Music, Entertainment, Art and More Comes to Disneyland for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
If you’ve been following along with MickeyBlog you’ll know May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In celebration, Disneyland is offering many ways to explore these diverse cultures through music, art, food, merchandise and more!
Downtown Disney District
Let’s start with Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District. Throughout the month you’ll find complimentary music performances and colorful pageantry at the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage. Here’s a sample of what will be on offer this month:
- Faiva is a 4-piece Polynesian band performing blissful harmonies. Performances on Mondays and Wednesdays.
- The Filharmonic is a 5-piece Filipino a cappella vocal group performing hip hop, pop and ‘90s nostalgia. Performances on Tuesdays.
- Tupua’s high-energy Polynesian show of dance and drums invites you to join in the fun. Performances on Thursdays and Fridays.
- Chinese Cultural Splendor will take you back in time to enjoy the beauty of Chinese dance, martial arts, lion dance and the radiant costumes of Chinese dynasties. Performances will take place on Saturdays and Sundays.
See the FULL entertainment schedule for appearance times.
WonderGround Gallery
During the month of May, visitors to the WonderGround Gallery will have a chance to meet artists like Jerrod Maruyama, Joey Chou, Ann Shen and June Kim. The artists will be on hand to autograph their work and talk inspiration. These events will take place 3pm – 5pm on Saturday May 21st and Sunday May 22nd.
Kayla’s Cake
Treat yourself to a fresh, flavorful macaron at this bakery cart. The business was founded by sisters Kayla Lee and Eunjoo Kang.
Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
The spirit of the islands has arrived at the Hotels of Disneyland Resort. Ukulele music will be offered nightly. You can also take a complimentary hula lesson on weekends at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel.
Alternatively, you can head over to Nova Brewing Co. at Hearthstone Lounge at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa where you can sip sake (a traditional Japanese beverage) with a flight or craft cocktail.
Overnight hotel guests can also learn to play ukulele, make a ribbon lei or learn the Chinese martial art of tai chi. More information can be found by contacting the Disneyland Resort Hotel Front Desk to sign up. These offerings are complimentary but subject to availability.
Disney California Adventure
Pop Over to Pixar Pier where you’ll find a limited time Photo Op inspired by the recent Pixar release, Turning Red.
Disneyland Park
If you’re visiting Disneyland Park this month this month be sure to check out the Children’s Day window display located just outside of the Emporium. The window pays homage to the Japanese Children’s Day celebrated annually on May 5th. During this event families display koinobori also known as “carp streamers” to symbolize determination and success. You’ll also find ornamental kabuto helmets to represent wishes for strength and vitality.
Look carefully and you’ll also see games from Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultures on display. This includes Sungka (Phillippines), Indian Chess, Mahjong (China), Konane (Hawaiian Islands & Polynesia), Nei-pat-ko-no (Korea) and Kendama (Japan) all of which existed during the Victorian-era.
Delicious Menu Items
Indulge in some delicious menu items such as Loco Moco-Bao, Spiced Vegetables Bao and Sweet Lumpia at Tropical Hideaway at Disneyland Park. Another must-try treat is the the Kung Pao Bao at Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure park as well as Thich and Fluffy Japanese Pancakes, Tonkotsu Ramen and Poke Bowls at Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar and Grill at the Disneyland Hotel.
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Disneyland news and updates. We’ll be coming to you LIVE! from the theme parks each and every week.
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World merchandise updates! We’ll be coming to you LIVE! from the theme parks each and every week.
With new policies and procedures in place during the year ahead, there’s never been a better time to work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner who can help you navigate through Disney’s new way of doing things! I’ll be on hand to assist with everything from finding that perfect package and getting the best deals to organizing park passes, Disney Genie+ and dining reservations. Best of all- my services are ABSOLUTELY FREE!
Just fill out my form HERE to get your FREE, no-obligation quote. Alternatively, feel free to reach out at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook