This is how I experienced Asian American culture at Disney

While many children hear stories about magical places in faraway lands as they grow up, I heard tales of a place about a 5-hour drive away from my Californian hometown. San José: Disneyland. My mother always liked to muse that the “It’s a Small World Ride” was “just so tranquil,” like “heaven.”

As the daughter of Taiwanese immigrant parents, I felt as if I had to jump rope between my two sides of Asian American identity. Disney was the only place where we felt that our all-American identity was represented. It was not something we were aware of at the time. But perhaps it was because it was the only place we could see characters who looked like us. 

We went to the park with my parents in 2017, and also two of my nieces. This trip just so happened to occur days before Lunar New YearIt was shocking to see a sign near the entrance of the building that read “Lunar New Year”. Disney California Adventure Mickey Mouse is decked out with traditional red and gold lanterns, tassels, and an Asian-inspired Mickey logo.

The park’s annual Lunar New Year festivities, The event began in 2012 and was originally a one-week celebration. It has now grown to a month-long festival. Menu items were from Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines. Mickey and Minnie dressed up in traditional clothing. The fact that a park which felt so “American”, embraces Asian traditions, was more than just being seen. It made me feel embraced and understood. It felt especially poignant during my nieces’ first visit—knowing they’ll grow up in a more inclusive society. 

The last time I went to Disney was in Lake Buena Vista (Florida) to take part in the Disney Imagineering Festival. Run Disney Springtime Surprise Weekend’s 5K run. The park was influenced by Asian American culture. First, I saw a Mahjong table at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror’s lobby. Later I noticed pins of Asian American characters on Asian style fans and boba. 

Disneyland is a great place to visit. 70th Anniversary Celebration. Instead of looking for hidden Mickeys at the park, I looked for Asian American influences.

My search began at Disney California Adventure, in San Fransokyo Square. This hybrid of San Francisco & Tokyo was inspired by “Big Hero 6.” This area used to be called Pacific Wharf and I was instantly blown away by its redressing. Signs were written in Japanese and Chinese, with a lot of Asian-inspired motifs like dragons, gold coins, lucky cats and lanterns. Disneyland’s investment in diversity was evident. This is especially true in California where, according to the Census Bureau, 7.1 million (or 18%) people identify as Asian. Pew Research Center.

I was most impressed by the menus. Lucky Fortune Cookery They served honey walnut shrimp, potstickers and chicken sandwiches with a karaage twist, as well as yaki-udon and the much-loved beef birria-ramen. Aunt Cass Café had soba noodle salad, California roll sandwich, and—my obsession—San Fransokyo Clam Chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. The white miso flavor was far from what I expected for theme park food.

The Asian American-inspired offerings were not limited to San Fransokyo Square. Watch the movie. Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration The opening float of the parade (which will return to Disney California Adventure until next summer) featured Red Panda Mei along with other characters in “Turning Red.”

At the Disneyland, I was standing with a honey limeade and popping bubbles at Aunt Cass’. Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, I was bemused that I had a boba in my hand while watching a Disney Parade, something I would have never imagined doing during my childhood visits. 

One of the window displays on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland caught my eye. EmporiumThe. Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It wasn’t just that. There were also signs around the park advertising special menu items, such as passion fruit-orange guava punch at Lucky Fortune Cookery and green tea beer.

In May, Disney PhotoPass offered themed MagicShots featuring Asian Disney characters such as Russell from “Up,” Panda mei from “Turning Red,” The rings are from “Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings.” The sketch pad option showcased work by Tyrus WongA Chinese American animator, who was the main artist for “Bambi.”

Special events included autograph signings from Asian Disney artists Stacy Aoyama & Eric Tan, Russell & Mei drawing lessons, movie night showings of “Moana & Turning Red”, and dance lessons taught by Tahitian, Polynesian, Japanese, Indian, and Filipino instructors.

The new addition to the Asian continent is perhaps the most important permanent one. Din Tai Fung, which opens July 2024 Downtown Disney. It was amazing to see that the original restaurant in Taipei, which I always visited on my trips to Taiwan was now an anchor restaurant within a major American amusement park. While I enjoyed my spicy wontons and sesame-flavored xiaolong baos, it was exciting to discover that the restaurant had an a limited pin set The park is celebrating its 70th birthday. 

Compass, Disneyland’s Asian American Pacific Islander employees group, was responsible for the inclusion of these Asian American elements. Compass “strives” to educate Cast members with a better understanding of AAPI culture and “helps advise Disneyland Resort offerings on culture awareness”, the group’s cochair Allie Kawamoto tells. Travel + Leisure. 

Kawamoto is a native of Anaheim who has always been fond of Disney. Now she is paying it forward, as the AAPI display at the Emporium was her contribution. “Seeing this display come to life, and sharing the window with my child was a very proud moment for me,” she says.

She also says, just like her family, that she’s a big fan of the movie “It’s a Small World.” It has been updated to include “Lilo and Stitch,” in its Pacific Islands portion, and more recently “Coco’s” Miguel and Dante, in the Mexico segment.

Kawamoto says, “I feel very happy when I see the many cultures that are represented.” “We welcome guests from all over the world. I believe that everyone can find a reflection of themselves.”