Get ready for a magical celebration like no other—Disney California Adventure is pulling out all the stops for Lunar New Year 2026, and you won’t believe the lineup of characters waiting to meet you! But here’s where it gets exciting: for the first time ever, guests will have the chance to meet Panda Mei in her full red panda form, a transformation that’s as breathtaking as it is rare. And that’s just the beginning!
Lunar New Year 2026 Characters:
- Panda Mei – Pixar Pier Bandshell
- Horace Horsecollar – Grizzly Peak
- Mickey & Minnie – Near Paradise Garden Grill
- Donald & Daisy – Grizzly Peak
- Goofy & Clarabelle – Grizzly Peak
Panda Mei takes center stage at Pixar Pier Bandshell, where fans can finally see her in her complete red panda glory. Previously, she appeared in a half-transformed human form alongside her mother during Lunar New Year celebrations. While she won’t be signing autographs, this meet-and-greet is a must-see for fans of Turning Red, where Meilin Lee’s emotional transformations steal the show.
Horace Horsecollar, one of Disney’s earliest characters created in 1929, will be at Grizzly Peak. Originally Mickey’s sidekick in black-and-white shorts, Horace later shone in cartoons like The Beach Party (1931) and Camping Out (1934). For this event, he’s dressed in a stunning Chinese-style red tunic with gold trim, cloud designs, and a jade necklace—a symbol of luck, protection, and prosperity. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Horace is a beloved classic, some fans argue he doesn’t get enough modern recognition. Do you think he deserves more spotlight? Let us know in the comments!
Mickey & Minnie will be near Paradise Garden Grill, sporting Korean-inspired outfits. Mickey rocks a blue baeja and baji, while Minnie charms in a striped jeogori and pink chima, both wearing traditional Korean shoes. And this is the part most people miss: their outfits are a nod to the rich cultural heritage of Korea, blending tradition with Disney magic.
Donald & Daisy join the festivities at Grizzly Peak, dressed in Chinese-inspired hanfu styles. Their red outfits feature gold metallic embroidery, cloud designs, and pankou knot closures, with Daisy adding a floral touch to her bow. They’ll be meeting guests on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, alternating with Goofy & Clarabelle, who take over on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Goofy and Clarabelle wear Vietnamese-inspired aó dài outfits—Goofy in green with ancient coin motifs and Clarabelle in pink, accessorized with a jade bracelet. They meet together for the first two sets, then switch off individually for the rest of the day.
The Lunar New Year 2026 festivities run from January 23 to February 22, 2026, at Disney California Adventure Park. Celebrating the Year of the Horse, the event honors Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures. While the event is included in park admission, some offerings come with an additional cost. Don’t forget to check out the Celebration Guide, park decor, and exclusive merchandise to make the most of your visit.
Thought-provoking question: With Disney celebrating diverse cultures, which tradition or character would you love to see highlighted in future events? Share your thoughts below!
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