Lunar New Year festivities return to Universal Studios Hollywood (USH) from now until February 18th, as the park celebrates the year of the pig. We had the opportunity to check out done of the offerings at a recent media day. From character interactions to treats to shows, this year the event is the largest the USH has offered.
While Universal Plaza is Home once again to Lunar New Years, the footprint has widened a bit with more character meet and greets outside the perimeter and a bit more in the way of decor.
Another facet to the event that made it feel broader was the merchandise offerings. While there is a kiosk in Universal Plaza with a variety of items for sale, the stores also have displays at the entryways.
In terms of food, we had the opportunity to try a few treats. All were tasty, with the noodles and egg rolls at Mr. Ping's and the doughnut from Voodoo Doughnuts being the highlights.
Speaking of Mr. Ping, the meet and greet has returned and is just as fun as last year. The amiable character is filled with wit and charm and is housed in a perfectly aged noodle shop.
The meet and greet that seems to most closely rival Mr. Ping for laughs is just outside the Universal Plaza entryway, where Megatron once again dominates the crowds in Mandarin.
Beyond the entertainment provided by the characters, a number of shows return. Over at Feng the Palace Artist's Stand, guests are guided through art lessons by a "martial artist" who will show you how to create your own Kung Fu Panda, Mr. Ping or any number of other characters. At the heart of the plaza is the Jade Palace Theater, where Kung Fu Academy gets kids out of their seats and interacting. There's also storytelling time and, new for 2019, cultural performances have been added. Select dates and performers are as follows:
· February 9-10 – Hangzhou Performance Groups
· February 16-17 – Southern Wind Lion Dance
· February 18 – Wong Tai Sen Lion Dance
· February 9-10 – Hangzhou Performance Groups
· February 16-17 – Southern Wind Lion Dance
· February 18 – Wong Tai Sen Lion Dance
Besides an overall great time at the event, our biggest takeaway is an overall joy that USH is really embracing the event. While many parks have taken to celebrating a variety of seasons with festivals, it hasn't been the norm at this park. It feels like the tide is changing as they've invested in Lunar New Years and have brought it to a place where it is a legitimate contender and in many ways has surpassed Disneyland in this particular event. Simply, there's just more to do at USH when it comes to Lunar New Years.
Alright, that's a wrap for this visit. Please subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcast/Stitcher & follow along on social media if interested in the latest from the parks.