Disneyland Update: Lunar New Year, Empty Park and Security Changes

One of the biggest benefits of the wetter than normal winter we are having here in Southern California has been a few days of traditional "off-season" days at Disneyland. Those of us who have been visitors of the parks for a lot of years remember being able to go and enjoy a near empty park, just check out the pictures below. 
​We'll also share some pictures of the great Lunar New Year and the recent security changes at the park. 

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Written by Christopher Moghtaderi 

​Security Changes
 
Disney has beefed up security and has managed to clean up the congestion that park goers have been encountering around the entrances.
 
The checkpoint off of Harbor has not changed so there is no update but you will notice some major changes as seen below.
 
The checkpoint that used to be between the tram drop off and the ticket booths have been moved entirely. If you are coming from the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure, you will encounter the checkpoint prior to boarding the tram in what used to be the employee parking lot just outside of the parking structure.

​If you are coming from The Disneyland or Paradise Pier hotels, you will encounter a checkpoint prior to entering Downtown Disney by the Earl of Sandwich (picture 3). Another has been added by the Downtown Disney Parking Lot by ESPN Zone (picture 4). Finally, another by the entrance from the Grand Californian into Downtown Disney (picture 5).
 
These changes have allowed entry into the park from the east side to be a much simpler and quicker process. Aside from the relocation of these checkpoints, the additional metal detectors keep things moving much quicker.

​Empty Park
We had the benefit of attending the park on two of the wettest days in the park. Below are some of the pictures that show a ghost town (for Disneyland) of a park.
 
What once used to be stroller central, has now become a clear view to the Carrousel.

While there are still people walking down main street and Frontierland.

​When was the last time it’s been that empty?

Dole Whip stand on Monday. NO LINE?

​Lunar New Year
Disney’s California Adventure gets a bit of an Epcot festival flair with the addition of stands and decorations for Lunar New Year. With daily shows featuring the Acrobats of China, Dat Nguyen, or Jie Ma, guests get an opportunity to experience Asian Culture through these free performances.

Disney added a few food stands that provide guests the chance to taste some wonderful Asian Cuisine. If you like Bananas, be sure to try the Banana Milk at the Korean Food Stand. The Garden Grill gets an updated menu for the event including desserts.

 List Of Events highlights many of the events that take place throughout the park.

Additional things to look for is the Complimentary Face Painting, the opportunity to hang a wish, Calligraphy Demonstrations, and the chance to Meet Mickey and Minnie in Traditional Outfits.

Even the Disney Vacation Club Booth gets a color makeover for the event.

Thanks again to Chris for the awesome Disneyland pics. Hopefully more Disneyland updates will happen soon as well as some Star Wars Land updates. 

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Related Updates: 

• Opening Day of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 
• Disneyland announces changes to it's FastPass program
• Disneyland Resort Update - Avengers Half Marathon, Star Wars Land and Tower of Terror
• The Disney California Adventure that could have been 
• Fun at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival 2016​

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