Hong Kong Disneyland debuted their annual Chinese New Year celebration on the same day as the kick-off of their 5th anniversary celebration. Although the focus was definitely on the 5th anniversary festivities, the resort featured special Chinese New Year decorations, a Lucky Fortune Trail, Disney characters in Chinese New Year outfits, special menus, and my favorite — new merchandise!
We flew to Hong Kong on Friday January 21 for both the Chinese New Year and 5th Anniversary kick-off events. Main Street featured some traditional Chinese New Year decorations and the main gazebo where Mickey and Minnie greet guests was decked out for the holiday as well. The only odd part (although not surprising) was seeing Mickey and Minnie in their 5th Anniversary outfits versus Chinese New Year ones. Given it was media day for the 5th Anniversary “Celebration in the Air” I am not surprised they featured Mickey and Minnie in those outfits.
I was holding out hope that Duffy the Disney Bear was in his Chinese New Year outfit. Since the US Parks released the Chinese outfit, I figured this was the perfect segue to bring that one to Hong Kong. Duffy’s photo spot was decked out with a floral heart and lots of red and yellow flowers along the base. Cast Members were passing out stickers with Duffy dressed in his Chinese New Year garb. As we wandered in the Emporium, we found the Chinese outfit from the US Parks. And sure enough, once Duffy arrived to his photo spot, he was donning an adorable Chinese New Year jacket and hat. We lucked out and Duffy saw one of our Duffy Bears dressed in the Chinese outfit and held him so we could snap a few photos!
For the Chinese New Year festivities, Hong Kong Disneyland has the Lucky Fortune Trail. At the end of Main Street, you can pick up your “Lucky Trail” card, which directs you on where to find the different displays around the park. Each display has its own special fortune and the object is to place the right sticker of the right fortune on the location for the display on the map. When complete, bring the card back and you will receive a special sticker set with the characters featured in the park displays.
Here is a look at a couple of the themed displays along the Lucky Fortune Trail (please see the gallery below for all the Chinese New Year decorations and Lucky Trail displays). If you are visiting Hong Kong Disneyland prior to February 13, you can enjoy the special park decorations, Chinese New Year menus, and take a stroll along the Lucky Trail. Look for upcoming posts detailing the special menus and merchandise released for Chinese New Year — the Year of the Rabbit.
Other Hong Kong Disneyland Chinese New Year Posts:
Year of the Rabbit Merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland
2011 Chinese New Year Menus and Treats at Hong Kong Disneyland
A lifelong Disney fanatic and freelance travel and food writer currently based in Belize and the Netherlands. Annual passholder to all Disney Parks worldwide. Bring you Disney Magic from around the globe.