Celebrate Lunar New year now at Universal Studios Hollywood featuring “Year of the Pig” decorations, food and entertainment now through February 18.

Upon entering, you will notice a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns and stunning plum blossom Wishing Trees. Discover which of the 12 zodiac animal signs belong to you, accompanied by their symbolic attributes.

The centerpiece of the Lunar New Year festivities features DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda’s Dragon Warrior Training Show. It’s based on the beloved Kung Fu Panda franchise and Universal Studios Hollywood’s popular DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda”attraction.  The cast welcomes young guests up on the Jade Palace Performance Stages. It’s an interactive martial art demonstration performed by Master Po and friends.

Other activities include a free class with seasoned animators teaching guests techniques to draw Po and the Furious Five as keepsake mementos.

Visit Mr. Ping at his Noodle Shop for a chat with photo opportunity. He is serving up delicious culturally-themed food such as Po’s Dumplings, Dragon Warrior Bao, Oogway Eggrolls and Secret Ingredient Stir Fry Noodles. Mr. Ping prefers your order vegetarian noodles. I did and they are quite good.

There is an array of Asian fare at various locations throughout the park such as Banh Mi Sandwiches, Baos and dumplings at the Plaza Grill and Asian Entrée Bowls at Hollywood and Dineand Gru’s Lab.

Specialty Lunar New Year desserts including a “Year of the Pig” cookie, a Chocolate Matcha Cupcake and a Ginger Cheesecake with fortune cookie can be also found at various carts and restaurants.

Beloved global pop icon Hello Kitty, created by the global lifestyle brand Sanrio, further complements this year’s Lunar New Year celebration as she steps out in style wearing her signature red bow and specially-designed Lunar New Year attire.  Hello Kitty is available to meet guests at the Hello Kitty Shop located within the new Animation Studio Store.

Keeping with Universal Studios Hollywood’s Lunar New Year tradition, a Mandarin-speaking Transformer’s MEGATRON will greets guests at the entry of the festivities. The imposing 12-foot-tall robot leader of the DECEPTICONS interacts with guests, engaging them both in Mandarin and in real time conversation reflective 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 Entertainment’s Minions from the theme parks’ popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride also join the festivities, stepping out in style and dressed up in brightly colored traditional Lunar New Year attire.

Uniquely themed experiences offered in Mandarin include the theme park’s signature Studio Tour and the exclusive VIP Experience, both of which provide two distinctive and revealing looks at an authentic movie and television studio.  Featuring expertly-trained Mandarin-speaking tour guides both opportunities 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 continue their Lunar New Year celebration at Universal CityWalk where a stores offer special apparel and souveniers, plus a variety of Asian-inspired dishes at the following:

Dongpo Kitchen restaurant features 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.

The ever-popular Voodoo Doughnut is also celebrating Lunar New Year with a specially-created “Year of the Pig” doughnut.

Universal CityWalk’s newest restaurant, Vivo Italian Kitchen, serving freshly prepared authentic Italian fare in a newly designed modern setting, also invites guests to toast the “Year of the Pig” offering its haute cuisine menu in several languages, including Mandarin.

Universal Studios Hollywood is offering an all-new 2019 Season Pass for $149 when purchased online.  Guests may experience the fun all year long. Details and restrictions available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com