Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the Year of the Dog

The all-new Lunar New Year event will take place in L.A. from Saturday, February 10 to Sunday, February 25, 2018 in Universal Plaza, a polygon-shaped piazza that sits at the heart of the theme park. Under a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns and plum blossom Wishing Trees, guests will see 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 Kung Fu Panda franchise. The all-new Kung Fu Panda experience will engage guests 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 (3.7 m) 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 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.