Disney is welcoming the Year of the Horse in a big way, with festive Chinese New Year celebrations returning to both Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort beginning later this month. Running January 28 through March 3 in Shanghai and January 30 through March 1 in Hong Kong, the celebrations will feature new character appearances, themed décor, exclusive food and merchandise, and plenty of Lunar New Year traditions.
Bullseye Makes His Chinese New Year Debut
To mark the Year of the Horse, Bullseye from Pixar’s Toy Story is trotting into the spotlight. Bullseye will debut at Shanghai Disney Resort for the very first time during a special welcome moment on January 28 before appearing throughout Toy Story Land during the Spring Festival. Over at Hong Kong Disneyland, guests can spot Bullseye in Toy Story Land for photo opportunities and even see him featured on a glowing Mickey-shaped lantern in Town Square.
Shanghai Disney Resort Highlights
Shanghai Disney Resort is rolling out all-new Chinese New Year outfits for Mickey and Friends, featuring intricate horse motifs, gold ingot details, and embroidery symbolizing prosperity. Duffy and Friends will appear in pastel-toned looks inspired by modern Chinese fashion, while Winnie the Pooh and friends bundle up in festive red scarves.
The park will be transformed with horse-themed décor across Mickey Avenue and Gardens of Imagination, anchored by a massive lantern centerpiece. Entertainment offerings include the return of Mickey Avenue Shanghai Swing and special appearances like Goofy dressed as the God of Fortune.
Food plays a major role in the festivities, with curated Chinese New Year menus at Royal Banquet Hall and Lumière’s Kitchen, plus seasonal treats such as Mandarin sorbets and kumquat ice cream. Exclusive merchandise collections will feature Mickey and Friends, Duffy and Friends, Bullseye, Winnie the Pooh, and even Zootopia characters dressed for the holiday.
Fans of Zootopia will also find special nods tied to Zootopia 2, including Easter eggs inspired by new equine characters like Mayor Brian Winddancer hidden throughout the land.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Celebrations
At Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Chinese New Year festivities will overlap with the park’s ongoing 20th anniversary celebration, creating an extra festive atmosphere. Mickey and Friends will greet guests on Main Street, U.S.A. in Chinese New Year attire, while Duffy and Friends appear in seasonal outfits at the Duffy and Friends Play House. God of Fortune Goofy will once again return to spread luck and good wishes.
Starting February 17, guests will receive complimentary Disney-themed lai see red envelopes filled with a chocolate coin and special dining and shopping privileges. The popular Disney Chinese New Year Lucky Magic Bag will also return, offering exclusive collectibles, including special edition horse-themed plush featuring characters like Gelatoni, StellaLou, and LinaBell.
Seasonal food offerings include Duffy and Friends sponge cakes, specialty soft serve, and Chinese New Year menus at Crystal Lotus, Enchanted Garden Restaurant, Dragon Wind, and Ink & Plate across the resort hotels. Guests staying on property can also enjoy festive workshops, a Lunar New Year lion dance, and themed in-room merchandise packages.
A Festive Way to Welcome the Year of the Horse
With Bullseye leading the charge, dazzling décor, limited-time entertainment, exclusive merchandise, and festive food across two major resorts, Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort are pulling out all the stops to celebrate Chinese New Year 2026. For Disney fans planning a visit to Asia this Lunar New Year season, both destinations are shaping up to be unforgettable places to ring in the Year of the Horse.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.