FEBRUARY FRENZY at the Disneyland Resort!

Lunar New Year Is HERE, New Food Galore, DCA's 25th Birthday Bash, and Downtown Disney Gets Even MORE Restaurants

Happy February, Disney fam!

Welcome back to Zenfinity Disney, your insider source for everything happening at The Happiest Place on Earth. February is PACKED with news, and I'm here to spill all the tea while you plan your next park visit. From DCA's silver anniversary celebration to Lunar New Year goodies, we've got A LOT to cover. Let's dive in!

🎂 DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE TURNS 25!

A Quarter Century of... Well, It's Been a Journey

THE BIG CELEBRATION: February 6-9, 2026

Disney California Adventure officially hit the big 2-5 on February 8, 2026, and Disney is celebrating with a long weekend of festivities! Here's what went down (and what you can still catch):

Special Anniversary Events:

• Mickey & Minnie's NEW Golden Looks - The dynamic duo debuted special anniversary outfits inspired by the park's opening day at the former Sunshine Plaza. They're meeting guests on Buena Vista Street, and honestly? The nostalgic vibes are STRONG.

• Magic Key Holder Exclusive Event (Feb 5-15, excluding Feb 9) - Daily events at Hyperion Theater Courtyard from 2-8 PM featuring nostalgic photo ops and meet-and- greets. Magic Key holders got a specially designed magnet set (one per person, while supplies lasted). Had to join a Virtual Queue at noon each day.

🎢 SOARIN' OVER CALIFORNIA IS BACK, BABY! The OG Returns for a FIVE-MONTH Run

THIS IS NOT A DRILL. The original Soarin' Over California—you know, the one that made you ugly cry while soaring over the Golden Gate Bridge—returned on February 6, 2026 and will run through July 1, 2026.

That's FIVE MONTHS of nostalgic flying over Yosemite, Malibu, and Disneyland itself. After July 1st, it'll be replaced by the brand-new Soarin' Across America (debuting for America's 250th anniversary), but for now? We're living in 2001 again and I'm not mad about it.

Hot Take: Soarin' Over California > Soarin' Around the World. Fight me in the comments. The original just HITS DIFFERENT. Pat Sajak's smooth voice, the orange groves, no Eiffel Tower awkwardness... chef's kiss

🍿 THE PIXAR PAL-A-ROUND POPCORN BUCKET

With "Magic Inside" Technology That'll Drain Your Wallet

Available starting February 6, this is THE must-have collectible of DCA's 25th anniversary. It's shaped like the iconic Ferris wheel but features the smiling Mickey face from the park's opening day (not the current sun icon).

What Makes It Special:

• Embedded "Magic Inside" technology that reacts to select locations in BOTH theme parks

• Changes color and lighting patterns based on where you are

• Enhances select nighttime spectaculars with extra lighting effects

• Basically, it's a interactive light-up souvenir that'll make everyone jealous

  Where to Buy (Starting Feb 6):

• Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street

• Bing Bong's Sweet Stuff in Pixar Pier

• Award Wieners on Pixar Pier

  My Prediction: These will sell out FAST and be on eBay for $200 within a week. Get yours early if you want one!

🐴 LUNAR NEW YEAR IS GALLOPING ALONG

Year of the Horse: January 23 - February 22, 2026

The Festival Overview

Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure is in FULL SWING, celebrating the Year of the Horse (independence, energy, and strength) with food, entertainment, and all the cultural vibes.

What's Happening:

• Six Food Marketplaces throughout Paradise Gardens serving Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese-inspired cuisine

• Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession with Mushu leading the parade

• "Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration" pre-show before World of Color

  Happiness!

• Live musical performances daily

• Character appearances with Disney friends in festive Lunar New Year attire

  🥟 NEW FOODS FOR YEAR OF THE HORSE
  Your Wallet Is About to Get Lighter (But Your Stomach Fuller)
  Disney dropped a TON of new menu items for Lunar New Year 2026. Here are the highlights: At Longevity Noodle Co.:

• Five-Spice Popcorn Chicken with sweet chile-garlic sauce - Reviewers are calling this one STELLAR. Tastes like salt and pepper wings from your favorite Chinese restaurant with a better-than-average sweet chile sauce. Not syrupy, perfectly garlicky. The only complaint? Some batches were dry, but when fresh, it's a solid 7/7.

