EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was published before the opening of Universal Epic Universe and is not inclusive of the theme park’s offerings. For details on Epic Universe, click here.
In between the rides, the shows and the snacks at Universal Orlando Resort, there are several meet and greet opportunities with some of the most beloved characters of all time. Here is a comprehensive list of all the characters you can currently meet and greet at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.
PRO TIP: Designated meet and greet times can be found on the Universal Orlando Resort App.
Universal Studios Florida
Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Gang
Location: Hollywood Character Zone
Photo Credit: @rundmchadwick
The Mystery Gang, featuring Scooby-Doo, frequent the Hollywood area alongside The Mystery Machine. Meet them to find out the latest Universal Mystery they are solving. And don’t forget the Scooby Snacks!
Doc Brown
Location: Hollywood Character Zone
Great Scott! Doc Brown from Back to the Future also roams Hollywood Boulevard, tinkering with his latest science equipment. I heard he is looking for new friends to be involved in his latest experiments.
Marilyn
Location: Hollywood Character Zone
In between Marilyn’s shows with her Diamond Bellas, which can be seen next to Mel’s Drive-In, she can be found strolling down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She may treat you with a song or even a mini acting lesson for future stars!
Hello Kitty
Location: Park Exit
Don’t miss out on this super sweet meet and greet with Hello Kitty herself, decked out in her bright-pink dress.
DreamWorks Characters
Location: DreamWorks Land
If you can’t get enough of Shrek, Fiona and Donkey, stop and say hi in front of Shrek’s cottage in DreamWorks Land! You can also meet Branch and Poppy from “Trolls” by the fountain near DreamWorks Imagination Celebration. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with featured DreamWorks characters, such as Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse.”
Illumination Characters
Location: Illumination Theatre
In Minion Land, visit Illumination Theater for a unique meet and greet opportunity with Illumination film characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes along with characters from the film “Sing”. You may also catch a fan-favorite “Despicable Me”supervillain here. Hint: He wears orange! OH YEAH!
TRANSFORMERS
Location: Alley near TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D
All right, recruits, are you ready to meet the Bots from Transformers? Next to TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron appear at various times to meet the humans of Universal Studios Florida. The characters rotate at random, so prepare yourself to witness the heroism of Bumblebee and Optimus Prime or the wrath of Megatron.
The Simpsons
Location: Hollywood Character Zone
Grab a Lard Lad donut and meet your favorite characters, Homer, Marge, Bart and Lisa Simpson in Hollywood.
SpongeBob SquarePants & Friends
Location: SpongeBob StorePants
At SpongeBob StorePants, F is for friends who do stuff together! Here, you can take a visit to Bikini Bottom and meet SpongeBob, Patrick Star and Squidward.
Knight Bus Operator
Location: London
The Knight Bus Operator loves to share their London sightseeing tips with anyone who stops by. The shrunken head that accompanies the operator is sure to give you a new experience each time you visit.
Mummy Guards & Mummy Princess
Location: New York near Revenge of the Mummy
Are they after our souls, too? Maybe, but they are also here for photo ops! Get in your most frightening pose with the Mummy Princess while the Mummy Guards tower over you for a memorable photo memory!
Hashtag the Panda
Location: Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
It’s the greatest dancing panda bear of all time! Show off your moves and pose for a photo op with the panda bear that owns an iconic spot in The Tonight Show history.
Dora
Location: Hollywood Character Zone
Vamanos! Let’s go meet Dora! Her trusty map and backpack have led her to Universal Studios Florida, and she is ready to meet fellow explorers!
Universal Islands of Adventure
Marvel Super Heroes and Marvel Villains
Location: Marvel Super Hero Island
Photo Credit: @waltlizneyworld
The iconic super heroes of the comics have come to Marvel Super Hero Island to fight crime, but they will also pose for a photo with you! Feel like you are a part of the team and meet Spider-Man, Captain America, Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm and Rogue. If you are feeling more villainous, iconic Marvel Villains like Doctor Doom and The Green Goblin also roam the streets to find guests who can help them take over the land.
PRO TIP: If you are a Marvel superfan and want more time with your favorite super heroes, suit up and check out our Marvel Character Dinner at Cafe 4 in Islands of Adventure.
Dr. Seuss Characters
Location: Seuss Landing
Photo Credit: @sweetteaandpeonies
Meet beloved Dr. Seuss characters, including The Cat in the Hat, The Lorax, Sam I Am, Thing One and Thing Two, and the Grinch. These characters can be found throughout the land as well as in the show “Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear” that takes place next to All the Books You Can Read.
Blue, the Velociraptor
Location: Raptor Encounter in Jurassic Park
Have you ever wanted to meet a dinosaur? At Raptor Encounter, you can meet Blue the Velociraptor from the Jurassic World films. While this “clever girl” is trained, she is feisty so watch out for your fingers and toes while you interact with her! With the right touch, you may just end up as the next qualified Raptor trainer!
P.S. Occasionally, Raptor trainers will bring out our resident baby Raptors to get them acclimated to humans. This is a great experience for those guests who may be intimidated by the fierceness of an adult Raptor.
Kung Fu Panda Characters
Location: The Lost Continent
Tigress from the “Kung Fu Panda” movies has requested to meet future kung fu champions at The Lost Continent. If she visits while you are there, you are indeed fortunate.
King Julian
Location: The Lost Continent
Photo Credit: @augustomalta
In addition to Universal Studios Florida, this high-energy lemur can also be found in The Lost Continent! King Julian hosts dance parties here throughout the day, and afterward, guests can strike a pose with him.
Popeye and Olive Oyl
Location: Toon Lagoon
I am what I am, and that’s all what I am! Meet Popeye the Sailor Man and his sweetheart Olive Oyl in various locations around Toon Lagoon. They are commonly found near Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges and throughout Toon Lagoon.
Hogwarts Express Conductor
Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
The Hogwarts Express Conductor is the face that greets you into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade. They’re knowledgeable about everything this snow-capped village has to offer, and would love to greet you for a photo op!
Students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang
Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
The students of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute for Magical Study perform a colorful procession of magic at the Triwizard Spirit Rally. After the show, they will hang back and pose for photo ops with wizards and non-wizards alike.
CityWalk
Professor Doctor Penelope Tibeaux-Tinker Toothsome & Jacques
Location: The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
We couldn’t forget about our original characters over at Toothsome! While you enjoy the expansive and yummy offerings at the restaurant, be sure to keep a keen eye out for Penelope Toothsome and Jacques. The brilliant Penelope loves to share with others about the travels that inspired her to create the delicious recipes at this restaurant. Her trusty robot friend and co-entrepreneur Jacques is always by her side.
Who are you most looking forward to meeting on your visit to Universal Orlando Resort? And what has been your favorite character meet and greet experience? Let us know on social media or in the comments below!