Year of the Dragon at Shanghai Disneyland begins with blessing
Mickey Mouse performed a ceremonial blessing at Shanghai Disneyland to welcome the Year of the Dragon as part of the park’s ongoing Spring Festival.
Awakening the Lions from their Slumber
The ceremony on Feb. 10, 2024 recognized Chinese New Year and the official first day of the Year of the Dragon.
Mickey, along with Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, “carried out the ceremonial task of dotting the eyes for the two slumbering lions, bringing
them to life to bless everyone with the powerful luck of the dragon year,” as described by Disney. “The eye-dotting ceremony is a traditional way to swing the ‘scales’ in favor of a lucky day filled with festive vibes.”
Spring Festival at Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland’s Year of the Dragon celebrations began several weeks ago and continue through Feb. 24, 2024, during the Spring Festival event.
Mushu from “Mulan” is in the spotlight representing this year’s Zodiac animal. He joins Mickey, Minnie, and Mulan for a drum ceremony each morning during Spring Festival.
Guests can meet Mushu on Mickey Avenue. That’s also where they’ll find Mickey and friends in special attire for the Year of the Dragon.
When meeting characters on Mickey Avenue, guests receive a card in the shape of a dragon. They can write their wishes upon the card and hang them in the Wishing Garden, the annual new-year transformation of the Garden of the Twelve Friends. Guests can also obtain cards at a table near the garden.
To celebrate the Yaar of the Dragon, Mushu is the subject of a new popcorn bucket and merchandise collection.
Other Spring Festival merchandise features Mickey, Duffy, and friends.
More at Shanghai Disneyland
Spring Festival at Shanghai Disneyland coincides with the park’s Winter Frostival. As part of that event, snow descends upon Mickey Avenue nightly.
Shanghai Disneyland also recently opened Zootopia, a new land featuring the trackless dark ride Zootopia: Hot Pursuit. Imagineers created Zootopia in alignment with the park-wide vision of Shanghai Disneyland being “authentically Disney, distinctly Chinese.”
Year of the Dragon Celebrations at Other Disney Parks
In honor of the Year of the Dragon, Raya from “Raya and the Last Dragon” takes part in a show at Hong Kong Disneyland, marking her first appearance at that park.
Disney California Adventure celebrates Lunar New Year with traditions from China, Vietnam, and Korea now through Feb. 18, 2024. The festivities include “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” and special character greetings. Read our report from this year’s event.
Learn more about Spring Festival at Shanghai Disneyland here.
