Universal Studios Hollywood kicked off their Lunar New Year celebrations, ushering in The Year of The Pig with parkwide festivities and a central celebration in the centrally located Universal Plaza. New to this year’s festivities is the addition of Hello Kitty in traditional Chinese garb.

Entering the park we are greeted by a stunning arch of crimson lanterns that indicate the special occasion.

We make our way down the entry corridor of the park and notice little touches throughout.

At the entrance to Universal Plaza, Mandarin-speaking Megatron stands, greeting visitors. Now, he is scary looking and even scary sounding but trust us. He is there to wish everyone a happy lunar new year and to pose and take pics. Taking over the world will happen later.

We enter the plaza and a riot of pink cherry blossoms sit center stage. It is here that guests can make their New Year’s wishes for good luck all year long.

You can also find the sign that corresponds with your year to see which sign you are on the Chinese Zodiac

Returning is another crowd favorite, Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop, where guests can enjoy some pretty tasty noodles and actually meet Mr. Ping himself.

Off to the left we have the Palace Artist’s Stand. It is here that guests can sit and learn how to draw their favorite characters from Kung-Fu Panda.

The main centerpiece of the area is the stage. Here the interactive Kung Fu Academy trains up and coming dragon warriors. When the academy isn’t in session, however, there are plenty of other wonderful cultural performances throughout the day.

Of course last, but not least, there is a cart full of commemorative merchandise to celebrate 2019, The Year of the Pig.

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.

CityWalk

Guests can continue their Lunar New Year celebration at Universal CityWalk where a variety of Asian-inspired foods will be served.

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.

The Lunar New Year celebrations at Universal Studios Hollywood are going on now through Monday, February 18, 2019.

With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the all-new 2019 Season Pass invites guests to experience the fun all year long for $149 when purchased online. Details and restrictions available atwww.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com