Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession Returns to Disney’s California Adventure

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January 24, 2026

Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession is Back

The 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration has officially kicked off at Disney California Adventure, bringing the fan-favorite Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession back to the streets of Hollywood Land! Since we are celebrating the Year of the Horse, the procession features a special appearance by Horace Horsecollar, who takes a starring role alongside Mulan and Mushu in this year’s festivities.

Related – Lunar New Year 2026 Opening Day Review

This vibrant 20-minute celebration winds its way from Hollywood Land to Paradise Gardens, transforming the streets of Disney California Adventure into a festival of rhythm and color. Led by the legendary Mulan and her wisecracking companion Mushu, the procession showcases a stunning array of authentic Asian performing troupes, breathtaking costumes, and traditional choreography.

As the parade unfolds, a narrator shares the symbolic connection between Mulan’s story and the traditions of the Lunar New Year. The energy begins with the arrival of the banner carriers and a graceful duo of moonflower dancers, followed by a spectacular red and gold dragon puppet brought to life by a synchronized team of dragon dancers.

The celebration continues with a sea of vibrant colors as dancers in pink and blue glide by, trailing rainbow-colored scarves through the air. At the heart of the festival is the Lunar New Year float, carrying the stars of the show, Mulan and Mushu, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of live drummers.

Adding a touch of mischief to the tradition, Chip ‘n’ Dale join the party in elaborate costumes! Chip currently commands the float as a majestic Chinese lion, while Dale follows closely behind as a dragon carrying a glowing lantern. (Pro-tip: The duo swaps roles after every show, so Dale gets his turn on the float, too!)

In a special nod to the Year of the Horse, the classic processional trike has made its grand return for the first time since 2023, carrying none other than Horace Horsecollar! He is followed by a disciplined martial arts team wielding swords, and dancers in elegant white and red gowns performing intricate fan choreography.

The procession draws to a graceful close with parasol dancers—inspired by the “Honor to Us All” sequence—and a final flourish of moonflower dancers and waving red flags.

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Guests Jump Out of Boat on Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland

By

Sara

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January 24, 2026

Guests Jump Overboard During Pirates of the Caribbean

In a rare and risky breach of safety, an entire boat of guests reportedly exited their boat and walked through the attraction after the Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland ground to a halt. The unauthorized “self-evacuation” occurred while the boat was stuck, leading to a major disruption as guests bypassed security protocols to navigate the dark ride on foot.

Footage of the incident was captured from the standby queue, where waiting guests are positioned directly alongside the final unloading zone.

The caption posted with the video reads:

“So the entire boat thinks to themselves…. The ride is down, let’s all climb out and over the railing… oh and also, let’s let the little girl be the last one out of the boat! That sounds like a great idea!!!

YOU GUYS!!! Not only is this a horrible idea that could get you kicked out of the park, but it could cause you and others SERIOUS INJURIES!”

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While it remains unclear exactly how long the boat had been stalled, the guests’ proximity to the exit allowed them to easily step out of the vessel and directly into the queue area. By taking advantage of this specific location, at least five or six individuals were able to bypass the water entirely and “self-evacuate” without a long trek through the attraction.

This isn’t the first time guests have acted like this at the parks. What are your thoughts?

Mattel Announces Indoor Water Park Coming to Orlando

By

Chris B

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January 24, 2026

Mattel Announces Indoor Waterpark Coming to Orlando

Mattel Makes a Splash with Major Indoor Water Park Plans Near Walt Disney World

Mattel is officially diving deeper into the Orlando attractions scene, and this one comes with slides, waves, and a whole lot of nostalgia. Following a company announcement back in November, new filings confirm that a Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterpark is moving forward near Walt Disney World, with a proposed site along State Road 535 near Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, just about ten minutes from the Disney bubble.

According to newly filed documents with Orange County, the project is planned for an 11-acre parcel and would be part of a larger tourist commercial resort. The plans outline a massive 90,000-square-foot indoor water park, along with a 42,000-square-foot slide zone, retail space, a family entertainment center, and outdoor water park areas totaling more than 35,000 square feet. Parking would include both a garage and surface lots, signaling that this is designed to handle serious guest volume once it opens.

The attractions are expected to lean heavily into Mattel’s iconic brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels, with themed lazy rivers, wave pools, and water slides all part of the concept. Orlando based Martin Aquatic is leading the design, bringing experience from projects like Volcano Bay and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Mattel is also partnering with American Resort Management and I-dentity Group.

