Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Characters

Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Characters

Universal-Studios-Characters

Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Characters

This article is your complete guide to the Universal Studios characters. Are you traveling to Universal Orlando Resort and want to have the perfect photo op with a character? We’ve been going to Universal Orlando for over 20 years and love meeting the Universal characters for extra epic moments. That’s why we’ve made this full-out guide on all the details there are about how to meet Universal characters around the parks. So if you’re ready to meet some Universal characters, read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation be sure to check out our Universal Crowd calendar!

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

Universal Orlando Characters

Grinchmas Universal Studios

While visiting Universal, you can have the opportunity to randomly run into Universal Studios characters, plan out the perfect photo, or even have a meal with the Minions from Despicable Me. We love that Universal has a way of making you feel like you’re inside of a movie set, sometimes having characters randomly roaming the streets! Character appearances during the holidays are some of the best from all theme parks in Orlando, and we can’t wait each year until they roll around to meet our favorite like The Grinch. No matter when you visit Universal Orlando, you are bound to have a trip full of amazing Universal character experiences.

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

What Characters Can I Meet at Universal Orlando?

Universal Studios Florida

  • DreamWorks Trolls
  • Minions
  • The Simpsons
  • Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob
  • Knight Bus Conductor
  • Transformers (Optimus Prime, Bumbleblee and Megatron)
  • SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Squidward
  • Scooby Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Fred, Daphne
  • Doc Brown
  • Shrek, Donkey, Fiona
  • HashTag the Panda
  • Marilyn Monroe
  • Blue the Velociraptor
  • Beetlejuice
  • Hello Kitty
  • Revenge of the Mummy Characters
  • Dora, Boots, Diego
  • Penguins from Madagascar
  • Kung Fu Panda
  • Puss in Boots
  • King Julien

Universal Islands of Adventure

  • Marvel Characters – Wolverine, Cyclops, Spider-Man, Storm, Rogue, Captain America, Green Goblin, Dr. Doom
  • Triwizard Spirit Rally characters – Durmstrang and Beauxbatons
  • Jurassic World’s Velociraptor Blue
  • Madagascar Characters – King Julien, Alex the Lion
  • Betty Boop
  • Popeye and Olive Oyl
  • Dr. Seuss Characters – Thing 1 and Thing 2, Cat in the Hat, Sam I Am, The Grinch

Related post: What to Bring to Universal Studios Orlando : Ultimate Packing Guide

Where Can I Find Universal Studios Florida Characters?

squidward-and-patrick-universal-characters

Universal Studios Florida Character Meet and Greets:

  1. DreamWorks Characters:
    • Locations: Random spots throughout the park (DreamWorks Destination and KidZone closed)
    • Characters include: Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, Penguins, Puss in Boots, King Julien
    • Note: A new themed land might be under development for these characters.
  2. Despicable Me Characters:
    • Location: Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem ride exit and Universal Super Star Parade
    • Characters include: Minions, Gru, and the girls
  3. Simpsons Characters:
    • Locations: Springfield, U.S.A., and Hollywood Boulevard near Mel’s Drive-In
    • Characters include: Various Simpsons characters
  4. Harry Potter Universal Studios Characters:
    • Location: Around Diagon Alley
    • Characters include: Knight Bus conductor, Gringotts goblins (inside ride queue)
  5. Transformers Universal Studios Characters:
    • Location: Production Central in Universal Studios Florida (exit of the Transformers ride)
    • Characters include: Bumble Bee, Optimus Prime, Megatron
  6. SpongeBob SquarePants Characters:
    • Location: SpongeBob SquarePants gift shop near the E.T. Adventure ride, Universal Superstar parade
    • Characters include: SpongeBob and friends
  7. Hollywood Blvd Universal Character Meet and Greets:
    • Location: Hollywood Blvd
    • Characters include: Scooby Doo characters with the Mystery Machine, Marilyn Monroe, Beetlejuice, Hello Kitty (near the store), Doc Brown, and some Simpsons characters
  8. Shrek Universal Studios Characters:
    • Note: Currently on hold due to the closure of Shrek 4D and the KidZone; a new area is under development.
  9. Revenge of the Mummy Characters:
    • Location: Streets of New York outside the Revenge of the Mummy ride
    • Characters include: Mummy guards on stilts

Related Article: Complete Guide to Harry Potter Robes at Universal Orlando

Where can I find Universal Characters at Islands of Adventure?

universal-studios-characters

Character Meet and Greets at Islands of Adventure:

