While Universal Plaza is Home once again to Lunar New Years, the footprint has widened a bit with more character meet and greets outside the perimeter and a bit more in the way of decor.

Another facet to the event that made it feel broader was the merchandise offerings. While there is a kiosk in Universal Plaza with a variety of items for sale, the stores also have displays at the entryways.

In terms of food, we had the opportunity to try a few treats. All were tasty, with the noodles and egg rolls at Mr. Ping's and the doughnut from Voodoo Doughnuts being the highlights.

Speaking of Mr. Ping, the meet and greet has returned and is just as fun as last year. The amiable character is filled with wit and charm and is housed in a perfectly aged noodle shop.

The meet and greet that seems to most closely rival Mr. Ping for laughs is just outside the Universal Plaza entryway, where Megatron once again dominates the crowds in Mandarin.

Beyond the entertainment provided by the characters, a number of shows return. Over at Feng the Palace Artist's Stand, guests are guided through art lessons by a "martial artist" who will show you how to create your own Kung Fu Panda, Mr. Ping or any number of other characters. At the heart of the plaza is the Jade Palace Theater, where Kung Fu Academy gets kids out of their seats and interacting. There's also storytelling time and, new for 2019, cultural performances have been added. Select dates and performers are as follows:
· February 9-10 – Hangzhou Performance Groups
· February 16-17 – Southern Wind Lion Dance
· February 18 – Wong Tai Sen Lion Dance

Besides an overall great time at the event, our biggest takeaway is an overall joy that USH is really embracing the event. While many parks have taken to celebrating a variety of seasons with festivals, it hasn't been the norm at this park. It feels like the tide is changing as they've invested in Lunar New Years and have brought it to a place where it is a legitimate contender and in many ways has surpassed Disneyland in this particular event. Simply, there's just more to do at USH when it comes to Lunar New Years.

Alright, that's a wrap for this visit. Please subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcast/Stitcher & follow along on social media if interested in the latest from the parks.

We discuss this event on the podcast, ​Episode 371 - Running Universal Preview, Disney Lunar New Year, Pasadena Comic Con, & Cal Comic Con 2019.

Registration for the run is ongoing and may be done at https://www.runninguniversal.com/minion-5k-registration, for the very reasonable amount of $75.  The $75 registration fee includes:

•  Collectible Minion 5K Finisher Medal
•  Minion 5K Bib with timing chip
•  Running Universal 5K T-shirt
•  Collectible Minion Pin
•  Post-race beverages and refreshments
•  Custom digital finisher certificate
•  Complimentary General Parking
  

There is also a VIP Package, Play All Day Package, and Fan Package available.

​​Additional information about the run may be found in the press release, here.

The 3.1 mile course begins at the main entrance, winds through the park, and culminates in CityWalk, with a party and reception.  The map if the course is:

Once the Minions left, to cause mischief, elsewhere, we made a quick run into the park.

With the latest installment of How to Train Your Dragon set to be released February 22, 2019, USH has brought the merchandise to the forefront.  We were pleasantly surprised to see the Playmobil sets.

Preparations to celebrate the Year of the Pig during Lunar New Year, February 2 – 18, are underway.

Characters were out and about on a very mild crowd day.  The combination of low crowds and amazing weather made for a great USH visit!

As usual, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter merchandise is quite impressive.

Hogsmeade looked particularly dapper in the winter sunlight.

No USH Park Hop is complete without a Springfield visit.

Down in the lower lot, construction continues on the much anticipated "Jurassic World Ride."

There are lots of exciting things going on at USH and we enjoyed our visit!