CALIFORNIA FOCUS / Universal Studios Hollywood’s Lunar New Year Event

DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda’s Po and Tigress Headline Universal Studios Hollywood’s All-New Lunar New Year Event as The Theme Park Ushers in the “Year of the Dog” with a New Dragon Warrior Training Show, Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop and More from February 10–25 The Return of Mandarin-Speaking MEGATRON Joins the Celebration for Real-Time Conversations Lunar New Year is Included in the Price of Park Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal City, CA, January 11, 2018 — Universal Studios Hollywood welcomes DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda masters Po and Tigress to its all-new Lunar New Year event as The Entertainment Capital of L.A. ushers in the “Year of the Dog” from Saturday, February 10 to Sunday, February 25, 2018. Lunar New Year is included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.

This spectacularly themed Lunar New Year event will take place within Universal Plaza, a polygon-shaped piazza that sits 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.

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 Kung Fu Panda experience 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.

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.

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.”

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.

Year-round, Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature Studio Tour offers guests a revealing look at an authentic movie and television studio in select languages, including Mandarin. Expertly-trained Mandarin-speaking tour guides 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.

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.