• Japchae Noodles with kalbi short rib - Korean glass noodles getting the Disney treatment

• Strawberry Green Tea Bread Pudding (NEW!) - Strawberry and green tea-layered bread pudding with green tea crème anglaise and whipped topping. Because why not?

• Crispy Chicken Bao (NEW!) - Fried chicken coated in sweet chile sauce with cucumbers, carrots, and sesame seeds in a soft bao bun

  At Prosperity Bao & Buns:

• Spicy Pork Belly Grilled Cheese (NEW!) - This is dangerous, folks. Spicy pork belly in a grilled cheese? Say less.

At Lucky 8 Lantern:

• Guava Dragon Fruit Sparkler (NEW, Non-alcoholic) - Simply Lemonade, Topo Chico, guava and dragon fruit syrups, garnished with frozen dragon fruit

• Guava Dragon Fruit Vodka Cocktail (NEW) - Same flavors but make it boozy

  Returning Fan Favorites:

• Quesabirria Eggroll - Still a crowd favorite

• Phở Dip - The sandwich that converted non-Phở believers

• Taro Vietnamese Cold Brew - Creamy, purple perfection

• Char Siu BBQ Pork Bao - Classic done right

  Other Locations:

• Korean Pork Belly Pizza at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta - Complex flavor profile for adults. Earthy, veggie-heavy, kimchi and soy coming through. Not for kids, but pretty memorable.

• Year of the Horse Sourdough Bread at Aunt Cass Café - Adorable and edible!

• Pandan Waffles - Beautiful flavor pairing with strawberry gel, coconut whipped cream,

  and unique pandan (described as vanilla-meets-nutty)

  Pro Tip: Get the Sip and Savor Pass for $49 (Magic Key: $46). It includes 6 digital coupons for select food and non-alcoholic beverages at Lunar New Year marketplaces. Plus, you get to choose from three limited-edition collectible lanyard designs (Chinese, Vietnamese, or Korean) featuring Disney characters in culturally inspired outfits by artist Ann Shen. WAY more convenient than paying individually, and you save money.

  REFURBISHMENT GALORE (AKA PLAN ACCORDINGLY)

  What's Closed, What's Closing, What's Reopening

  February is peak refurb season, folks. Here's the current damage:

  DISNEYLAND PARK: Currently Closed:

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Closed Jan 20, reopening TBD) - Finally getting its FIRST scheduled refurbishment ever. Will return as the same experience, just hopefully more RELIABLE. No reopening date yet, but rumor has it they want it back
  before Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite on April 28.

• It's a Small World (Closed Jan 26, reopening TBD) - Removing holiday overlay. Get ready for that song to be stuck in your head for WEEKS.

• Jungle Cruise (Closing Feb 17, reopening TBD) - Undergoing structural repairs to the ride. Construction permits suggest this could last through early March (hopefully back by Spring Break). This one's gonna hurt.

• Space Mountain (Closed Feb 23-26, reopening Feb 27) - Just a quick 4-day closure, so not too painful!

• Mark Twain Riverboat & Sailing Ship Columbia - Maintenance cruise continues

• Fantasmic! - Still dark

• Pixie Hollow - Even fairies need spa days

• Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln - Reopening in the future (no date)

• Oga's Cantina (Closed Jan 20, reopening TBD) - Getting spruced up

• Jat Kaa's Coolers in Galaxy's Edge (Reopening Feb 15) - The droid drink cart is back!

  NEW SCENES COMING: By the end of summer 2026, the Rivers of the Far West in Frontierland will feature new scenes inspired by original sketches from Disney Legend Marc Davis. Expect redesigned figures like buffalos and critters!

  DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE: Currently Closed:

• Incredicoaster (Closed Jan 5, reopening Feb 6) - IT'S BACK, BABY! As of February 6, you can once again get whipped around at high speeds.

• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind (Closed Jan 5, reopened Jan 23) - Already back!

• Grizzly River Run - Winter maintenance continues

• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail - Getting some TLC

• Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! - Closing PERMANENTLY in early 2026

  to make way for the new Avatar land. If you haven't ridden it yet, GO NOW before it's gone forever.

  UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

• Avengers Campus Expansion - Construction officially started! RIP Timon parking lot and Red Car Trolley. Avengers: Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab are on the way (no opening dates yet).

• Coco Boat Ride - Coming to Paradise Gardens area. Think Haunted Mansion meets Pirates but with singing skeletons and Miguel's guitar. No opening date yet.