The Orlando location will be one of five Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks nationwide, joining previously announced sites in Nebraska and Illinois, as Mattel continues its push into location-based entertainment.

Permit Approved for Disney’s Central Florida Attainable Housing Community

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Chris B

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January 24, 2026

Permit Approved for Disney's Central Florida Attainable Housing Community

Major Permit Approved for Disney’s Attainable Housing Community in Central Florida

Disney’s long discussed attainable housing project just moved a big step closer to reality. A major environmental permit has officially been approved, clearing one of the most important hurdles before construction can begin on the planned residential community near Walt Disney World. The approval came from the South Florida Water Management District and allows stormwater management and drainage work to move forward on the site along Hartzog Road in southwest Orange County.

The permit, known as an Individual Environmental Resource Permit, was granted on January 23, 2026, and remains valid through January 23, 2031. This authorization is required before any land clearing or vertical construction can start, making it one of the most significant milestones in the project’s timeline so far. Plans filed with the permit outline a community of roughly 1,369 housing units, along with utilities, internal roadways, and stormwater systems to support the development.

Disney first announced the attainable housing initiative back in 2022, committing around 80 acres of company owned land to help address Central Florida’s housing affordability challenges. At the time, Jeff Vahle emphasized Disney’s long standing investment in the region and its role in being part of the solution.

While the housing is expected to include opportunities for eligible Walt Disney World Cast Members, Disney will not own or operate the community. Instead, the project will be developed, owned, and managed by The Michaels Organization. No construction start date has been announced yet, but this approval signals that the project is officially inching closer to breaking ground.

Disney World Files New Construction Permit for Feathered Friends in Flight Theater

By

Chris B

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January 24, 2026

Disney World Files New Construction Permit for Feathered Friends in Flight Theater

Disney Files Permit for Feathered Friends in Flight Theater Construction at Animal Kingdom

A new construction permit has taken flight at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and this one lands right in the heart of Asia. Walt Disney World has filed paperwork for work at the Caravan Theater, home to the popular Feathered Friends in Flight! bird show. The Notice of Commencement lists Disney’s own Buena Vista Construction Company providing labor, materials, and electrical work, which usually points to behind the scenes updates rather than a full scale show overhaul.

Interestingly, the permit was not filed by Walt Disney Imagineering, suggesting guests should not expect any major creative changes to the theater or the show itself. That said, a temporary closure for refurbishment is always a possibility while work is underway, though Disney has not announced any downtime yet. The permit was officially filed on January 21 and is valid for one year, giving Disney plenty of flexibility to schedule the work around park operations.

Feathered Friends in Flight! became the permanent resident of the Caravan Theater in 2020, replacing Up! A Great Bird Adventure after initially debuting as a socially distanced option. The show typically runs multiple times daily at 10:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m., and 3:45 p.m., making it a reliable break from the Animal Kingdom heat. For now, the birds are still soaring, but we will be keeping an eye out to see if this permit leads to a brief landing for some backstage TLC.

Demolition Underway at the Former La Brea Bakery at Downtown Disney

By

Sara

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January 24, 2026

Demolition Begins at Downtown Disney’s Former La Brea Bakery

Demolition at the former La Brea Bakery and temporary Earl of Sandwich location in Downtown Disney has hit high gear. Progress has moved quickly this week, with over two-thirds of the building already cleared to make way for the massive new Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. The site is expanding well into the Esplanade, where several iconic ticket booths have also been razed to accommodate the future Southern California landmark.

Demolition is moving at a rapid pace for the structure that formerly housed La Brea Bakery and the temporary Earl of Sandwich. Following the approval of demolition permits in December, crews have already cleared the surrounding pavement and removed the nearby ticket booths to make way for the site’s massive transformation.

An excavator is currently active on-site, clearing away beams and debris that are now visible above the construction walls. This major teardown clears the path for the highly anticipated Porto’s Bakery, while Earl of Sandwich prepares to move into a brand-new, permanent home elsewhere in Downtown Disney.

Are you excited to see Porto’s come to Downtown Disney?

Lunar New Year 2026 Opening Day Review

By

Sara

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January 24, 2026

Lunar New Year 2026 Has Begun at Disney California Adventure

It is time to saddle up for a celebration because the Lunar New Year Festival has officially returned to Disney California Adventure! From January 23 through February 22, 2026, Disneyland Resort is honoring Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean cultures with a joyous tribute filled with spectacular entertainment, limited-time merchandise, and—of course—plenty of delicious eats.

