Chinese New Year is almost here, and both Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort are preparing to welcome the Year of the Horse with celebrations starting later this month! At Shanghai Disney Resort, festivities will kick off on January 28 through March 3 and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will start its celebration on January 30 through March 1.
Chinese New Year marks the start of the lunar calendar and symbolizes renewal, family reunions, and good fortune for the year ahead. Each year is represented by one of twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, and 2026 ushers in the Year of the Horse. In Chinese tradition, the horse is a symbol of strength, vitality, and freedom. It represents speed and perseverance, often associated with success and progress. People born in the Year of the Horse are believed to be energetic, optimistic, and adventurous.
In celebration of the Year of the Horse, Bullseye, Woody’s loyal companion from Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story films, is galloping over at Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
At Shanghai Disney Resort, Bullseye will debut for the first time at the resort during a special welcome moment on January 28 and will appear in Toy Story Land throughout the Spring Festival. Meanwhile, when he heads to Hong Kong Disneyland, Bullseye will trot into Toy Story Land for fun photo opportunities and even appear on the bright Mickey-shaped lantern in Town Square.
Shanghai Disney Resort
Shanghai Disney Resort will also introduce all-new Chinese New Year outfits for Mickey and Friends, featuring intricate horse motifs, gold ingot designs, and embroidered patterns symbolizing prosperity.
Minnie will dazzle in a water-drop-shaped collar top with ruffled cuffs and a horse-themed sachet, while Mickey will sport a koi fish hat and horse-embroidered jacket. Duffy and Friends will embrace a modern twist on traditional Chinese style with pastel shades, fluffy trims, and delicate embroidery, while Winnie the Pooh and pals will cozy up in festive red scarves.
When the celebrations begin at Shanghai Disney Resort, guests will discover horse-themed décor across Mickey Avenue and Gardens of Imagination, where a giant lantern centerpiece will set the tone for the festivities. Entertainment will fill the park with vibrant energy, from the return of Mickey Avenue Shanghai Swing to Goofy dressed at the God of Fortune.
Dining will become a centerpiece of reunion, with curated Chinese New Year menus at Royal Banquet Hall and Lumière’s Kitchen, alongside sweet treats like Mandarin sorbets and Kumquat ice cream.
Exclusive merchandise collections will bring the Year of the Horse spirit to life, with Mickey and Friends, Duffy and Friends, Bullseye, Winnie the Pooh, and Zootopia characters all dressed in festive designs.
Over in Zootopia, fans of the recent Walt Disney Animation Studios film Zootopia 2 will spot hidden surprises inspired by new equine characters, the Zebros and the new mayor Brian Winddancer. From Winddancer’s greeting card in Zootopia Police Station to playful New Year puns on window stickers adorning the streets, as well as the horse mayor’s daily festival speech coming to life in the land, his cheerful wishes invite guests to embrace a prosperous Year of the Horse.
Beyond the park, Disneytown will offer lively entertainment and a Spring Festival Market, while themed décor will transform Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel into a joyful retreat.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
Over at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, the park’s spectacular 20th anniversary celebration will continue alongside upcoming Chinese New Year festivities, creating an even more dazzling atmosphere filled with vibrant décor and beloved character encounters that honor this special season.
Mickey and Friends will appear in Chinese New Year outfits on Main Street, U.S.A., while Duffy and Friends will charm guests in seasonal looks at Duffy and Friends Play House. Goofy will once again be dressed as God of Fortune Goofy to share warm hugs and heartfelt blessings.
Starting February 17, the first day of the new year, guests will receive a complimentary Disney-themed lai see — red envelopes gifted during Chinese New Year — with a chocolate coin and exclusive dining and shopping privileges, adding an extra sprinkle of abundance to the celebrations.
The Disney Chinese New Year Lucky Magic Bag will offer a bundle of collectibles and exclusive items only available in the lucky bag including Kee Wah Bakery Chinese pastry giftbox and a special edition Chinese New Year plush – Gelatoni, StellaLou, or LinaBell – in an all-new horse-themed design. Year of the Horse-themed merchandise will also fill shops with cookie tins, red packets, keychains, and more. Fans should not miss the newly-designed Disney Collectible Medallions.
Culinary delights await throughout the resort, from Duffy and Friends Sponge Cakes and Passion Fruit & Mango Flavored Twist Soft Serve at the park, seasonal menus at Crystal Lotus and Enchanted Garden Restaurant at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Dragon Wind at Disney Explorers Lodge, and Ink & Plate at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel.
Hotel stays will become even more magical with the Year of the Horse LinaBell-Themed In-Room Merchandise Package, the Lunar New Year Lion Dance Performance on the first day of Chinese New Year, and a range of festive workshops or activities.
From dazzling décor and festive entertainment to exclusive gifts and culinary delights, Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort are the ultimate destinations to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
