Kung Fu Panda’s Po and Tigress Join a Mandarin-Speaking MEGATRON
to Usher in the “Year of the Rooster” as Universal Studios Hollywood
Celebrates Lunar New Year from January 21 to February 5
After days of murky weather and torrential rains, a break in the clouds heralded a burst of sunshine Saturday as Universal Studios Hollywood kicked off their annual Lunar New Years celebration. 2017 is The Year of the Rooster and DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda stars, Po and Tigress made their first-ever appearance during Universal’s annual event. Known by horror fans as the home to Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios Hollywood will host this special event from Saturday, January 21 to Sunday, February 5, 2017.
Inside they will encounter a dozen lampposts, each featuring banners of the twelve zodiac animal signs along with three symbolic attributes. A selection of Asian-inspired treats will also be available, including pastries decorated with the Chinese characters for “Rooster” and “Fortune.” The Chinese New Year inspired celebration is held inside the park at the centrally located Universal Plaza. Entering under a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns and a stunning plum blossom arch, we see the plaza festooned with wish trees and kiosks on which guests can write their own wished for the new year.
DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda star Tigress
Po from DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda.
One of the coolest things that guests can see, or rather meet, is the Mandarin-speaking MEGATRON who engages guests in conversation characteristic of his persona as the leader of the DECEPTICON. Also joining the festivities will be theme park characters, Curious George and Woody Woodpecker, who will don festive Chinese attire.
Curious George
It should also be noted that, 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.
As part of the celebratory Lunar New Year event, guests are also invited to toast the “Year of the Rooster” at Universal CityWalk’s newest restaurant, Dongpo Kitchen, serving upscale and modern Sichuan cuisine. Inspired by China’s premiere restaurant Meizhou Dongpo and its renowned and innovative owners, Chef Mr. Wang and his wife Mrs. Liang, Dongpo Kitchen, features 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 ranging from Dongpo fried noodles, roasted duck salad, spicy chicken (Which is our absolute favorite) to specialty beverage shakes such as dragon well green tea and roasted oolong milk tea.
