New Year festival shows Asia is a big world, after all

The event goes beyond surface-level displays, Gutierrez adds, noting that traditional performances add a strong sense of authenticity and cultural depth.

Beyond stage performances, hands-on activities have also attracted significant interest. At the New Year Wishing Wall, visitors write messages of hope and happiness for the year ahead. Chinese calligraphy demonstrations allow guests to engage more directly with traditional art forms.

Jenny Chen, a Chinese calligrapher who has participated in the event for many years, says that American visitors exhibit curiosity and appreciation for Chinese characters. Many guests, she says, are eager to learn the meanings behind individual strokes and symbols, and she hopes such cultural exchanges can help deepen Americans' understanding of China through art and tradition.

A nighttime water show titled Hurry Home — A Lunar New Year Celebration, with music by Oscar-winning composer Tan Dun, tells the story of a lantern's journey to reunite with family, adding an emotional storytelling element to the festivities.

Nicky Tang, marketing and sales director for Greater China and Southeast Asia at Disney Destinations, says the Asian New Year celebration has expanded significantly over the years, growing from a one-week event into a month-long festival.

She says the growth reflects Disney's long-term commitment to honoring Chinese and other Asian cultures. "We hope this celebration can serve as a window for American audiences to better understand Chinese and Asian traditions," Tang says.