Whether you are a festival pro or visiting for the first time, we have the ultimate breakdown of everything you need to see, do, and taste during the Year of the Horse!

The heart of the festival lies in the Lunar New Year Marketplaces. This year, you can find six dedicated booths along the Performance Corridor, each serving up tasting-sized portions of traditional Asian-inspired dishes with a unique Disney twist.

Bamboo Blessings: Don’t miss the new Five-Spice Popcorn Chicken with sweet chile-garlic sauce!
Lucky 8 Lantern: A fan favorite returns with the Phở Dip, featuring sliced beef and a savory phở broth.
Prosperity Bao & Buns: Home to the iconic Char Siu BBQ Pork Bao.
Red Dragon Spice Traders: Known for bold flavors and creative cocktails like the new Green Apple Soju Cocktail.
Longevity Noodle Co. and Wrapped with Love also return with a mix of savory noodles and stuffed delights like the Quesabirria Eggroll.

Tip: If you’re planning on snacking your way through the day, grab a Sip and Savor Pass! It includes six digital coupons that can be redeemed for food and non-alcoholic beverages at the marketplaces and select dining locations.

It’s not just about the food! The park comes alive with vibrant performances that celebrate the spirit of the holiday:

Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession: Watch as Mulan and Mushu lead a stunning parade featuring dragon dancers, drummers, and beautiful umbrellas.
Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration: Be sure to catch this heartwarming nighttime water show presented on the World of Color fountains before the main show, World of Color – Happiness!, begins.
Character Meet & Greets: Look for Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in their beautiful festival attire. Plus, Horace Horsecollar makes a special appearance this year to celebrate the Year of the Horse!

The biggest news for 2026 is the debut of Panda Mei from Turning Red! For the first time, Mei is meeting guests in her massive, full red panda form at the Pixar Pier Bandshell. She is super excited to share giant hugs and take photos, though keep in mind she does not sign autographs. Check the Disneyland app for her daily appearance schedule!

Before you leave, make sure to stop by the Lucky Wishes Wall. Guests of all ages can write down their hopes for the new year and tie them to the wall, creating a beautiful sea of red and gold messages. You can also find festival-exclusive merchandise including a new Spirit Jersey, Year of the Horse ears, and commemorative pins at Elias & Co.

The 2026 Lunar New Year Festival is a limited-time event, so make sure to head over to Disney California Adventure before February 22 to experience the magic for yourself!

Panda Mei Now Meeting in Pixar Pier for 2026 Lunar New Year

By

Sara

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January 24, 2026

Panda Mei Debuts at Pixar Pier

While she previously appeared in half-panda form alongside her mother, Mei has officially “poofed” into her full red panda self for the 2026 Lunar New Year. You can now find her greeting fans solo for the first time ever at Disney California Adventure.

Red Panda Mei is making her grand debut at the Pixar Pier Bandshell, and you can track her appearance times throughout the day by checking the Disneyland app. Standing in her oversized plush form, she features a long striped tail, fluffy white ears, and a signature broad smile that captures all her 13-year-old excitement for the festival.

While Mei is thrilled to celebrate with everyone, please keep in mind that she does not sign autographs. If you are looking to collect signatures, you can still visit the other Lunar New Year characters who are available for traditional meet and greets.

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Sneak Peek at the 2026 Lunar New Year Food & Beverages from Disneyland

By

Sara

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January 24, 2026

Previewing the 2026 Lunar New Year Menu at Disneyland

Lunar New Year is back at Disney California Adventure! From January 23 to February 22, guests can explore a curated menu of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese-inspired treats. Whether you’re a foodie or a casual fan, these seasonal delights are the perfect way to celebrate the 2026 season.

We recently got a sneak peek at some of the tasty eats and drinks available during the celebration.

Bamboo Blessings

(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)

Location: Peformance Corridor

Food Items:

Five-Spice Popcorn Chicken with sweet chile-garlic sauce (New)
Strawberry Milk Tea Macaron: Strawberry buttercream with a milk tea center

Lucky 8 Lantern

(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)

Location: Peformance Corridor

Food Items:

Chocolate Firecracker: Light chocolate mousse, chocolate ganache filling, chocolate almond dacquoise, and popping candy featuring DOVE Dark Chocolate

Pym Test Kitchen

(Available Jan. 23 through Mar. 5; mobile order available)

Location: Avengers Campus

Food Item:

