What a bunch of Characters at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is known for it's amazing Studio Tram Ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and action packed live shows, but did you know the place is crawling with crazy fun characters? As a Universal Studios Hollywood Passholder, we visit about once a month to enjoy the shows and a few rides. There are other times though that we go just for Tram Ride, a bite to eat and to chase down some of the characters to interact with. The best part is every visit is different as they are always rotating characters so you never know who or what you might run into. I have a list of the characters you might find during your visit on any given day and where to find them. 

Let me first start off with this, the character experience at the Lot are top notch, from the costumes and make up, to the people who portrait them. Universal has a great mix of past and present characters who are all very charismatic and take their time with guests. Wondering where can you find some of the most recognizable movie & T.V show icons within Universal Studios? With the Lower Lot being much smaller in size compared to the Upper Lot, you will run into most of the characters as you exit the escalators. As for the upper lot, there you will find dozens on any given day.

Lower Lot Level of the Studio (subject to change) 

• Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron

• Mummy's Revenge on Stilts

• Raptor Encounter Blue

• Tango the Baby Velociraptor

• Triceratops

• Dora The Explorer

• The Mummy

The majority of characters can be found on the main walk passing the entrance gates heading towards the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (straight) as well as the split to the Minions Mayhem Attraction located on either side of the Central Plaza (to the left). TIP: As you enter the park, keep your eyes peeled as you will find many of them walking the main thoroughfare from the entrance all the way through to the Streets of Paris.

Upper Lot Level of the Studio (subject to change)

• The Minions, Dru, Edith, Margo & Agnes

• Doc Brown from Back to the Future

• The Simpsons

• SpongeBob SquarePants & Patrick Star

• Shrek, Donkey, Puss in Boots and Princess Fiona

• Hello Kitty

• The Mummy

• Frankenstein

• Dracula

• Beetlejuice

• Marilyn Monroe

• Lucy Ball

• Curious George

• Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Fred & Daphne

• DreamWorks’ Madagascar Characters

• DreamWorks’ Poppy & Branch and Guy Diamond

• DreamWorks’ Po & Tigress

• French Mimes on Stilts

• Betty Boop

• Bronze Action Man

• English Royal Guard

• Woody Woodpecker

• Train Conductor at Hogwarts Express

Most characters like Megatron and Shrek have specific places they can be found at since they have themed locations they interact within. Others like Marilyn Monroe cover different parts of the lot and can be found strolling or at a fix location. FYI: Lines to many of the characters are usually very quick. They also like to travel around in groups like with the case of the Mummy, Frankenstein and Dracula which can make for some gnarly "group" pictures. We have never waited more than 10 minutes before on any given day.  

During Universal Studios special events you can also meet the Grinch, his dog Max and many of the Whoville inhabitants like Cindy Lou Who and Mayor Augustus Maywho during Grinchmas. For Lunar New Year Tigress and Po along with his dad can be found in the Central Plaza. Mr. Ping dishes his wisdom from his very own noodle stand where you can get some fresh noodles as well.

Our favorite character interaction you ask? Ha, Beetlejuice! I actually avoided having my daughter meet him our first few visits for obvious reasons (he can be pretty raunchy) funny thing, he is the most hilarious one we have experience by far knowing how to keep in character while also keeping it age appropriate! Other meet and greets and photo opportunities include the cast of Water World after select shows, The Frog Choir representing all 4 houses of Hogswart and the students from the legendary wizarding schools of Hogwarts during the Triwizard Spirit Rally both of which you will find on the stage located within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Available characters vary from day-to-day, so I can’t provide any kind of actual schedule but checking with a cast member or guest services the day of your visit is a sure fire way to get the scoop! And as the studio adds new attractions and experiences we can bet they will add more characters to their line up like they recently did with Hello Kitty. Have a favorite on my list you haven't seen yet or would like to? Let me know below in the comments! ~Cat

Be sure to check out ways to save, seasonal events and my tips on visiting Universal Studio Hollywood below.