentic Polynesian entertainment with special appearances by Tupua Productions, Loa Greyson, Jerome Grey, Halau Hula Lani Ola and “Auntie” and an exciting finale featuring world-famous Polynesian fire dancers! Guests will also enjoy a dash of Disney magic with a special visit from artist Jimmy Mulligan. This year’s master of ceremony will be KTLA’s Henry DiCarlo. To purchase tickets for the luau, visit 
Today I’m sharing 10 things you should check out while you’re at Disneyland Resort during Halloween Time!
Since the majority of the Halloween Time fun is inside Disneyland Park, that’s where we actually spent our day. You should definitely take a photo in front of the giant Mickey Mouse Pumpkin, which is located in Town Square. 
As you skip down Main Street, you’ll see the Main Street Pumpkin Festival. where you’ll find so many adorable and unique, hand-carved jack-o-lanterns. They’re up on the rooftops, inside store windows, and hidden in places you’d never expect. You should definitely find the “Elvis” jack-o-lantern. It’s my favorite one this year!
At the end of Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll find the Partners Statue, featuring Walt and Mickey Mouse. Right now, it’s so festive as it’s surrounded by jack-o-lanterns carved with characters in them. Each one is themed to represent a different “land”. I just love the one with Woody on it!
During Halloween Time, you can find several of the characters dressed in their spooktacular Halloween attire. Don’t forget to grab some pics with them and utilize the Resort’s PhotoPass services. The PhotoPass Photographers have ability to capture your magical memories perfectly and they make for great keepsakes of your trip.
I highly recommend grabbing a FASTPASS® early in the day for Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. It’s located in Tomorrowland and doing so will allow you to have at least one ride secured for the day on one of the most popular attractions.
Over in Frontierland, just next to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, you’ll find a special area set up as a tribute to “Dia de los Muertos“. Although this traditional festive celebration for the “Day of the Dead” isn’t something “Halloween” and is more of a celebration honoring those loved ones who have passed away, the Resort includes “Zocalo Park” in the Halloween Time features in Disneyland Park since it’s celebrated immediately after Halloween. The area is absolutely beautiful to visit. . 
The special area has a beautiful display of some cultural art, “calacas” or skeletons, authentic decor, and even face painting. (free of charge.) You can also enjoy special seasonal food offerings at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante.
Another extra popular attraction this time of year is Haunted Mansion Holiday featuring “A Nightmare Before Christmas”. It’s one of the specially transformed attractions during Halloween Time. (It actually stays up through Christmas as well for obvious reasons). 
There are so many special Halloween Time treats and food offerings this time of year, that it would be impossible to try them all. Well, at least to try them all in just one visit. 
The different collectable popcorn buckets that you’ll find at different locations throughout the Parks are one of the more popular keepsakes, as are the travel mugs.
The Jolly Holiday Bakery is a great place to find a bunch of different sweets, as are several other places at the Resort. For a complete list of Halloween Time food offerings, check out what the Disney Parks Blog says
I think the only thing we didn’t really get to conquer was a ride on The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror over in Disney’s California Adventure. I’m dying to ride on it after dark because they offer “Late Check-Out”, an experience guests have never experienced before and a must-do before The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror approaches its final check-out date on January 2, 2017! Late Check-Out is a chance to venture beyond the fifth dimension into complete darkness! It entails free-falling in the attraction’s haunted elevator shaft with all the lights out! You should definitely try to experience this before it goes away forever! 
All of the previous Halloween Time offerings can be experienced during regular park operating hours. The 10th thing I highly suggest you check out though is 
What’s New This Year for Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort?
Spooky Halloween Traditions at Disneyland Park
Mickey’s Halloween Party
This “On the Road” event was brought to the Disneyland Resort and held at Paradise Pier Hotel, which is one of the on-property hotels.
The day of the event, everything began bright and early. Upon check-in, I received the most adorable bag filled with tons of Disney’s 60th Diamond Celebration merchandise. The tables in the ballroom were also set with a pair of light up ears and a “Paintbrush” for each attendee. 
When I walked into the ballroom, I was wow-ed by the tables which were all glowing with EARs and “Paintbrushes” at every place setting! I couldn’t wait to use them in the Parks, especially during the “Paint The Night” parade. The centerpieces were adorable too, with the Disney Moms logo. Can you spot anything “hidden”? 
I enjoyed a delicious breakfast and had the chance to connect with a bunch of other social influencers. It was fun to make some new friends too. I just love to network!
After making the rounds to take photos with many of my lovely influencer mom friends, we sat at the tables, anxious to see which special guests we’d be hearing from.
Each of the Disney Parks has so many new things to see and do. Here are just some of the recent additions to Disney Parks:
Next, we heard from Erin Glover, Editorial Content Director for the Disneyland Resort. Erin is one of my most favorite people to follow on social media, specifically on the Disney Parks Blog channels. My most favorite video that she ever did was her interview with Harold the Abomindable Snowman inside Matterhorn. If you’ve never watched it, here it is! (It’s SO funny!) 
The next portion of the program was something top secret! You know they mean business when they bring in security and you’re told to turn off any and all electronic devices. I don’t know that I’ve ever been involved in something so important! What a treat! Amy Smeed was there to share some behind-the-scenes footage and facts about the upcoming feature film “MOANA” from Walt Disney Animation Studios!
Since everyone in attendance works in social media and/or PR, learning about video and making the most of video on your mobile device was super useful for us. Our next speaker was Victoria Lim, Managing Editor of Content at Walt Disney World. She is so much fun and I’d have to say that I love the fact she isn’t shy about being right up there on the screen while on-camera. 
Many social influencers already use a lot of video to share their content but there are also others who need help getting started. Victoria literally walked us step-by-step, through some of her favorite apps to make videos including Magisto and Videolicious. 
When I heard Leanne introduce the next guest as someone who had starred in both “Saved By the Bell” and “Beverly Hills 90210”, my teenage self got ready to “fangirl”. Out on the stage walked Tiffani Thiessen. She seemed just as excited to be at Disneyland as we all were and shared with us about how her daughter loves visiting the Parks a lot more now that she’s getting older.
Tiffani shared about her latest ventures which include her own cooking show, “Dinner at Tiffani’s” and publishing 
The final speaker of the morning, Ginger Zee, who is also a “working mom” trying to balance it all. Ginger is the 
