2020 is the “Year of the Rat,” the first of the Chinese zodiac animals and Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates it beginning January 23 and continuing through Sunday, February 9.
This spectacular themed Lunar New Year event will take place within Universal Plaza, located at the heart of the theme park and Lunar New Year is included in the price of admission to the theme park. Under a curtain of traditional 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.
The immersive event will feature Po and Tigress from the Kung Fu Panda attraction, and they will greet guests and pose for engaging photos. Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop returns by popular demand to serve up delicious culture-themed food, one of my favorite parts of the day! Mr. Ping himself will also be on hand to interact with guests and take memorable souvenir photos. Guests can learn how to draw Po and take home the drawing as a keepsake memento and, on select days, community cultural performances featuring traditional lion dances will round out the program.
If you’re a Hello Kitty fan, she’ll be there in typical Sanrio style, red bow and Lunar New Year attire. She’ll be available to meet guests at the Hello Kitty shop inside the Animation Studio Store.
Keeping with Universal Studios Hollywood’s Lunar New Year tradition, MEGATRON from the TRANSFORMERS franchise will be speaking Mandarin while interacting with guests at the entry of the festivities. The imposing robot leader of the DECEPTICONS will engage attendees in real-time conversation reflective of his persona and will be sure to entertain TRANSFORMERS fans visiting the park. MEGATRON is one of the stars of Universal Studios Hollywood’s thrill ride, Transformers The Ride: 3-D.
For an added bonus, the Studio Tour tram ride is available in Mandarin at select times throughout the day. Featuring expertly-trained Mandarin-speaking tour guides, the experience provides insight into the world of movie-making magic as guests enjoy behind-the-scenes access to one of the largest production studios in the world. In-language park maps are also available for guests.
Throughout the park, you’ll find themed food options and decor, making it a fully immersive event that everyone will enjoy. Find out more here at the Universal Studios Hollywood website, and happy Lunar New Year! Enjoy this sneak peek video of the festivities!
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