By Valerie Lee, Public Relations Manager, Disneyland Resort
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we are celebrating these vibrant and diverse cultures in an even bigger way this month through music, art and a variety of enchanting experiences for you to enjoy at the Disneyland Resort!
In the Downtown Disney District, delight in complimentary musical performances and colorful pageantry at the Downtown Disney Live! stage:
- Faiva is a 4-piece Polynesian band performing blissful harmonies on Mondays and Wednesdays.
- The Filharmonic is a 5-piece Filipino a cappella vocal group performing hip hop, pop and ‘90s nostalgia on Tuesdays.
- Tupua’s high-energy Polynesian show of dance and drums invites you to join in the fun 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, performing Saturdays and Sundays.
See the entertainment schedule for appearance times.
At WonderGround Gallery, meet artists Jerrod Maruyama, Joey Chou, Ann Shen and June Kim, who will autograph their pieces and share the inspiration behind their work from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22.*
Or find your joy with a fresh, flavorful macaron at Kayla’s Cake, a bakery cart and company that was founded by sisters Kayla Lee and Eunjoo Kang.
Get in the island spirit at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, where you can listen to ukulele music nightly and take a complimentary hula lesson on weekends at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel!
Or, you may choose to sip sake, a traditional Japanese beverage, by ordering a flight or a craft cocktail with sake by Nova Brewing Co. at Hearthstone Lounge at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
If you’re an overnight hotel guest, you may participate in additional experiences: learn to play the ukulele, make a ribbon lei or practice the ancient, graceful Chinese martial art of tai chi. For reservations and more information, contact a Disneyland Resort Hotel Front Desk to reserve your complimentary spot, subject to availability.
In Disney California Adventure park, you may pop into the limited-time “Turning Red” photo op near Pixar Pier.
If you’re strolling down Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland park, stop to see the Children’s Day window display outside the Emporium! While this holiday is celebrated by many cultures, the window pays homage to the Japanese Children’s Day celebrated annually on May 5 where families display koinobori also known as “carp streamers” to symbolize determination and success, and ornamental kabuto helmets to represent wishes for strength and vitality. The window also displays games from other Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultures such as Sungka (Philippines), Traditional Indian Chess, Mahjong (China), Konane (Hawaiian Islands & Polynesia), Nei-pat-ko-no (Korea) and Kendama (Japan), all of which existed during the Victorian-era.
Throughout the year, you may savor delicious menu items such as Loco Moco Bao, Spiced Vegetable Bao and Sweet Lumpia at Tropical Hideaway at Disneyland park, Kung Pao Bao at Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure park, or Thick and Fluffy Japanese Pancakes, Tonkotsu Ramen and Poke Bowls at Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill at the Disneyland Hotel.
We hope you will join us to celebrate and appreciate these beautiful talents, traditions and treasures during AANHPI Heritage Month at Disneyland Resort!
*Limit two (2) signed items per artist, per guest. Artist will only sign the event merchandise purchased on the day of the event. No personal items may be signed. Artist appearances are subject to space and availability and are not guaranteed. Subject to change or cancellation without notice. Other restrictions may apply.
Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/Updates for important information to know before visiting.