One of the undisputed best parts of a Universal Orlando Resort vacation is never knowing who you might run into while roaming the streets. Yeah, we’re talking characters. Just think about how great your Instagram will look with all of these famous faces!
Discover the comprehensive guide to character meet-and-greets at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure below, plus some bonus character dining opportunities!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click the following links to head straight to the section of your choice!
- Characters at Universal Studios Florida
- Characters at Islands of Adventure
- Character Dining Opportunities
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UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA
Minions
The most mischievous guests you’ll find in Universal Studios Florida come to us straight from Illumination’s blockbuster Despicable Me franchise.
Pro tip: Minions love dance parties as much as they love mayhem!
Location: The exit of Despicable Me Minion Mayhem inside the Super Silly Stuff store
Welcome to Despicable Me Family!
Don’t miss out! Gru and his adorable three girls –Margo, Edith and Agnes—are here to join you for the most despicably delightful photo of your visit.
Location: Superstar Parade
Meet Vector
Gru’s archnemesis Vector wants to meet you (well, that and take his place as the world’s greatest super-villain…)
Location: Superstar Parade
The Simpson Family: Homer, Bart, Marge, Lisa and Maggie
We KNOW you’re ready for a run-in with America’s favorite family from the longest-running primetime scripted show in television history.
Location: Springfield, U.S.A. near The Simpsons Ride
Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob
Meet the mischievious clown and his sidekick… straight from The Simpsons television show, one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world.
Location: Springfield, U.S.A. near The Simpsons Ride
Knight Bus Conductor
Next to the Knight Bus, which stranded witches and wizards use for emergency transport, you can chat with the bus conductor and the talkative shrunken head hanging over the steering wheel.
Location: Next to the Knight Bus in London near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter –Diagon Alley
Gringotts Goblin
Before trading in your cash for Gringotts bank notes, ask him a question and see what he has to say.
Location: Diagon Alley inside Gringotts Money Exchange
Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatron
One at a time, these stars of the Transformers movies will come out and actually talk to you.
Location: Production Central near the exit of TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D
Hashtag the Panda
Jimmy Fallon’s pal is here and ready to mingle.
Location: Inside Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, and Squidward Tentacles
They live under the sea, but they’re here to celebrate with you.
Location: SpongeBob StorePants in Woody Woodpecker’s Kid Zone; Superstar Parade
Shaggy, Scooby-Doo, and the Gang
Come find this crew whenever you need a mystery solved or a bad guy unmasked.
Location: Hollywood Blvd. near Brown Derby Hat Shop
Doc Brown
It’s time to go Back to the Future with this eccentric inventor.
Location: The entrance of Springfield, U.S.A. near the DeLorean, and Hollywood Blvd.
Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey
SomeBODY once told me this was the best place to say hi to Duloc’s finest.
Location: Production Central near Shrek 4-D
Lucille Ball
Tell Lucy just how much you love her.
Location: Hollywood Blvd.
Marilyn
Snap a photo with this starlet in her iconic white dress.
Location: Hollywood Blvd.; New York after the Marilyn and Diamond Bellas show
Beetlejuice
You don’t have to say his name three times, this guy just loves hanging out here anyway.
Location: Hollywood Blvd. near Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show
Hello Kitty
You can never have too many friends! And she cant wait to meet all of you!
Location: Hollywood Blvd. near Hello Kitty Store
Mummy Guards
These tall performers serve up serious looks all day long.
Location: New York near Revenge of the Mummy
Penguins of Madagascar
These schemers are ready for their close up.
Location: Hollywood Blvd. near Garden of Allah
Dora, Diego, Boots, and Baby Jaguar
This crew from the popular kids’ show Dora the Explorer is always up for adventure.
Location: Superstar Parade
Barney and Friends
Come meet and sing-along with your favorite purple dinosaur.
Location: Woody Woodpecker’s Kid Zone near A Day in the Park with Barney
Cabby
There to welcome you into the park, this guy also takes photos in front of his bright yellow taxi.
Location: Universal Studios Florida entrance
Bonus: Universal’s Superstar Parade
One of the easiest ways to catch a ton of Universal characters is at Universal Studios Florida’s Superstar Parade. Every day, the streets of the park are transformed into a giant stage for interactive experiences with all of your favorites: SpongeBob SquarePants, Max and Duke from The Secret Life of Pets, Gru and the Minions, Dora and Diego, and more! Check your park map for times.
ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
Hogwarts Express Conductor
The amiable conductor of Hogwarts’ famous train is here to greet you.
Location: Next to the Hogwarts Express right inside the entrance to Hogsmeade
Students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang
The Triwizard Spirit Rally gives you a chance to meet these visitors from other wizarding schools.
Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade near Flight of the Hippogriff
Marvel Super Heroes: Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, and Rogue
Who doesn’t want to hang out with these heroes?
Location: Marvel Super Hero Island
Marvel Super Villains: Green Goblin, Dr. Doom
When the heroes are away, the villains come out to play.
Location: Marvel Super Hero Island
Jurassic Park Raptors
Experience Raptor Encounter! But be careful… these beauties bite.
Location: Jurassic Park
Po
Kung Fu Panda’s affable title character will show you some kung fu moves.
Location: Port of Entry
Puss in Boots
A friend of Shrek and Donkey’s, this swash-buckling kitten is ready for his close-up.
Location: Port of Entry
- Alex the Lion
- From the Madagascar films, Alex is a showman who will most certainly pose with you.Location: Port of Entry
Betty Boop
You can also find this classic cartoon bombshell on this side of the Universe.
Location: Toon Lagoon near The Betty Boop Store
Popeye and Olive Oyl
Bring on the spinach. The sailor man and his sweetheart can pack a punch.
Location: Toon Lagoon
Dr. Seuss Characters: The Grinch, Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Sam I Am, and The Lorax
Spend some time with Dr. Seuss’s most beloved characters.
Location: Seuss Landing, after the Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear show
CHARACTER DINING
Want to do some extra schmoozing with your favorites? Or maybe you just want to ensure you get to meet the character of your dreams. Share a meal with Universal characters at one of the following dining events.
In-Park and Seasonal Character Dining require reservations. Click here to start booking!
In-Park Character Dining:
- Marvel Character Dining
Characters: Captain America. Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm and Rogue
Dinner Thursdays – Sundays (5:00 – 7:00pm)
Location: Cafe 4 in Islands of Adventure
Hotel Character Dining:
Put a little mayhem in your meal! No reservations required, but dining tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Characters from Despicable Me
Saturday Seating at 8:00am, 9:30am, and 11:00am
Location:The Tahitian room
Seasonal Character Dining:
- Halloween Horror Nights Scareactor Dining Experience
Characters: Monsters and maniacs from Halloween Horror Nights
Dinner on select event nights
Location: Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Cafe in Universal Studios Florida - The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast
Characters: The Grinch
Breakfast on select mornings in November and December
Location: Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous in Islands of Adventure
And please note: appearance of characters listed is subject to change without notice, and not all characters listed are guaranteed to appear at the same time, or on the same day.
That’s it! All you need to know about the endearing cast of characters who inhabit Universal Orlando Resort. Who are you most looking forward to meeting on your next trip?
- Marvel Character Dining
5 Comments
My autistic son and I waited for beetle bailey ,Betty boop and pop eye characters for over 115 minutes for them to show up.NOT EVEN ONE DID.My son was heartbroken. Ruined the day as he wanted pictures with them. They should appear when the time says, It will be a long time before I ever go back to Universal.1000 mile drive one way from Ohio and one of the most expected things to happen. Went TERRIBLY WRONG.
I’m so sorry to hear that, Robin. I will be sure to document and pass on your feedback to the appropraite teams in hopes that improvements can be made.
You forgot the trolls – Princess Poppy, Branch and Guy Diamond! Also, you can get a photo with the Frog Choir, Kitty Soft Paws, and Marilyn & the Diamond Bells. I love meeting characters and have a collections of their photos, including outfit variations.
I would love it if Universal would add more new characters. During my last trip I spent 10 days at Disney and added 15 new characters, plus 17 outfit variations. Spent 12 days at Universal and only added one new character (Guy Diamond) and a couple outfit variations. Please consider expanding the character meet and greets.
Although not technically a physical character, what about the ET photo op on the bicycle and in the closet?
We went during spring break and had a wonderful time. On our last day, Volcano Bay we wanted to visit but it was so cold we just packed up and left. We’ll be visiting again on June 14th, my child’s birthday. It’s a surprise!