Spicy Pork Belly Grilled Cheese: Pork belly marinated in Korean spices with white American cheese, spicy aïoli, pickled onions, sourdough bread, and green onion crust served with potato bites (New)

Cozy Cone Motel 5 – Popcone

(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22; mobile order available)

Location: Cars Land

Food Item:

Crispy Chicken Bao: Fried chicken coated in sweet chile sauce with cucumbers, carrots, and sesame seeds served in a soft bao bun (New)

Red Dragon Spice Traders

(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)

Location: Peformance Corridor

Food Items:

Spicy Chicken Wings with sesame seaweed crunch
Mandarin Orange Cream Puff filled with citrus cream and Mandarin compote

Wrapped with Love

(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)

Location: Peformance Corridor

Food Item:

Quesabirria Eggroll with guajillo pepper consomé

Trolley Treats

(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 16)

Location: Buena Vista Street

Food Item:

Firecracker Marshmallow Wand: Marshmallow on a stick dipped in caramel and red-colored white chocolate decorated with yellow sanding sugar, a piece of red licorice, yellow-colored white chocolate, and a gold and red flower chocolate piece

Award Wieners

(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22; mobile order available)

Location: Hollywood Land

Food Item:

Scallion Pancake Tostada: Fried scallion pancake, bulgogi beef, kimchi aïoli, and spicy scallion salad

Aunt Cass Café

(Mobile order available)

Location: San Fransokyo Square

Food Items:

Strawberry Green Tea Bread Pudding: Strawberry and green tea-layered bread pudding with green tea crème anglaise and whipped topping (Available Jan. 23 through Mar. 5; eligible for redemption with a Sip and Savor Pass through Feb. 22)(New)

Paradise Garden Grill

(Mobile order available)

Location: Paradise Gardens Park

Food Items:

Lemongrass Pork Skewers: Grilled lemongrass-marinated pork belly skewers served with fried garlic rice, pickled carrots and daikon radish, and a side salad (Available Jan. 23 through Mar. 5)(New)

Smokejumpers Grill

(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22; mobile order available)

Location: Grizzly Peak

Food Item:

Bulgogi Fries: Fries with marinated bulgogi beef, kimchi cucumber, mozzarella cheese, and gochujang aïoli topped with sesame seeds and green onions (New)

Select Outdoor Vending Carts

(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)

Location: Throughout Disney California Adventure Park

Food Items:

Mickey-Shaped Hot Dog Bun: Classic milk bread with hot dogs, hoisin glaze, parmesan, green onion, and sesame seeds

Bamboo Blessings

(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)

Location: Peformance Corridor

Guava Dragon Fruit Vodka Cocktail: Vodka, Simply Lemonade, Topo Chico, and guava and dragon fruit syrups garnished with a lemon wheel (New)

Studio Catering Co.

(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22; mobile order available)

Location: Hollywood Land

Food Item:

Tteokbokki: Rice cakes with gochujang sauce topped with cheese, sesame seeds, and green onions (New)

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Those are just a few of the special food items available during the Lunar New Year celebration. What are you wanting to try?

First Look at the New Lunar New Year Merchandise in Disneyland

By

Catherine

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January 23, 2026

A First Look at the New Lunar New Year Merchandise at Disneyland

The Lunar New Year celebration has officially kicked off at Disney California Adventure, and with 2026 honoring the Year of the Horse, the merchandise is more vibrant than ever. This year’s collection beautifully blends Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultural influences with a stunning red and yellow color palette.

Whether you’re looking for home decor or the perfect park outfit, here is a look at the must-have items available from January 23 through February 22.

Vibrant Accessories & Apparel

The standout of any Disney festival is the gear, and the 2026 lineup does not disappoint. The Spirit Jersey ($84.99) features metallic gold Lunar New Year designs across the shoulders, while the bottom half is patterned with lanterns and Mickey icons.

For those looking to accessorize:

Lunar New Year Ear Headband ($34.99): Red padded ears with a golden grid print and embroidered flowers. The highlight is the removable bow featuring a plush pink lantern and pearls.

Loungefly Crossbody and Coin Purse ($75): A dark red pleather bag featuring a patch of Mickey and Minnie in their celebratory outfits. It comes with a circular coin purse starring Horace Horsecollar.

Mickey & Minnie T-Shirt ($36.99): A classic red tee with gold-circled character art and Disney California Adventure branding on the sleeve.

Lucky Foods T-Shirt ($36.99): A fun gray tee featuring “smiling” traditional lucky foods found at the festival marketplaces.

