It’s that time of year again!  Universal Studios Hollywood brings the Lunar New Year to life inside the Universal Plaza. In the new central hub for the park, guests can walk under a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns to an impressive plum blossom arch center piece. The polygon-shaped piazza also has banners featuring each of the Chinese Zodiac signs on display.  To top everything off there will be Shenzhen performances, Asian-inspired food, thematic décor and a special Mandarin-speaking MEGATRON character from the park’s popular thrill ride, “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D.”

Entering the plaza we see the impressive archway sitting center stage.

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Around the plaza guests are invited to write a wish on a note card and hang it on any one of the trees nearby.

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Around the inner perimeter are the banners depicting the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac.

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In honor of the celebration, Curious George is all dolled up in festive attire to meet guests and take photos in front of a traditional Chinese gong.  HE IS SO CUTE!

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Mandarin-speaking MEGATRON who will engage guests in conversation characteristic of his DECEPTICON TRANSFORMER’s persona.

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There is a food truck in the plaza as well that features Asian-inspired bites including a collection of hot dogs that have to be tasted to be believed.

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Let’s not forget the gigantic lunar new year doughnut!

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The special Lunar New Year celebration begins on Saturday, January 30 and continues through Sunday, February 14, 2016.

For more from Universal Studios Hollywood, including a full construction and Harry Potter update, please check out the article I ran on Friday: Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World Nearly Ready for Magic

Norman Gidney
Norman Gidney, also known as Fishbulb, has produced and edited many of the articles on MiceChat over the years.