Events, Guides and Tips

How to Experience Grinchmas in Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure

December 13, 2024
The Grinch talking to guests at the Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast in Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Grinchmas! Everyone’s favorite Who-liday celebration is back and taking over Seuss Landing at Universal Orlando Resort for another year of whimsical winter wonder, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. There’s only one person on this Earth who can rival my quick-witted comebacks, and Who I’m talking about is anything but surprising. Contrary to his seemingly negative nature, the Grinch has a way of awakening the holiday spirit within us all with a slew of exciting Grinchmas offerings — each one merry in their own special way.

What really goes on every Grinchmas, you ask? This insider look at all the Who-liday happenings will tell ya. Let’s venture behind the scenes of Grinchmas in Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure.

The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular

Grinch characters performing a scene in the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.

If you’ve ever wondered how the Grinch stole Christmas, do I have some news for you. Every year during Grinchmas, Seuss Landing puts on The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a stunning live performance that retells the story of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring the mean man in green himself. You’ll see all your favorite resident Whos of Who-ville and hear vibrant tunes from Mannheim Steamroller.

The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is one of the best ways to see the Grinch up close and in action while also enjoying a heartwarming live performance that fully immerses you in the world of Whos. Prepare to meet Cindy-Lou Who, Martha May Whovier and even Whos like Noelle, Butterscotch and Phineas. You’ll also find these Whos roaming Seuss Landing in-between performances, so you can soak up that festive Grinchmas atmosphere both in and outside of the show.

Mingling with the Resident Whos of Who-ville

Resident Whos of Who-ville mingling with park guests in Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure during Grinchmas.

You loved them in The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, and I’m sure you’ll love them even more during one-on-one encounters around Seuss Landing. Who else would I be talking about but the Whos themselves? Mingling with the Whos of Who-ville is one of the most special parts of celebrating Grinchmas as it’s the best way to fully engage in the ambiance of the land and interact with the Whos who evoke the holiday spirit within us all.

The very same Whos you watch perform on stage spend their post-performance time enjoying everyday life. Some Whos sing festive carols that are a joy to stop and listen to while others chat it up with guests and take postcard-worthy photo ops. Mingling with the Whos in Seuss Landing during Grinchmas feels like transporting straight into the holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,” taking the feeling of being a part of the movies at Universal to a whole new level.

Meet & Greet with the Grinch

The Grinch having a meet and greet with guests in Seuss Landing during Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure.

He’s a mean one, but not mean enough to say no to meeting his biggest fans! Meeting the Grinch is a Grinchmas staple and arguably what the whole Who-liday is all about. During your time with the Grinch, there will be plenty of sarcastic banter coupled with festive photo ops to make your Grinchmas an unforgettable one.

Assistant entertainment director Lora Sauls says that this year, Grinch meet-and-greets are getting a uniquely different and fun twist added to them. “The Grinch will have one of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular songs playing during your meet and greet,” she says. “So, the Grinch’s interaction is timed to a piece of music this year, and when that music is done, the next family comes in to meet the Grinch.” Since the Grinch is such a hot commodity, Lora says her team wants to make sure everyone who comes out for Grinchmas gets their fair share of time with him.

PRO TIP: Do NOT bring the Grinch onions. He does NOT like them, and you WILL upset him!

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast

Resident Whos striking a pose during the Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast for Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure.

Nothing awakens the Who-liday spirit within me quite like The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast does. The most important meal of the day served up the Grinch’s way? Count me in! The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast takes place at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous in Seuss Landing and is the best way to indulge in an array of festive foods with a side of your favorite Seuss characters.

Guests dining at the Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast meeting and taking a photo with the Grinch during Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure.

All the Whos from The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular will be making cameos during your dining session — including Mr. Grinch himself — which truly brings you a one-of-a-kind breakfast experience. While you dine, don’t be surprised when the resident Whos pull you to the side to play a quick game; they may make you play dress-up or come up with something even more exciting on the spot. The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast is the perfect way to have an all-in-one Grinchmas experience.

A table at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous with a plate of the Grinch's Pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon, a parfait and berry cup, three mini muffins and the Grinch Sour Apple Drink during Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure.

The Character Breakfast is a full-service dining experience, and the menu is nothing short of scrumptious. You’ll start off with a yummy parfait and berry cup accompanied by French toast, double chocolate and cranberry muffins.

As a professional pancake advocate, I’m ordering The Grinch’s Pancakes, which includes three fluffy green pancakes drizzled in cream cheese icing and a dollop of whipped topping, red sugar sprinkles and a fresh strawberry slice. This short stack is joined by a crispy side of bacon and delectable scrambled eggs.

Martha May’s Chicken & Waffles is another hitmaker in my book. You’re getting two Belgian waffles with a 6-ounce breaded chicken thigh, all while drizzled in delicious hot honey sauce topped with a fried egg served sunny side up and garnished in parsley. Who else is hungry?

The vegan-friendly Avocado Toast & Chia Pudding deserves some attention as well. Served on a toasted slice of French loaf, this dish is spread in smashed avocado and arugula tossed in salt, pepper and oil and garnished with watermelon radishes and sweet tomatoes. Enjoy it with a side of dragon fruit chia pudding topped with oats and fresh strawberries.

A plate of green eggs, ham, bacon, and tater tots covered in sausage gravy at the Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast in Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous.

Some may not like Green Eggs & Ham, but I am not some — and you won’t be either once you get a taste of this meal. The Green Eggs & Ham dish comes with freshly scrambled green eggs, two hearty slices of thick-cut bacon, sliced ham and tasty tater tots drizzled in sausage gravy. This one is a godsend for savory lovers.

A glass of Grinch Sour Apple at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous in Seuss Landing during Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure.

I feel like all these entrées are served best with a delicious glass of Grinch Sour Apple. What welcomes winter better than sour green apple slush with whipped sweet cream topping and red sugar crystals? Trick question — nothing is beating this!

For little Whos ages 3 to 10, they can enjoy a Green Grinch Pancake, Berry Belgian Waffle, Green Pizza or Fluffy Scrambled Eggs. Of course, there’s so much more to look forward to at The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, but you’ll just have to come in and dine to see (and eat) it all for yourself.

Your Daily Dose of the Grinchmas Spirit

With Grinchmas being back in town, your heart is sure to feel just as full as the Grinch’s and undoubtedly overflow with the Who-liday spirit. Lora Sauls hopes guests come together to celebrate Grinchmas with their families and leave with a strong acceptance and love for humanity. “We want them to walk away with memories that they will cherish forever,” Lora says. “We want them to feel the love of the holidays, and I think that’s what Grinchmas is all about.”

What’s your favorite part of Grinchmas in Seuss Landing? Tell us in the comments below!

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