One thing I love about Universal Studios Hollywood is being able to step foot into the theme park and be greeted by someone I just saw on screen! It’s so much fun to unexpectedly run into a princess or have an entire conversation with a talking donkey. And with an extensive cast of characters, there’s almost certainly someone waiting to greet you around every corner and in every land within the theme park. So, grab your camera and conjure up some conversation starters, because I’ve compiled a list of characters who are eager to meet you — from ogres and Raptors to princesses and Minions.
Production Plaza
Help Scooby-Doo and The Mystery Gang search for clues as they solve their next case. The whole gang loves to hang out right around the corner from the Universal Studio Store. Ask Shaggy and Scooby about their favorite snacks, I’m sure they’ve got plenty!
When you enter Universal Studios Hollywood, you walk onto Production Plaza, as well as the New York and Paris sections of the park. Here you can catch a glimpse of the blonde Hollywood starlet, Marilyn, as she strolls through the streets.
Say his name three times and Beetlejuice might appear. This bio-exorcist can usually be seen roaming in front of Hollywood and Dine, where he shares his expertise on all things possession, exorcisms, and the afterlife.
Ever eager to talk about his latest science experiments, Doc Brown can be seen strolling along in front of the Universal Studio Store from time to time. I heard he built a time machine out of a car and managed to time travel without unraveling the very fabric of the space time continuum. Great Scott!
If you’re a Universal Monsters fan like me, you’ll definitely want to hang out at Production Plaza, as Frankenstein and his Bride love to roam these parts. And despite the bright California sun, Dracula oftentimes makes an appearance, looking for some shade (or a quick bite).
At the Animation Studio Store, you get the chance to purchase some exclusive Universal Studios Hollywood Hello Kitty merchandise. Walk the red carpet just outside and you’ll get to meet Hello Kitty herself.
You’ll find some familiar faces in front of the DreamWorks Theater, including Poppy, Branch, and Guy Diamond from the Trolls franchise, and our beloved dancing lemur King Julien, straight from Madagascar. Donkey has his own corner next to the DreamWorks theater and oftentimes, he can be seen accompanied by Shrek and Fiona.
Of course, Universal Studios Hollywood is all about making some new friends, too. That’s why our New York city streets are full of some fun and friendly city dwellers like our New York Cop, Gabby the Cabby, and our neighbors up in the New York Windows who seem to know just about…well, everybody.
WaterWorld
After you’ve experienced the longest running (and most epic) live-action stunt show beloved by Universal fans, (a.k.a WaterWorld) you can chat and take a photo with the performers. You might even recognize some of these actors from your favorite movie or tv show!
Minion Land
If you want to meet Gru and his Minions, you can find them right outside Miss Hattie’s Home for Girls, just next to the entrance of Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. Word on the street is, they’re about to steal zee moon!
Unsuspecting guests walking to The Secret Life of Pets ride will look left…and then right…and then up across the street towards Otto’s Toyshop to find Snowball talking to you from his balcony. Don’t be shy, say hi! Ask him what Captain Snowball (his alter ego) has been up to.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Step into Hogsmeade village in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and stop by the train station to meet the conductor of the Hogwarts Express. The conductor is ready to welcome new arrivals. Ask him for pictures or directions, and be sure to make the most of this spellbinding moment.
At Ollivanders, witness the moment when a wand chooses its wizard—maybe that’s you! Before you head out to purchase your very own wand, don’t forget to meet the wand-keeper, caretaker of these fine wands, and explore a wide selection of unique wands, character wands, and wand sets.
And as you make your way up to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you just might come across the visiting students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang as they partake in the TriWizard Spirit Rally. Linger after their performance to take a quick picture and chat about all things TriWizard Tournament.
Springfield, U.S.A.
Just outside the Kwik-E-Mart, you might find members of the Simpson family — Homer, Bart, Marge, and Lisa — eager to pose for some pictures. You can also meet Krusty the Clown, and if you’re lucky, you might run into the dangerous escaped convict, Sideshow Bob.
Jurassic World
Step onto Isla Nublar and come face-to-face with real life dinosaurs! At Raptor Encounter, meet Blue, Owen Grady’s Velociraptor. She’s usually accompanied by her handler, but be warned: she’s incredibly feisty.
If Blue is a little too intimidating, there are more low-key dinos you can meet, too. Tango the baby Raptor in the arms of her handlers, who are ever eager to answer questions on all things dinosaurs. You might also get a chance to pet Juliet, the Triceratops pictured above. Don’t let the horns scare you, she’s a gentle giant!
Transformers Metrobase
Right before entering TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D, you get the chance to meet some of the Bots, including Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, who are on the lookout for human recruits to join the Autobots. Megatron also makes appearances. Meet him if you dare!
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
In SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, our favorite brother duo Mario and Luigi like to hang out in the center of the land. You can also meet Princess Peach in her gazebo and take a picture with Toad across the way, right next to Princess Peach’s Castle.
And finally (but most importantly), get to know our Team Members! Whether they’re behind the cash register at a snack bar or at the entrance to your favorite attraction, they’re always in the know and eager to help you get from place to place. Be sure to ask them about accurate meet and greet times as well, as they are subject to change.
Now go forth and have fun. After all, it’s not every day your favorite characters emerge from the big screen and say hello!
Who are you most excited to meet at the theme park? Let us know in the comments below!
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