Hey Thrill Seekers,
Universal Orlando isn’t just about roller coasters and thrill rides it’s also one of the best places in Orlando to meet your favourite movie, TV and gaming characters.
From superheroes and Minions to Mario, Toothless and the monsters of Dark Universe, there are now more character encounters across the three Universal Orlando parks than ever before.
Here’s your complete 2026 guide to meeting characters at:
Perfect for UK visitors planning their Orlando holiday.
📱 First Things First – Use the Universal App
👉 The easiest way to find character times is through the official Universal Orlando app.
Meet-and-greet schedules can change daily, and some characters appear at random throughout the parks. Here’s a guide to adding your Orlando Attraction Tickets to the Universal App
🌟 Characters at Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida has the biggest mix of classic Universal characters, DreamWorks favourites and movie icons.
🤖 Transformers Characters
Near the Transformers ride, you can usually meet:
- Optimus Prime
- Bumblebee
- Megatron
👉 Megatron interactions are especially popular thanks to the character’s live improvisation with guests.
🍌 Minions & Illumination Characters
Around Minion Land and Hollywood, you may find:
- Minions
- Gru
- Lucy
- Characters from Sing
These are some of the best meet-and-greets for younger children.
🧽 SpongeBob SquarePants & Friends
In the Hollywood area, guests can often meet:
- SpongeBob SquarePants
- Patrick Star
- Squidward
🐕 Scooby-Doo & The Mystery Gang
A long-time Universal favourite.
You may see:
- Scooby-Doo
- Shaggy
- Velma
- Daphne
- Fred
Usually around the Hollywood section of the park.
👸 DreamWorks Characters
Popular DreamWorks meet-and-greets include:
- Shrek
- Fiona
- Donkey
- Trolls characters
- Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse
🦸 Characters at Islands of Adventure
Universal Islands of Adventure is where you’ll find superheroes, dinosaurs and classic literary characters.
🕷️ Marvel Super Heroes & Villains
One of the most popular character areas in Universal Orlando.
You can meet:
- Spider-Man
- Captain America
- Wolverine
- Storm
- Rogue
- Doctor Doom
- Green Goblin
👉 These encounters happen in Marvel Super Hero Island.
🦖 Jurassic World Characters
A major highlight for families.
You can meet:
- Blue the Velociraptor
- Jurassic World handlers
👉 Blue is one of the most realistic character experiences in Orlando.
📚 Dr. Seuss Characters
In Seuss Landing, younger guests can meet:
- The Cat in the Hat
- Thing One and Thing Two
- Sam-I-Am
- The Lorax
- The Grinch (seasonal)
🌍 Characters at Epic Universe
Universal Epic Universe has taken character interactions to another level in 2026.
Instead of simple meet-and-greets, many characters actually roam their themed worlds, making the park feel more alive.
🐉 Isle of Berk Characters
In How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, you can meet:
- Hiccup
- Astrid
- Viking characters
- Toothless 🐉
👉 Toothless is currently one of the longest waits in Epic Universe, often exceeding an hour. Many guests recommend heading here first thing in the morning.
🍄 Super Nintendo World Characters
Inside Super Nintendo World, guests can meet:
- Mario
- Luigi
- Princess Peach
- Toad
- Donkey Kong
👉 Character appearances happen at scheduled times throughout the day.
🧛 Dark Universe Characters
Dark Universe features some of the most unique interactions at Universal Orlando.
You may encounter:
- Frankenstein’s Monster
- Bride of Frankenstein
- Ygor
- Invisible Man
- Monster Hunters roaming the land
🪄 Ministry of Magic Characters
The Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic includes:
- Wand witches and wizards
- Ministry officials
- Wizarding Paris performers
These are more immersive roaming interactions than traditional photo queues.
🇬🇧 Tips for UK Visitors
Planning from the UK? Here’s how to make the most of character meet-and-greets.
⏰ Arrive Early
The most popular characters especially Toothless and Nintendo characters can develop very long queues early in the day.
📱 Check the App Constantly
Times and locations can change depending on weather and crowd levels.
📸 Bring Portable Chargers
Character photos and app usage drain battery life quickly.
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
👉 Recommended UK ticket option:
Orlando Attraction Tickets UK
Benefits include:
- Paying in GBP (£)
- Better value ticket bundles
- Easier holiday budgeting
🤔 Are Universal character meet-and-greets worth it?
Absolutely especially in 2026.
Universal has massively expanded its character experiences thanks to Epic Universe, and many interactions now feel more immersive and spontaneous than traditional theme park meet-and-greets.
👉 Best for:
- Families
- Nintendo fans
- Harry Potter fans
- Marvel lovers
- Guests wanting more than just rides
🎯 Quick Summary
- Universal Orlando has character meet-and-greets across all 3 parks
- Epic Universe offers the newest and most immersive encounters
- Most schedules are listed in the Universal app
- Toothless and Nintendo characters currently have the longest waits
- Booking tickets in advance is recommended for UK visitors
❓ FAQs
Which Universal park has the best characters?
Epic Universe currently offers the most immersive character experiences.
Can adults meet characters too?
Yes character meet-and-greets are for all ages.
Are meet-and-greets included with park tickets?
Yes, all standard meet-and-greets are included with admission.
Do Universal characters sign autographs?
Some do, although photo interactions are more common.
What’s the most popular character in 2026?
Toothless and Mario are currently among the longest waits.
🤔Final Thoughts
Character meet and greets can really make your Orlando holiday especially the interactive ones. Each is unique and specific to you, it’s something you’ll be talking about for the rest of your lives. Make sure you plan some time to visit your favourites… it’ll be worth it.
Smiles included…
Jamie