  1. Marvel Characters at Universal Studios:
    • Location: Marvel SuperHero Island
    • Activities: Characters roam near attractions or pose on a Super Hero stage for socially distanced photos.
  2. Harry Potter Universal Characters:
    • Location: Outside Hogwarts castle on the performance stage
    • Activities: Triwizard Spirit Rally show followed by photo opportunities with students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons.
  3. Jurassic Park Universal Characters:
    • Location: Raptor Encounter in the middle of the Jurassic Park section
    • Activities: Interactive experience with Blue from Jurassic World. Beware of fingers and toes!
  4. Madagascar Universal Orlando Characters:
    • Locations: The Lost Continent and Port of Entry at Islands of Adventure
    • Activities: Dance with the crazy animals from Madagascar, including King Julien. Follow the music to find them!
  5. Toon Lagoon Universal Studios Characters:
    • Location: Section next to Marvel Super Hero Island
    • Activities: Meet classic characters like Betty Boop (near her store) and Popeye in Toon Lagoon, often found near the ice cream shop.
  6. Dr. Seuss Characters:
    • Location: Seuss Landing
    • Activities: Attend performances of Dr. Seuss book readings, then interact and take photos with characters such as The Grinch, Sam I Am, The Lorax, The Cat in the Hat, and others.

What Superheroes are at Universal Studios?

Another one of the most popular questions we receive is, which superheroes are at Universal Studios? And as a general rule of thumb, the superheroes at Universal Studios are located in Islands of Adventure Superhero island. Guests can meet Spider-man and other Marvel Super Hero’s including Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Rogue, Captain America, Green Goblin, and Dr. Doom. In fact it’s the only place where guests can meet these Marvel characters on the east coast even though many of the intellectual property is owned by the Walt Disney Company.

What Marvel characters are at Universal Studios?

As discussed above, although Universal does not own the intellectual property for any of the Marvel characters guests can meet Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Rogue, Captain America, Green Goblin, and Dr. Doom in islands of Adventure park. We would also reccommend that guests be sure to take a look at the newest ride Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic rewind  at Disney World’s EPCOT as we believe that to be the best Marvel ride in all of Orlando and guests will be delighted to see some of their favorite marvel characters in the pre-show.

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Coke Freestyle Cups

Is there Universal Orlando Character Dining?

Universal Orlando onsite hotels

Are there Universal character dining experiences? Yes! Universal has its own set of unique character dining experiences that families are sure to love. Universal character meals happen at the Universal resorts and even inside of the theme parks! Some Universal character dining experiences are seasonal, like the Halloween Horror Nights Scareactor Dining Experience and the Grinchmas – The Grinch and Friends character breakfast. Other character dining in Universal Studios Orlando are offered year round except for as of late, where character dining is temporarily closed.

All Universal Studios Character Dining 2024

  • Despicable Me Character Breakfast at Royal Pacific Resort
  • Marvel Character Dining at Cafe 4 in Islands of Adventure
  • Halloween Horror Nights Scareactor Dining Experience – Seasonal
  • Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast – Seasonal

Characters are also known to make appearances at the Universal Orlando Resort Premier Hotels on select nights. The Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific, The Kitchen at the Hard Rock Hotel and Trattoria del Porto at Loews Portofino Bay have seen characters throughout the years. As always though, characters are never guaranteed and can change at any time.

Is there Marvel Character dining at Universal Orlando?

Yes, there is Marvel Character dining at Universal Orlando. Guests looking to have a dinner with Marvel characters at Universal can purchase their spot at the Cafe 4 in Islands of Adventure. You’re dining at Cafe 4 when in walk Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm and Rogue. This is no ordinary dinner. This is an experience that no true believer can miss.

  • Buffet dinner at Cafe 4
  • One (1) non-alcoholic beverage
  • One (1) digital download of a photo with a character

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

Reservations are required and must be made up to 24 hours before arriving by calling 407-224-3663 or booking online.

Related post: The Cheapest Time to Visit Universal Orlando

Universal Studios Orlando Character Meet and Greet Times

Grinchmas Who Liday Spectacular

While this may be difficult for those who like to plan every moment in the parks, Universal Character times can be sporadic and random! Universal Orlando Character appearances are always subject to change, but mostly, happen while just walking around the parks. When you first arrive at Universal Orlando Resort, grab a map guide to whatever park you’re heading in.

