Whatever your age, one of the most thrilling aspects of Orlando’s theme parks is the opportunity to meet your real-life heroes in the form of colourful film and cartoon characters. From the moment you enter the Universal Orlando Resort parks, you’re made to feel as if you’re in a movie set, with scores of dressed-up actors roaming the streets or hanging out near the rides and attractions, ready for pictures, high-fives, and sometimes hugs.
There are two types of character encounters within
Universal Orlando Resort: scheduled Meet-and-Greets in set locations, and periodic appearances where characters perform on rotation throughout the day in various spots around the parks.
If you’ve got your heart set on meeting a specific animated friend, our handy guide below will give you info on some of our most-loved characters. And for an exhaustive list, make sure to download the Official Universal Orlando Resort app before you leave to keep up to date with the daily timetable of character appearances!
Universal Studios Florida
Meet the Transformers
As you exit Transformers: The Ride 3-D in Production Central, you may bump into one or more of your favourite bots, including Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Bumblebee. Watch them strut their stuff in a display of heroism and might, and if you’re lucky, they might just stop to have their picture taken with you. These guys are possibly the coolest characters in the parks, and don’t they know it!
Meet the DreamWorks Gang
A host of much-loved animated DreamWorks friends can be found in Central Park near NCB Media Plaza, from Shrek, Fiona, and their lovable steed, Donkey, to Puss in Boots who is often joined by his adventure companion, Kitty Softpaws. King Julien and the Penguins from Madagascar are on hand to keep the party vibes strong, while Poppy and Branch from the Trolls may join in to dance the day and night away!
Meet the Simpsons
When you’re in Springfield: Home of the Simpsons, you’ll likely spot one or more members of the country’s most famous yellow family – Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa – as well as Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob, usually near The Simpsons ride. As the longest-running animated TV show in history, The Simpsons characters are iconic and a trip to Universal isn’t complete without a super-cool photograph with one of them to keep forever, along with a cold Duff Beer from Moe’s!
Meet Hollywood Characters
As you stroll through the glitzy streets of Universal’s very own version of Hollywood, you’ll come across many larger-than-life legends like Marilyn Monroe, Beetlejuice, Hello Kitty, Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Gang (including Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred), and even the eccentric Doc Brown from the Back to the Future trilogy, no doubt tinkering away with his latest crazy inventions – watch out, he may try to enlist your help!
Meet Revenge of the Mummy Characters
Outside the Revenge of the Mummy ride you might bump into some spooky mummy pharaohs lurking and lurching nearby, ready to take off with your souls. But if you’re very good, they may be just as happy to take a picture with you instead!
Meet Marvel Superheroes
You’re probably wondering if you’ll come face-to-face with your favourite Marvel heroes at the parks? You most certainly will, and you can meet them in their original comic book form at Universal. Fly on over to Superhero Island and pose with a throng of iconic Marvel superheroes (and villains) including Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Captain America, Rogue, Doctor Doom, and the Green Goblin. Watch them assemble outside various attractions or up on the Superhero Stage for an encounter that’s truly out of this universe!
Meet Spider-Man
If Spidey decides not to join his Marvel friends, you’ll probably find him ‘hanging’ around in the Marvel Alterniverse Store, where you can grab a high-five with everyone’s favourite neighbourhood superhero. Fancy being on the cover of a Marvel comic book? Your snap with Spider-Man can be turned into one at the click of a button so you can take a piece of the magic home with you.
Meet Blue the Velociraptor
Dare you get up close to this toothsome creature? Situated at the Raptor Encounter in the Jurassic Park section of the park, this is possibly the scariest character in all of Universal Orlando Resort. Embark on an interactive meet-and-greet experience with Blue and her professional raptor trainer – just watch your fingers and toes with this feisty girl!
Younger visitors can look out for the resident baby Raptors in training for a chance to experience the fun… without the ferocity!
Meet the Seuss Characters
Not forgetting the littlest members of your group, head over to Seuss Landing for one of the gorgeous Dr. Seuss book readings at the All the Books You Can Read souvenir shop. Prepare for magical stories and interactive performances with The Grinch, Lorax, Thing One and Thing Two, Sam I Am, and The Cat in the Hat. These unforgettable encounters happen several times a day, so there’s plenty of opportunity to see your beloved friends come to life.
Universal Character Experiences FAQs
Is there character dining at Universal Orlando Resort?
Yes! On select nights at Café 4 in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you can book character dining experiences with a range of popular Marvel comrades – perfect for Marvel superfans who wish to spend a little more time with their heroes! Guests can purchase tickets for their spot and enjoy a buffet dinner, a non-alcoholic beverage, and a digital download of a photo with a character.
Every Saturday
at Royal Pacific Resort’s Tahitian Room you can also book the Despicable Me Character Breakfast and enjoy your morning coffee with Gru, his daughters, and a few cheeky Minions.
(Reservations are required. They must be made up to 24 hours before arriving and can be booked online.)
How many characters are there at Universal Orlando Resort?
There are more than 65 different character Meet-and-Greets across both Universal Orlando Resort parks. If you have any preferred must-see characters, it’s a good idea to plan your days and book ahead if necessary so you don’t miss out!
Keep up to speed with the times and whereabouts of characters with the Official Universal Orlando Resort app or the printed park map, which you can pick up when you enter any of the parks.
What characters can be found during the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort?
At Halloween you may be unfortunate enough to run into the terrifying Death Eaters in Hogsmeade, while in the Festive Season, The Grinch and the jolly citizens of Whoville are on hand for hugs and holiday photos – but we can’t guarantee our furry green friend will smile!
How long are the wait times to see characters?
Generally, you won’t have to wait much longer than about 10-15 minutes to see any of the characters at Universal Orlando Resort. Lines are never too long, which means you don’t need to plan loads of time for character experiences, and in fact sometimes there may be no queue at all!
close 
