Feast Your Eyes on Disneyland’s Lunar New Year 2026 Foodie Guide

Disneyland Resort’s Lunar New Year Festival is just around the corner, and 2026’s edition promises to be a flavorful feast for all the senses. The festival will run from January 23 through February 22, 2026 at Disney California Adventure park, honoring Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean cultural traditions with a delightful blend of entertainment, merchandise, and—of course—lots of special foods. Disney just released the full foodie guide for this year’s celebration, and it’s packed with new treats and returning favorites that have Disney fans (and their appetites) very excited.

New Tastes and Returning Favorites for 2026

This year’s Lunar New Year menus introduce several brand-new dishes and drinks for guests to try. Some highlights include the Five-Spice Popcorn Chicken (tossed in a sweet chili-garlic sauce), savory Japchae Noodles with kalbi short rib, and a daring Spicy Pork Belly Grilled Cheese sandwich with Korean-spiced pork belly and spicy aioli. These new offerings join returning fan-favorite bites from past festivals, like the crispy Quesabirria Eggroll, the hearty Phở Dip (a clever pho-inspired beef dip sandwich), and the vibrant purple Taro Vietnamese Cold Brew coffee. In total, there are dozens of special Lunar New Year food items available across the park this year, from savory snacks to sweet sips.

One glance at the menu reveals something for every palate. Craving something sweet? Check out the Strawberry Milk Tea Macaron, filled with strawberry buttercream and a milk-tea ganache center, or the Chocolate Firecracker dessert – a light chocolate mousse with a surprise “popping candy” crunch. In the mood for a refreshing drink? New additions like the Guava Dragon Fruit Sparkler (a non-alcoholic lemonade spritzer) and the Red Envelope Margarita (with blood orange syrup and a dusting of gold shimmer) are turning heads. These join returning beverages such as the silky Brown Sugar Milk Tea and other creative concoctions. Each item’s name and ingredients pay homage to Asian flavors or lucky symbols, making your culinary exploration part of the cultural fun.

Festival Marketplace and Sip & Savor Pass

The Lunar New Year foods are available at various festival marketplace booths and dining locations throughout Disney California Adventure. With so many temptations, even the hungriest visitor might have trouble tasting everything—so Disneyland offers a convenient way to sample multiple dishes: the Sip and Savor Pass. For 2026, each pass costs $49 (tax included) and comes with six entitlement coupons (or $46 for Magic Key annual passholders). You can redeem those coupons for six food or non-alcoholic drink items of your choice at participating Lunar New Year booths. Considering the array of options, the Sip and Savor Pass can be a great value and lets you pick and choose your must-try treats.

How does it work? Eligible menu items that can be purchased with a Sip and Savor coupon are marked with a special symbol (a little medallion) on the menu boards. Simply hand over a tab from your pass instead of cash when ordering that item. Many of the new headliners – like the Five-Spice Popcorn Chicken and the Japchae Noodles – are included, so the pass is a handy way to budget your indulgences while still tasting the best of the fest.

Sights, Sounds, and Delicious Smells

While food is the star of the show, Disneyland’s Lunar New Year Festival is a full cultural celebration. Expect to see multicultural performances (like traditional Chinese dragon dancers or Korean drummers) and special Lunar New Year decor throughout the park as you stroll between food booths. There’s usually a vibrant Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession parade, character meet-and-greets with characters like Mulan and Mushu in festive attire, and opportunities for guests to write wishes on Mickey-shaped paper to hang on the Lucky Wishing Wall. And don’t forget the merchandise: each year brings limited-edition Lunar New Year collectibles, from spirit jerseys to Minnie ears, often themed to the zodiac animal of the year.

For 2026, it’s the Year of the Horse, so you might spot some clever horse-themed treats or decor elements in the festival mix. (Who knows, maybe a Lucky Horse dessert or an appearance by Maximus from Tangled! We’ll have to keep our eyes peeled.) Disneyland’s festival planners love to incorporate cultural symbolism—for example, the Red Envelope Margarita drink is likely a nod to the tradition of lucky red envelopes given at Lunar New Year, and those hanging lanterns decorating the food booths symbolize prosperity and good fortune.

Plan Your Visit

If you’ll be visiting Disneyland Resort during the Lunar New Year Festival dates, be sure to grab an event guide map when you enter Disney California Adventure. It will list all the marketplaces and their menu items so you can navigate your foodie journey. Weekends can get busy with locals coming specifically for the festival, so plan for lines at popular booths during peak mealtimes. One pro-tip: visit on a weekday if possible for a more relaxed experience, or hit the food booths early in the day right when they open.

Also consider budgeting for the Sip and Savor Pass if you want to sample several items – it can save you a few dollars in the long run, especially on the pricier dishes or specialty drinks. And don’t shy away from splitting dishes with your group! Many portions are shareable, which means more bites for everyone to try.

In the end, Disneyland’s Lunar New Year Festival is a joyous celebration of culture and cuisine. The 2026 lineup of foods and menus was just announced on January 13, 2026, giving guests a sneak peek at all the flavors in store. With an enticing mix of new creations (that Spicy Pork Belly Grilled Cheese is calling our name!) and beloved classics (hello again, Quesabirria Eggroll), this year’s festival is poised to delight Disney foodies and families alike. It’s the perfect way to kick off the year: sharing good food, enjoying live entertainment, and immersing yourself in the rich traditions of Lunar New Year.

So bring your appetite and an adventurous spirit. Here’s to new tastes, old favorites, and a prosperous Year of the Horse at the Happiest Place on Earth! Gong xi fa cai and xin nian kuai le – wishing you great happiness and prosperity in the New Year, and happy snacking at Disneyland’s Lunar New Year 2026.

Until next time, keep believing in magic. — Behind the Wish