5 ways Universal Studios is celebrating Lunar New Year with Kung Fu Panda

Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating Lunar New Year by recruiting characters from some of your favorite movies like Kung Fu Panda, Despicable Me, and Transformers.

Lunar New Year celebrations have returned to Universal Studios Hollywood. It’s the year of the pig, and Universal Plaza is decked-out with traditional red lanterns, cherry blossoms, flags that educate guests about the character traits associated with the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. Fan-favorite characters from popular movies like Kung Fu Panda, Transformers, and Despicable Me have been tasked with leading the celebration with special activities, shows, character meet and greets, and delicious treats.

5 ways to celebrate Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood

5 – Travel to the Spirit Realm in the DreamWorks Theatre

What better way to immerse yourself in the world of Kung Fu Panda than by adventuring with Po, Feng and Mr. Ping on an epic boat ride that takes you through the Spirit Realm to deliver a “liquid of ultimate power” to the emperor? The attraction is a 4-D movie, multi-sensory experience that’s not to be missed, especially during Universal Studios Hollywood’s Lunar New Year.

4 – Draw at Feng The Palace artist’s stand

One of the most interactive stations for Lunar New Year is the artist’s stand classroom. Throughout the day, you can learn to draw a handful of characters from Kung Fu Panda.

You do not need to have any drawing experience to participate, and the supplies are provided. We do recommend, however, that you arrive 5-10 minutes before the class starts so that you’re guaranteed a seat and a binder.

3 – Visit Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop

Universal Studios has recreated Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop again this year, and fans can try a variety of delicious treats like noodles (of course), bao, egg rolls, and pot stickers.

The best part though is that you can chat with Mr. Ping himself about what you tried — and he may just give you a hint as to what his secret ingredient could be…

2 – Meet & Greet with fan-favorite characters

Not only are photo ops available with Tigress, Po and Mr. Ping from Kung Fu Panda, but guests can also meet a few minions from Despicable Me, and mandarin-speaking Megatron from Transformers. Characters appeared frequently throughout the day, and the wait to meet them during Lunar New Year was never more than 5-10 minutes.

1 – Train with Po to be at the Kung Fu Academy

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The main stage in Universal Studios Hollywood’s plaza is where a lot of the celebratory action happens. Along with an interactive show that retells the origin story of Lunar New Year, grand master Po takes the stage to offer a training academy in kung fu.

Even if you’re not participating in the academy itself, the story and kung fu class is entertaining to watch and can be seen from throughout the plaza area.

Get ready to hone your new kung fu skills and celebrate the year of the pig with some of your favorite movie characters. Lunar New Year runs at Universal Studios Hollywood now through February 18, and all of the activities are included in the price of your admission to the park.