• Avatar Experience - Early development for Hollywood Backlot area

SILVER LINING: With major rides down, crowds are lighter and lines are shorter on everything else. Mid-February is actually a SOLID time to visit if you can work around the closures.

🍕 NEW FOOD BEYOND LUNAR NEW YEAR

Because You Can Never Have Too Much Disney Food

NAPA ROSE REOPENS FEBRUARY 6, 2026!

The Fancy Restaurant Just Got FANCIER

After months of refurbishment, Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel reopened on February 6, 2026, and it's STUNNING.

What's New:

• Expanded exhibition kitchen - Watch chefs prepare each course of your curated meal up close

• New fireplaces on the patio - For that cozy wine country vibe

• Renovated bar - Elevated cocktail game

• New menu - Paying homage to California wine country cuisine

• Michelin Star Ambitions - They're gunning for a Michelin star, which means expect

  prices (and quality) to match that goal

  Reservations: Opened January 27, 2026, for dates 60 days out. Book NOW if you want a spot— this place will be HARD to get into.

  FLO'S V8 CAFE MENU REFRESH

  Cars Land Gets Even Better

  Still on the menu items launched January 20 at Flo's V8 Cafe:

• "Big Dipper" Cheeseburger (NEW!) - Beef patty, American cheese, B&B pickles, caramelized onions on toasted bun with pepperoncini cheese sauce. Served with Cuties Mandarin Oranges or fries. The NAME alone is sending me.

• IMPOSSIBLE Meatloaf - Plant-based meatloaf with roasted potatoes, garden veggies, and tomato glaze. Even Lightning McQueen approves.

• Sweet Heat Beignet Chicken Sandwich (NEW!) - SWEET. HEAT. BEIGNET. CHICKEN. I repeat: SWEET HEAT BEIGNET CHICKEN SANDWICH. Need I say more?

  OTHER NEW BITES AT DISNEYLAND PARK At Tiana's Palace (New Orleans Square):

• Fried Chicken Sandwich on BEIGNETS (NEW!) - Buffalo sauce, slaw, collard greens, house pickles. This is NOT a drill. Fried chicken on BEIGNETS.

• Andouille Sausage Po'Boy (NEW!) - Classic toppings with remoulade At Red Rose Taverne (Fantasyland):

• Gaston Burger (NEW!) - Beef patty layered with pastrami, sautéed peppers, and pepperoncini. For when you need to eat like you're roughly the size of a barge.

At Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante (Frontierland):
• Duo Tacos (NEW!) - Carne asada or chicken with tomatillo sauce and pickled onion habanero

At Bengal Barbecue (Adventureland):
• Tropical Slushy (NEW!) - Passion fruit, orange, guava, and lychee syrup with a chile lime rim. Summer in a cup!

At Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe: All those 70th Anniversary treats are STILL available (Strawberry-Stuffed Croissant, Peanut Butter Brownie Slice, Peach Cobbler Cheesecake, etc.). Check my previous newsletter for the full list!

🛍 MERCHANDISE MADNESS What's New and Ready to Empty Your Wallet

VALENTINE'S DAY MERCH

Love Is in the Air (And On Your Head)

Valentine's Minnie Ears - Heart-shaped ears with a big red bow. Available now for $36.99. Perfect for your February park visit or as a gift for your Disney-loving Valentine.

Hercules & Meg Valentine's Shirt - The happy couple embracing with "love is in the air" vibes. For all you Meg fans out there (and let's be real, we ALL love Meg).

Valentine's Plush:

• $14 Minnie Mouse Valentine's Day 2026 Plush with any purchase

• $20 Chip 'n Dale Valentine's Day Plush with any purchase

  70TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTIONS STILL GOING STRONG

  All those 70th Anniversary collections are STILL available:

• Tinker Bell Vault Collection

• Castle Collection (Spirit Jerseys, pins, tees)

• Celebrate Happy Collection (Loungefly backpacks, Minnie ears, zip hoodies)

• 70th Anniversary collectible medallions (throughout the resort)

  Reminder: The 70th Anniversary celebration runs through August 2026, so you've still got time to snag these limited-edition items!

  2026 DATED COLLECTION

  Still available throughout the resort! Check World of Disney, Emporium, Star Traders, and Mad Hatter for:

• Mickey & Minnie ear headbands with silver sequin bows

• Light-up ear headbands

• Baseball caps

• Coffee mugs with Hidden Mickey handles

• Spirit jerseys, hoodies, tees

• Photo frames, ornaments, and more!

