Universal Studios Hollywood has been perfecting their Lunar New Year celebration each year, and for 2020 the the Year of the Rat (this isn’t Disneyland y’all), is the strongest one yet. Some mainstays return, like Mandarin-speaking Megatron, wishing trees, Kung Fu Panda meet-n-greets, seasonal costumes for Hello Kitty and the Minions. No new components were added, but focusing on improvements, like big upgrades to the Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop menu and more elaborate decor make this year another winner.
Enjoy now a look at the 2020 Lunar New Year celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood.
In Universal Plaza
Wishing trees make a beautiful centerpiece for the plaza, and this year the central tree has been upgraded to include an inviting bench. Looks much more permanent and lived-in.
A Universal artist leads guests through drawing lessons for favorite Kung Fu Panda characters.
Mr. Ping is back, chatting up a storm with anyone who approaches his window. He offered some timely parenting advice for us – save the noodles till the baby is older. A regular Dr. Spock, this guy.
Adjacent to his meet-n-greet is Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop, which this year is finally offering noodles. In years past the menu here has been very uneven, but the dishes we tried today were vast improvements and more in-theme. Secret Ingredient Noodle Soup is a vegetarian dish with a ton of flavor, we just wish there was more of it to enjoy! The huge Glass Noodle Salad (also vegetarian) was in need of some kick but still hit the spot with kimchee spread throughout the dish. For dessert we were handed a slab of Cherry Cheesecake that was surprisingly great. Next time we’ll check out the Beef Pho and Pork Ramen!
Po and Tigress greet guests in the Plaza at varying times throughout the day.
While the Jedi Training Academy-esque Kung Fu Panda warriors show didn’t return this year, a consistent schedule of authentic performance groups fills that void with periodic dragon dances.
On the Upper Lot
Nearby, Minions rotate throughout the day in traditional attire.
Hello Kitty dazzles in her Lunar New Year finest just outside the Animation Studio Store.
The Hello Kitty Universal merchandise line continues to be delightful but there’s also a host of goodies to celebrate Kung Fu Panda.
More to Explore
Construction is wrapping up on The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! which will be ready in just a few months!
Inside the Animation Studio Store, we found this life-size, awesome Toothless sculpture, perfect for photo-ops.
On our way out, we noticed that the guitar icon has already been removed from what was once the Hard Rock Cafe. Bring on the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium!
See it for Yourself
The Lunar New Year celebrations at Universal Studios Hollywood run daily through February 9, 2020!
