By Kristen Lewis
In honor of the annual Lunar New Year celebration, Paradise Gardens at Disney California Adventure park has been transformed with traditional red and gold decor, lively entertainment and authentic dishes to bring the multicultural celebration to life. This year, the tribute to Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures honors the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese calendar and the Year of the Cat in the Vietnamese calendar. “Lunar New Year represents a fresh start to the new year,” said Wing Lee, a Revenue Management and Analytics manager who is also a member of the Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) that represents the Community of Pacific Islanders, Asians and Allies (COMPASS) at Disneyland Resort. In her personal life, Lee welcomes the new year by getting a fresh haircut, buying new clothes and cleaning her house, traditionally done to bring in good luck and clear out bad luck.
新年快樂
(Happy New Year)
In addition to celebrating at home, Lee uses her passion for authentic cultural representation to guide the Lunar New Year celebration at the resort. With other members of COMPASS, she reviewed the entertainment, food and beverage and other offerings and provided translations for traditional Chinese New Year wishes. “I know my voice is heard,” said Lee. “I am enabled to bring my authentic self to work and provide a perspective that is unique to me.” Wing’s family traditions are at the heart of her work with COMPASS on the Lunar New Year celebration. “I celebrate Lunar New Year’s Eve with a family reunion dinner (團年飯),” said Lee. “We eat traditional food representing good luck, fortune and prosperity and my favorite dish is longevity noodles (長壽 麵), because they symbolize long life.” Another traditional dish is steamed fish (蒸魚). “The character for fish 魚 (yú) has the same pronunciation as 餘, meaning surplus or extra,” said Lee. “A typical blessing for Lunar New Year is 年年有餘, ‘wishing you to have a surplus of food and money every year.’” Lee’s family also celebrates the holiday at Disneyland Resort. “I love bringing my parents and family to Lunar New Year because it reminds them of their celebrations from childhood,” said Lee. “We see ourselves reflected in Disney and see other people enjoying Lunar New Year. That makes me happy.” Experience the Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure park now through Feb. 15.
恭喜發財
(Wishing you happiness and prosperity)
Foodie Guide to Lunar New Year Delights
From sweet indulgences to savory snacks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the Lunar New Year celebration from now through February 15, 2023. This returning favorite at Disney California Adventure park features six marketplaces, including two new ones — Bamboo Blessings and Wrapped with Love. The festival fun also extends into the Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort with limited-time menu items.
WING LEE IS HONORED TO INCLUDE HER FAMILY TRADITIONS IN THE LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION ATDISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK IN 2023.
Don’t miss these tasty delights:
❀ Quesabirria Egg Roll with Guajillo Pepper Consomé
❀ Mandarin Mousse Cake
❀ Red Spice Fried Chicken Bites
❀ Bok Choy & Mushroom Dumplings
❀ Gochujang Elote
❀ Pepperoni Pizza Bao Bun
❀ Raspberry Oat Milk Tea
❀ Milk Tea Taro Cheesecake
❀ White Chocolate Apple Bread Pudding