There might be some Universal Studios characters listed in the guide for you to plan out before you enter. Most like though, you are going to spot these characters walking about at random times throughout the day. Don’t be surprised if Doc Brown storms past you while you’re on the way into Springfield U.S.A. Of course, if you are ever concerned about Universal character appearances, don’t be afraid to ask a Universal team member for assistance.

Universal Studios Character wait times

Most Universal character wait times do not go longer than 15 minutes in line. Remember, many of these characters are walking about, so there might not be one dedicated spot to meet the character. Be ready for a quick selfie or high five while passing through lands. The longest wait time we have seen is for Blue from Jurassic World since it is it’s own attraction.

Related post: Complete Guide on Celebrating a Universal Studios Orlando Birthday

What Girl Characters are at Universal?

universal-orlando-girl-characters

With Universal being known for Marvel and Harry Potter we wanted to make sure we covered all of the girl characters that can be found at both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

Universal Orlando has remember to include all of our favorite female heroes in Marvel Super Hero Island, as well as the classics like Marilyn Monroe.

What girl characters are at Universal Orlando?

  • Princess Poppy
  • Velma Dinkley
  • Daphne Blake
  • Storm
  • Rogue
  • Princess Fiona
  • Marge Simpson
  • Lisa Simpson
  • Marilyn Monroe
  • Hello Kitty
  • Betty Boop

Related Page: The Best Harry Potter Rides 

Universal Studios Characters FAQ

f-a-q

Q: Is there characters at Universal Studios?

A: Yes, there are plenty of Universal Studios characters that guests can meet during their trip! Between the two theme parks, guests can meet characters from franchises like Marvel, Jurassic World, DreamWorks, SpongeBob and so much more!

Q: What Marvel characters can you meet at Universal Studios?

A: If you’re looking to meet Marvel characters at Universal Orlando, do not worry because there are a lot of them! Guests can meet Marvel characters like Storm, Captain America, Cyclops, Spider-Man, Green Goblin, Wolverine and more. Make sure to take a walk around Marvel Super Hero Island to find all of the incredible character meet and greets!

Q: Can you hug characters at Universal?

Character interactions including hugging characters at Universal Orlando are back in the theme parks. As of the fall of 2023 kids and kids-at-heart can interact with their favorite Universal Orlando characters once again.

Q: Where is Scooby Doo in Universal?

The Scooby-Doo character meet and greet at Universal Orlando is located in Universal Studios Florida theme park. These fan favorites are typically found in the Hollywood land of the theme park.

Q: Is Spongebob at Universal Studios?

A: Yes, Spongebob Squarepants is at Universal Studios! Meet Spongebob Squarepants at Universal Studios Florida’s Spongebob StorePants near E.T. Adventure! Get a chance to take photos with Spongebob, Patrick, and Squidward and enjoy brief interactions with these beloved characters. Don’t miss the Spongebob Squarepants character meet and greet, a must-visit attraction for all fans of the show!

Q: How many Universal characters are there?

A: Guests will find over 65 different character meet and greets at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. As you can see you’ll need a full game plan to visit all of the characters at Universal within your trip and that’s why we put together the following guide on where to find the characters.

Q: Can you meet Minions at Universal?

A: Another very popular question we receive on this topic is, can you meet Minions at Universal Studios Florida?  And the Minions are typically located near the exist of their 4D ride in Universal Studios Florida. It’s important to note that guests can still meet their favorite Despicable Me characters even if they don’t go on the ride.

With that being said, Universal is building a brand new Minion section, expanding where the current side is and taking over where Shrek 4D used to be. That will be turned into llumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast where we assume there will be more Universal Studios characters.

Q: What cartoon characters are at Universal Studios?

A: There are various cartoon character meet and greets at Universal Studios. Guests will be delighted to meet the following character characters at Universal:
DreamWorks Trolls
Minions
The Simpsons
Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob
SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Squidward
Scooby Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Fred, Daphne
Shrek, Donkey, Fiona
Dora, Boots, Diego
Penguins from Madagascar
Kung Fu Panda
Puss in Boots
King Julien

Q: Is Batman at Universal Studios?

A: No, Universal Studios does not feature Batman characters. However, Universal owns the rights to certain Marvel characters, which is why you can meet Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine, and others at Super Hero Marvel Island. Come and enjoy a thrilling adventure with your favorite Marvel superheroes at Universal Studios!”

Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

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Make sure to check out our friends at Theme Park Today for great tips on how to have the best Universal vacation!