Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates Lunar New Year 2019

Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, CA

Hey, folks! This year, the Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, February 5, and like a lot of local attractions in Southern California, Universal Studios Hollywood is joining the festivities with its own line-up of special features and activities. Kung Fu Panda will once again host the celebration, and Hello Kitty will be dressed up in cultural attire. Plus, there will be a Mandarin-speaking Megatron… for some reason (okay, not just “some” reason, but because it’s Chinese New Year too).

The last bit is certainly interesting to me. ItI get honoring a cultural holiday by celebrating the heritage and enlightening about the history. But I’m not sure what a Chinese Decepticon exactly achieves… maybe China’s culture of pirating things? Commentary on rising political tensions with China? Analogy of how China has taken over manufacturing for consumer products sold in the States? I’m not sure. I don’t find it offensive or anything. Just a bit odd. (Though Megatron going through security check is pretty humorous.)

In any case, the pageant looks pretty fun, so if you’re looking for a theme park alternative to Disney’s Lunar New Year Celebration, head over to Universal Studios!

From the press release:

Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates Lunar New Year and the “Year of the Pig” with DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda’s Po and Tigress, Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop a Mandarin-speaking Transformer’s MEGATRON and Hello Kitty, Adorned in Custom-Designed Lunar New Year Attire, from February 2–17

 Lunar New Year is Included in the Price of Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal City, CA, —Universal Studios Hollywood ushers in the “Year of the Pig” as the movie-based theme park celebrates Lunar New Year with uniquely-themed programs featuring beloved global pop icon Hello Kitty, DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda masters Po and Tigress and a Mandarin-speaking Transformer’s MEGATRON from Saturday, February 2 to Sunday, February 17, 2019. 

This spectacularly-themed Lunar New Year tradition will take place within Universal Plaza, located at the heart of the theme park.  Under a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns and stunning plum blossom Wishing Trees, the festivities will come to life as guests discover the 12 zodiac animal signs accompanied by their symbolic attributes.

(Photo courtesy of Universal Studios.)

The centerpiece of the Lunar New Year festivities will feature DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda Jade Palace Performance Stage and the exciting Dragon Warrior Training Show based on the beloved Kung Fu Panda franchise. The energetic experience is designed to engage guests of all ages in an interactive martial art demonstration performed by Master Po and friends. The immersive event will also feature seasoned animators teaching guests techniques to draw Po and the Furious Five as keepsake mementos.

DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda’s famous Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop is back by popular demand to serve up delicious culturally-themed food such as Po’s Dumplings, Dragon Warrior Bao, Oogway Eggrolls and Secret Ingredient Stir Fry Noodles. Mr. Ping himself will be on hand to interact with guests and take memorable souvenir photos.

Image courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood.

Beloved global pop icon Hello Kitty, created by the global lifestyle brand Sanrio, will further complement this year’s Lunar New Year celebration when she steps out in style wearing her signature red bow and specially-designed Lunar New Year attire.  Hello Kitty will be available to meet guests at the Hello Kitty Shop located within the new Animation Studio Store.

Keeping with Universal Studios Hollywood’s Lunar New Year tradition, a Mandarin-speaking Transformer’s MEGATRON will greet guests at the entry of the festivities. The imposing 12-foot-tall robot leader of the DECEPTICONS will interact with guests, engaging them both in Mandarin and in real time conversation reflective of his persona. A resident of Universal Studios Hollywood, MEGATRON is one of the stars of Universal Studios Hollywood’s thrill ride, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D.”

Illumination Entertainment’s Minions from the theme parks’ popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride will also join the festivities, stepping out in style and dressed up in brightly colored traditional Lunar New Year attire.

Uniquely themed experiences offered in Mandarin include the theme park’s signature Studio Tour and the exclusive VIP Experience, both of which provide two distinctive and revealing looks at an authentic movie and television studio.  Featuring expertly-trained Mandarin-speaking tour guides both opportunities provide insight into the world of movie-making magic as guests enjoy a front row seat and behind-the-scenes access to one of the largest production studios in the world.  In-language park maps are also available for guests.

(Photo courtesy of Universal Studios.)

Guests can continue their Lunar New Year celebration at Universal CityWalk’s Dongpo Kitchen restaurant featuring upscale and modern Sichuan cuisine. Inspired by China’s premier restaurant Meizhou Dongpo, Dongpo Kitchen offers the comforts of a casual dining environment with both indoor and al fresco seating and caters to an eclectic palate with a variety of signature dishes.

Universal CityWalk’s newest restaurant, Vivo Italian Kitchen, serving freshly prepared authentic Italian fare in a newly designed modern setting, also invites guests to toast the “Year of the Pig” offering its haute cuisine menu in several languages, including Mandarin.

With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the all-new 2019 Season Pass invites guests to experience the fun all year long for $139 when purchased online.  Details and restrictions available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Mandarin-speaking guests can learn more about the Lunar New Year event at www.ush.cn.  Information is also available on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Weibo @好莱坞环球影城.