Lunar New Year with DreamWorks’ KUNG FU PANDA is coming once again to Universal Studios Hollywood and it’s bringing with it a whole host of extras this year. The Lunar New Year event will once again take place within Universal Plaza with customary red Chinese lanterns and beautiful plum blossom Wishing Trees. The festivities will come to life with new and returning favorites for the festive celebration.
New Offerings
New to this year’s celebratory event, Universal Studios Hollywood will debut the all-new DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda Jade Palace Performance Stage and the exciting Dragon Warrior Training Show based on the beloved KUNG FU PANDA franchise. The all-new experiences will engage guests of all ages in an interactive martial art demonstration performed by Master Po and friends. The immersive event will also feature veteran DreamWorks animators who will demonstrate practical techniques of drawing their favorite Kung Fu Panda characters as keepsake mementos.
Illumination’s Minions from Universal Studios Hollywood’s popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride will join the festivities this year, stepping out in style dressed in brightly colored traditional Lunar New Year attire.
As a complement to this year’s Lunar New Year celebration, Universal Studios Hollywood will welcome Hello Kitty, the beloved global pop icon created by the renowned Japanese company Sanrio to the entertainment destination. Hello Kitty and her signature red bow will make special appearances to meet guests at the Hello Kitty Shop located within the new Animation Studio Store opening Spring 2018.
Dining
The completely reimagined event will also serve up a replica of DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda’s famous Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop, including Mr. Ping himself who will invite guests to enjoy his authentic Asian fare and a selection of hot and cold Asian beverages.
Guests can also celebrate the spirit of Lunar New Year 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.
More to Enjoy
A returning favorite among Universal Studios Hollywood’s Lunar New Year traditions, Mandarin-speaking Transformer’s MEGATRON marks a highlight of the annual event, as the imposing leader of the DECEPTICONS returns to greet guests at the entry to the festivities. The ominous 12-foot-tall sentient robot will once again interact with guests, engaging them both in Mandarin and in real-time conversation characteristic 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.”
Lunar New Year comes to Universal Studios Hollywood from Saturday, February 10 to Sunday, February 25, 2018.
