Hey All!
This past weekend I was lucky enough to be invited by Universal Studios Hollywood to help them usher in the Lunar New Year! It’s the “Year of the Pig” and they have fun Lunar New Year themed programs featuring my favorite pop icon Hello Kitty, DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda masters Po and Tigress, and a Mandarin-speaking Transformer’s MEGATRON! The event takes place now through Monday, February 18, 2019. The whole park is decorated for the celebration and it’s so much fun to see.
The majority of the Lunar New Year themed events and sites 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 come to life as guests discover the 12 zodiac animal signs accompanied by their symbolic attributes.
You can write out a wish at one of these stations set up in the plaza and hang it off the blossom tree.
The trees are so beautiful and me and the family all hung our wishes for the year!
The centerpiece of the Lunar New Year festivities features DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda Jade Palace Performance Stage and the exciting Dragon Warrior Training Show based on the beloved Kung Fu Panda franchise and Universal Studios Hollywood’s popular DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda” attraction. 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 also features 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 serving up delicious culturally-themed food such as Po’s Dumplings, Dragon Warrior Bao, Oogway Eggrolls, PB&J Dumplings and Secret Ingredient Stir Fry Noodles. Mr. Ping himself will be on hand to interact with guests and take memorable souvenir photos. We tried everything bu the stir fry noodles and it’s all amazing!
We had never tried Peanut Butter and Jelly dumplings before and we really enjoyed them!
We also loved taking a photo with Mr. Ping!
Hello Kitty was perfect in her Lunar New Year style wearing her signature red bow and specially-designed Lunar New Year attire. Hello Kitty is available to meet guests at the Hello Kitty Shop located within the new Animation Studio Store. We got to take a picture with her too! As you can see there is no shortage of photo opps during the Lunar New Year!
There is a Mandarin-speaking Transformer’s MEGATRON who greets guests at the entry of the festivities. The imposing 12-foot-tall robot leader of the DECEPTICONS interacts 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.”
We couldn’t wait to see the Minions from the theme parks’ popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride! They too were dressed up in brightly colored traditional Lunar New Year attire.
How cute is the Minion playing with the baby? So much fun!
During this celebration they are also offering the theme park’s signature Studio Tour and the exclusive VIP Experience in Mandarin, 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.
When you get out of the park continue their Lunar New Year celebration at Universal CityWalk where a variety of Asian-inspired foods will be served. My favorite doughnut shop Voodoo Doughnut is also celebrating Lunar New Year with a specially-created “Year of the Pig” doughnut. It’s the doughnut you see below on the left that looks like a little pig face.
There is so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood! We had a blast!
Get the all-new 2019 Season Pass and experience this amazing Lunar New Year Celebration and the fun all year long for $149 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.
We can’t thank Universal Studios Hollywood enough for having us!
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