February 5, 2015 – Following its successful debut last year, Universal’s Lunar New Year celebration will return for a limited engagement from February 13 to February 28.
Running just over two weeks and included in the price of admission, Universal Plaza will be redecorated to celebrate the year of the ram, along with the other animals that make up the zodiac calendar. In addition to the decorations, Universal’s classic characters will be decked out in traditional Chinese attire. However, the main draw of this event is Mandarin-speaking Megatron who proved to be a major hit last year.
Late last year, a selfie video was posted on YouTube of Megatron poking fun at the guest recording a video. It quickly went viral, quickly accumulating millions of views. Since then, Megatron has since become a victim of his own success, inspiring other guests to attempt to provoke him in a similar manner. Whether the Mandarin-speaking Megatron will be as easily aggravated remains to be seen.
We’ve included photos of last year’s event below, followed by Universal’s official press release.
Universal City, CA, February 4, 2015 — Universal Studios Hollywood continues its annual Lunar New Year tradition with a celebratory “Year of the Ram” event featuring a special Mandarin-speaking MEGATRON character from its blockbuster thrill ride, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” taking place from Friday, February 13 through Saturday, February 28, 2015.
The celebration comes to life within Universal Plaza – a new Art Deco-inspired grand courtyard situated at the heart of the theme park – where guests will be ushered in to celebrate the “Year of the Ram” under a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns and a stunning all-new Plum Blossom Arch. The polygon-shaped piazza will also display a dozen lampposts each featuring the twelve zodiac animal signs along with three symbolic attributes.
A highlight of the Lunar New Year program will be the Mandarin-speaking MEGATRON, who will engage guests in conversation that is characteristic of his DECEPTICON TRANSFORMER’s persona. MEGATRON – an ominous 12-foot-tall figure – is one of the stars of Universal Studios Hollywood’s award-winning thrill ride, “Transformers: The Ride-3D” which immerses guests in the 3D-HD action-packed robotic world of the TRANSFORMERS. In-park signage will notate times for the daily MEGATRON meet and greet.
Favorite Universal characters, including Curious George and Woody and Winnie Woodpecker, will join the celebration dressed in traditional Chinese attire to meet guests and take memorable photos in front of a customary Chinese gong. Asian-inspired treats along with traditional music, resonating throughout the Plaza, will help in commemorating the festive Lunar New Year.
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 guides provide insight on the world of movie-making magic as guests enjoy a front row seat and behind-the-scenes access to one of the largest film studios in the world. The theme park also features Mandarin-speaking associates within select theme park’s retail stores and provides in-language park maps.
Lunar New Year is included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Chris Glass is an editor for Inside Universal.
Chris is a Los Angeles native who grew up visiting the best theme parks in the world, but that wasn’t enough. Whenever he has the chance, he flees the comfort of Southern California to see what the rest of the world has to offer, and is always happy to return home.
You may contact Chris at chrisglass@insideuniversal.net.
