Raya's Refuge

This weekend has marked the start of Disney's Lunar New Year Celebration at Disney California Adventure this year, a week before the actual lunar new year.  And one of the new attractions for 2022 is a new meet-and-greet featuring Raya from the recent Walt Disney animated feature, Raya and the Last Dragon.  Set deep in the thicket of the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Grizzly Peak, this photo op is beautifully draped around dozens of colorful hanging lanterns that are especially magical at night, when they light up to form a kaleidoscope of color!  Raya herself in at a sumptuously furnished elevated stage for a socially distanced encounter.  Unfortunately, I didn't get any direct photos of her, because I didn't want to wait in the long line to meet the popular protagonist (perhaps next time).  But it's a great feature for this year's Lunar New Year Celebration, and it's fantastic to see more representation for races that traditionally have not seen themselves commonly in popular media--especially in leading roles!

Deep in the heart of the jungle--er--California forest, a station has been set up for guests to meet Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon.

The line is draped with numerous colorful lanterns.

They provide some fantastic saturation and great photo opportunities.

They're beautifully crafted and just really nice!

Guests who wait can have a few minutes with Raya.

It was truly splendid to see Raya interacting with young girls who could see themselves in her.

The set around her was beautifully detailed.

Great job to the team in charge of this little project!