Collectibles & Home Goods

Bring a touch of the celebration into your home with these detailed collectibles:

Mickey Lunar New Year Plush ($29.99): Standing 17 inches tall, Mickey is dressed in a red satin tunic with gold filigree and blossom-print pants.

Ceramic Cup ($19.99): This gold-rimmed red cup features Mickey and Minnie in Korean-inspired attire on one side, and Horace Horsecollar peeking out of the “2026” logo on the other.

Lunar New Year Pin: A red-and-yellow pin featuring metallic clouds and a trio of dangling lanterns.

Magic Key Exclusives

Disneyland Magic Key holders have access to a few specialized items to commemorate the Year of the Horse:

Magic Key Exclusive Tee ($36.99): Features the Magic Key and Disneyland Resort logos in a sleek yellow-gold print.
Magic Key Exclusive Pin ($21.99): A limited-release circular pin featuring Horace Horsecollar with a dangling Magic Key charm.

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Where to Shop

You can find most of these items at Lunar Landings in Disney California Adventure and World of Disney in Downtown Disney. The Mickey Plush is also available at Walt Disney World and online at the Disney Store for those celebrating from afar!

Disney CEO Bob Iger’s Compensation Package Increases to $45.8 Million in 2025

By

Chris B

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January 23, 2026

Disney CEO Bob Iger’s Compensation Package Increases to $ Million in Disney CEO Bob Iger’s Compensation Package Increases to $ Million in

Disney CEO Bob Iger’s Pay Climbs to $45.8 Million as Succession Clock Ticks

The Walt Disney Company has filed its latest proxy statement with the SEC, and it reveals that CEO Bob Iger saw his total compensation rise to $45.8 million in 2025, an 11.5 percent increase over the previous year. The filing breaks down a familiar Disney mix of salary, bonuses, and stock based incentives, all arriving as the company inches closer to a major leadership handoff at the top of the castle.

Disney CEO Bob Iger’s Compensation Package Increases to $ Million in

According to the filing, Iger’s base salary remained steady at $1 million, but the real pixie dust came from equity and incentives. His 2025 compensation package included $21 million in stock awards, $14 million in stock options, a $7.25 million cash bonus, and $2.59 million in other compensation. That additional compensation included $1.85 million for security services and $568,670 for personal air travel. Altogether, it paints a picture of a CEO still very much in the driver’s seat during a high stakes period for the company.

That timing matters, because Iger’s contract expires at the end of 2026, and Disney is expected to announce his successor as soon as next month. The two leading internal candidates are Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences who oversees the parks, cruise line, and consumer products, and Dana Walden, co chairman of Disney Entertainment. Disney says both executives are undergoing a rigorous preparation process that includes mentorship from Iger himself, external coaching, and direct engagement with the board. With a pay bump locked in and a succession decision looming, all eyes are on what the next chapter looks like for The Walt Disney Company.

Disney Cruise Line Guest Photos Available After Cruise Now for US Residents

By

Chris B

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January 23, 2026

Disney Cruise Line Guest Photos Available After Cruise Now for US Residents

Disney Cruise Line Now Lets U.S. Guests Buy Cruise Photos After They Get Home

If you have ever unpacked your suitcase, found your sea legs again, and then immediately wished you had bought that one perfect cruise photo, Disney Cruise Line just threw you a life preserver. Disney Cruise Line has officially rolled out a new post-cruise photo purchasing option for U.S. residents, allowing guests to view, download, and buy their onboard photos after returning home. The update applies to sailings that end on or after January 21, 2026, and gives guests up to 45 days from when each photo was taken to make their selections.

The process is simple and far less rushed than the old system. U.S. guests can log into the Disney Cruise Line Photos website using their cruise information and browse their photos from home, whether that includes character meet-and-greets, formal night portraits, or that windswept deck shot that actually turned out great. Photos are available for 45 days from the date they were taken, not from debarkation, so pictures snapped earlier in the cruise will expire sooner than those taken closer to the end. Guests can purchase individual photos or photo packages during this window, making it easier to decide without the pressure of packing, disembarking, and catching transportation.

There are a couple of important fine-print details to keep in mind. This post-cruise option is only available to U.S. residents, and only for cruises that concluded on or after January 21, 2026. If your sailing ended before that date, or if you are an international guest, photo purchases still need to be completed before leaving the ship. Still, for many Disney cruisers, this is a very welcome change that finally lets you decide on photos while reliving the magic instead of racing the clock on debarkation morning.