Since Universal started celebrating the Lunar New Year, one of the biggest crowd favorites has always been Mandarin speaking Megatron – for both tourists and locals alike. The iconic villain issues subtle insults and warnings to guests who dare get in his way in Mandarin and it’s surprisingly entertaining.
This year; Megatron, Curious George and Woody the Woodpecker have new counterparts to join them for this year’s ‘Year of the Rooster’ celebration. From Dreamworks’ Animation’s acclaimed hit film ‘Kung Fu Panda’, Po and Tigress will join the party and meet with guests in Universal Plaza!
A highlight of the time-honored tradition will mark the return of the Mandarin-speaking MEGATRON who will engage guests in conversation characteristic of his persona as the leader of the DECEPTICON. MEGATRON – an ominous 12-foot-tall sentient robot – is one of the stars of Universal Studios’ award-winning thrill ride, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D.” Also joining the festivities will be theme park characters, Curious George and Woody Woodpecker, who will don festive Chinese attire.
Lunar New Year comes to life within Universal Plaza, situated at the heart of the theme park where guests will be ushered into the polygon-shaped piazza, under a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns and a stunning plum blossom arch. 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.”
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 to specialty beverage shakes such as dragon well green tea and roasted oolong milk tea.
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