Lunar New Year Festival

[Amunet]

My boyfriend and I are going to DL because of this festival and so I've been doing vast amounts of research into it but the reviews are more like highlights with stock photos. The food has been reviewed in multiple ways but, menus change so I'm not particularly concerned about that.

For those that have attended, here are my questions for you:

1. Is it possible to get photos/autographs with all the characters in their traditional garb while also having time to experience the park itself?
2. How crowded were the parks during this festival?
3. Is there a lot of merchandise released or just the normal pin/shirt/hat? (I did read about the red envelopes though)
4. Was the World of Color Dessert Package available during these evenings? If so, were you able to watch the lantern show from your seat as well?
5. Any other tips/observances that you have that pertains specifically to this festival?

Thank you!
I have a degree studying Cultures, with emphasis on East Asia. I have been to China (not during Lunar New Year though) and enjoy the other cultures represented by their cuisine.
I do know the festival will not be fully authentic but I'm still quite excited there is one in the first place

 

[RedHotMama]

My family went in February this year and really enjoyed the Lunar New Year. We didn't participate in all of it. We didn't try the food because the reviews weren't good and we have access to good Asian food where we live. We did watch the Lunar New Year Processional and absolutely loved it! And the decorations and music along the pier were lovely.

 

[RedHotMama]

Also, we went mid-week and the crowds were pretty low.
The lantern story happens immediately before World of Color so if you do the dessert party, it would definitely be included. It was very cute!

 

[Lesley Wake]

How crowded were the parks during this festival?

I only went one day last year (I'm an AP), which was a Saturday. At that time of the year, most weekend days are unblocked for Deluxe APs, which really influences the crowds. If you go on a weekday, it will be better because of kids in school. One thing to consider though is that is refurbishment season; this past year it was especially bad with huge walls down Main Street and the Pier all closed off. I wouldn't expect anything that visible to be present (although they will have started demo/construction on Marvel Land and the new hotel), but several rides could end up being closed during your trip.

Is it possible to get photos/autographs with all the characters in their traditional garb while also having time to experience the park itself?

Wait times definitely were longer on that day. But, on a weekday, and if you go early, it shouldn't be too bad. All of the characters met in the same spot last year, rotating between different groups: Mulan/Mushu, Mickey/Minnie, Chip/Dale. I know Goofy came out during the Lunar Processional but I don't know if he ever met at the character location.

• Is there a lot of merchandise released or just the normal pin/shirt/hat? (I did read about the red envelopes though)

They had the hat/minnie ears, shirts, stuffed Mickeys. I think also a snow globe. They also brought over some leftover merchandise from Shanghai Disney.

• Was the World of Color Dessert Package available during these evenings? If so, were you able to watch the lantern show from your seat as well?

Yes and yes.

Any other tips/observances that you have that pertains specifically to this festival?

As PP said, the food was meh. I tried a bunch and wasn't too impressed - it's better to just go to actual Chinatown in LA if you want Lunar New Year food. The shows were excellent, with the Lunar Processional, as well as the drum shows, and I think a traditional Chinese musical act in the Paradise Garden seating area. The best spot to watch the processional is from the corner closest to Jumpin Jellyfish (it's all taped off beforehand), but you need to get there early to get that good of a spot (the processional is more of a street show not a parade, with all the acts walking down the "street" until they get to the end by the entrance to Goofy Sky School, then doing a show with dancers, drums, etc). All of the celebration centered around the Paradise Gardens area (from Little Mermaid to the Silly Symphony Swings), with not a lot of impact elsewhere in the park or resort.