Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Character Dining

Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Character Dining

Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Character Dining

This article is your complete guide to the Universal Orlando character dining options and if they are worth it! From our experience, Universal Orlando does not have as many character dining experiences as Walt Disney World, however, the ones that they do have are extremely popular. One of the main reasons is these will include the Universal Orlando Marvel character dining experience, the breakfast with the Grinch, and in years past there was even a Minions Universal Orlando character dining experience. So, if you want to learn more about Universal character dining, keep reading!

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando be sure to check out our Universal Crowd Calendar!

 Universal Crowd Calendar

What is Universal Orlando Character Dining?

We’ll start this guide with the most popular question we receive on this topic which is, what is Universal Orlando character dining? The Universal Studios character dining experiences allow guests the ability to meet their favorite Universal Orlando characters plus the ability to enjoy a delicious meal. The Universal Studios character dining experiences start around $42.00 for adults $27.00 for children for breakfast with the Grinch, and  $52.99 for adults, and $29.99 for kids during lunch and dinner with your favorite Marvel characters. We will say that one of the benefits of a Universal Orlando character dining experience compared to Walt Disney World is they do comes with a digital download of a photo with a character.

It’s also very important to note that theme park admission is needed to experience any character dining reservation that is in the theme parks.

What are the Universal Orlando Character Dining Experiences?

• Marvel Character Dinner
• The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast

When will Universal Studios bring back the Minions character dining experience?

Unfortunately, there has been no official word as to when the Minions character dining at Universal Studios experience will be back at the parks. However, we do believe that with the expansion of the new minions land at Universal Studios Florida this experience could come back in the future. Any guests who do have their heart set on meeting their favorite minion characters can meet them at the exit of Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

Related Page: Save up to $70 per Universal Orlando Ticket 

What is the Marvel Character Dining Experience at Universal?

Guests can experience their favorite Marvel characters at Cafe 4 located in Marvel Super Hero Islands in Islands of Adventure Park. This experience includes some of the very popular Marvel characters which include Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, and Rogue. This is an extremely popular experience in the parks and we always recommend that our clients make their dining reservations as soon as the booking window opens up by calling 407-224-3663. Anyone who books their discount Universal Orlando vacation package through The Park Prodigy can also ask their vacation planner for help making these reservations for them.

What does the Marvel character dining experience include?

• Buffet dinner at Cafe 4
• One (1) non-alcoholic beverage
• Opportunity to meet your favorite Marvel characters
• One (1) digital download of a photo with a character

How much does the Marvel character dining experience cost?

• Adult: $52.99 + tax per adult (Ages 10+)
• Child: $29.99 + tax per child (Ages 3-9)

Related Page: Discount Universal Orlando Vacation Package Deals 

What is the Grinch Character Breakfast at Universal Orlando?

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast is a limited-time Universal character dining experience that usually takes place during Grinchmas at Universal which is in the middle of November through December. Hosted at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous, this breakfast experience includes a buffet and a chance to meet the Grinch himself! And in our opinion, this is one of the best character meet and greets in both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. For that reason, the Grinch breakfast typically will sell out within a few days of reservations becoming available so we highly recommend making your reservations as early as possible.

What does the Grinch character breakfast at Universal include?

• Buffet breakfast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendulous
• One (1) non-alcoholic beverage
• Opportunity to meet the Grinch and Friends
• One (1) digital download of a photo with a character

What time can you book the character breakfast with the Grinch reservations?

• 9:00 AM
• 9:30 AM
• 10:00 AM
• 10:30 AM
• 11:00 AM

How much does the Grinch character dining experience cost?

• Adult: $41.99 + tax per adult (Ages 10+)
• Child: $26.99 + tax per child (Ages 3-9)

Related Page: Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort 

Is the Universal Orlando Character Dining Experience worth it?

Yes, we think the value is definitely worth what you get! And we would say on average most quick service meals at Universal Orlando are going to cost around $14.00-$15.00 per person plus a drink for around $4.00. Then it’s also important to note that one digital Universal photo download typically costs $26.00. So on average, one person can expect to spend around $45.00 if they purchased everything that is included in the Universal Orlando character dining experiences separately. So for this reason we do believe that both character dining experiences at Universal Orlando are priced fairly and do provide a good value.

This is especially true with both character’s experiences being buffets at this point.  We will say that from our experience we have not been blown away by the food, however for the most part it’s quick-service theme park food and we are paying for the experience.

Related Page: Is the Universal Express Pass Worth it? 

What Are The Best Tips and Tricks For Booking a Universal Character Dining Experience?

In our experience helping our clients book their Universal Orlando character dining experiences, we find that booking them as soon as the booking window opens up is without a doubt the most important. This is especially true for the breakfast with the Grinch which usually sells out way before the holiday season at Universal Orlando which typically begins the second week of November. We also highly recommend taking advantage of the digital download with a character that is included in your character dining experience.

Best tips and tricks for Universal character dining

• Book Early: These experiences are popular and can sell out quickly.
• Arrive Early: Get there at least 15 minutes before your reservation.
• Camera Ready: Have your camera or smartphone ready for those magical moments. (Especially with the Grinch)
• Allergies: If you have dietary restrictions, inform the staff in advance.
• Enjoy the Moment: Don’t rush through the meal; savor the experience.

Related Page: The Best Universal Orlando Tips and Tricks 

Character Dining Universal Orlando FAQ

When will Universal bring back character dining?

Universal Orlando has brought back two of the four previous character dining experiences which are the Marvel Character Dinner and The Grinch & Friends character breakfast. We are still waiting to hear if Universal plans to bring back the very popular Minions character dining experience located at Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Is the Marvel character dinner worth it?

When you break down the average cost of a quick service meal and drink which comes to $19.00 and the cost of a digital download of $26.00 we do believe the cost of the Marvel character experience is worth it at $52.99. The main reason is you get a buffet meal and also get to meet your favorite Marvel characters for a few bucks more.

Does Universal Orlando have character breakfast?

The only Universal Orlando character breakfast at this point is the Grinch and Friends character dining experience.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!