  DOWNTOWN DISNEY: THE RESTAURANT BOOM CONTINUES

So Many New Spots, So Little Time

Downtown Disney is in the middle of a MASSIVE transformation with new restaurants and shops opening throughout 2026. Here's what's confirmed to open this year (though specific dates are TBD for most):

CONFIRMED 2026 RESTAURANT OPENINGS:

Porto's Bakery & Café - The Southern California legend is FINALLY coming! Construction is well underway, and this massive location will extend into the Disneyland Esplanade. Expect Cuban-inspired pastries, cakes, and savory dishes. This will be HUGE when it opens.

Earl of Sandwich (New Location) - Two-story building with quick-service Earl of Sandwich on the ground floor. Until it opens, you can still get your fix at the pop-up pod near Star Wars Trading Post.

Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby (Upstairs from Earl of Sandwich) - 1960s British-themed gastropub with plush interiors, British pop art, and iconic Gordon Ramsay dishes like beef Wellington, fish and chips, and sticky toffee pudding. Full bar with wine, beer, and signature cocktails. Indoor AND outdoor seating.

Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon - From Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori. Classic steakhouse with prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, hearty sandwiches, salads, and an impressive bourbon selection. Warm, sophisticated ambiance.

Pearl's Roadside BBQ - Also from Chef Joe Isidori. Quick-service BBQ spot with pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked wings, house-made sauces, and craft beer. Prominent outdoor bar with moonshine cocktails.

Bopo Go! - High-quality, authentic boba/bubble tea with NO artificial ingredients. Inspired by Asian convenience stores, it'll also serve light bites, imported snacks, and candies. Real fruits and vegetables, lactose-free milk, oat milk, cane/brown sugar, tea from Taiwan, matcha from Japan.

WHAT'S ALREADY OPEN:
Parkside Market (Opened in 2025) - Downtown Disney's first food hall featuring:

• Sip & Sonder (Parkside Market Coffee) - Signature lattes, teas, fresh treats, breakfast

• Seoul Sister - Korean-forward bibimbap bowls with California twist

• GG's Chicken Shop - Chicken sandwiches, salads, classic sides

• Vista Parkside Market - Beautiful views with inventive cocktails and mocktails

Din Tai Fung (Opened in 2025) - World-renowned Taiwanese restaurant's first-ever freestanding location! Watch the 18-fold dumpling-making process through the exhibition kitchen. Xiao Long Bao, Spicy Wontons, String Beans with Garlic, Cucumber Salad, Pork Chop Fried Rice.

NEW SHOPS:
Avengers Reserve (Opened This Winter) - Celebrating Earth's Mightiest Heroes with

collectibles, apparel, accessories, toys, and comics. Must-visit for Marvel fans.

D-Lander Shop (Opened This Winter) - Trendy, Southern California boutique with fashion- forward apparel, accessories, and jewelry for Disneyland fans.

Disney Wonderful World of Sweets (Opened This Winter) - Reimagined and expanded Marceline's Confectionery featuring churro toffee, caramel apples, sour balls, lollipops, packaged confections, and freshly made Werther's Original Caramel popcorn. Watch treats being made through the exhibition kitchen!

Lululemon (OPEN NOW) - Athletic apparel and yoga gear coming to the former ESPN Zone building.

Nectar Life (COMING SOON) - Handcrafted beauty essentials and bath treats. First location with a customization bar where you can create your own milkshake bath soaks and whipped soaps.

SPECIAL EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

What's Happening Beyond the Normal Park Magic

CELEBRATE GOSPEL AT DOWNTOWN DISNEY
February 20-21 & February 27-28, 2026
New for 2026! Uplifting gospel concerts at the Downtown Disney Live Stage featuring:

• Community choirs from Southern California

• Headliner Hezekiah Walker (February 21)

• Headliner Yolanda Adams (February 28)

Free to attend! No park ticket required.

ANAHEIM DUCKS DAY
February 22, 2026 at Disney California Adventure Fan favorite returns! Features:

• Appearances by select Anaheim Ducks players

• Wild Wing mascot

• Hockey-themed entertainment and activities

• Photo opportunities

Thanks for riding along with me on this magical issue of Zenfinity Disney!
I love sharing the parks with you — the food, the fun, the chaos, the sparkle, and all the little surprises that make Disneyland and DCA feel like home.

Until the next adventure…

✨ Keep your ears up, your snacks ready, and your magic glowing —
Zenfinity Disney

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