For many years I felt such a loyalty to Disney theme parks that I felt like a traitor for wanting to enjoy the other wonderful theme parks that Orlando has to offer. This year, I decided to take on a new adventure by checking out the character side of Universal Studios, Orlando. Because "Character is Universal" as the billboards boast as you drive down Interstate 4 in the Orlando area. And ya know what?! I had FUN! Come early in the day for the most character interactions. Characters at Universal never seem to have long lines. Many times, they use the
sidewalk areas so there isn't a queue that gets longer as the day progresses. Many times, characters are out for 15 minutes...but some of the more popular ones are inside for longer portions or rotate out. Check the park map for times and locations. I found out the the characters at Universal are great choices, no matter if you're young or old. It was nice to see characters for the older generation, like Marilyn Monroe & Lucille Ball or check our the Betty Boop store before you eat at Mel's Diner. There's the Mystery Machine and the whole Scooby Doo bunch if you're lucky enough. Sometimes you can just catch Scooby and Shaggy - but if you're like me, you can pull the Team Member assisting the characters & they'll be happy to give you all the details for their park that day. They have a list of characters and times that you should get the whole team or just one or two of the bunch.
Some of the younger kiddos will love the Universal Superstar Parade. They can see Dora the Explorer & Diego; SpongeBob SquarPants, Patrick & other fun underwater friends, Barney & his pals & there's even a fun float for the Secret Life of Pets. Such a fun parade! You can find Trolls & several of the other characters for your photos in the Character Party Zone. One thing that you don't want to miss is the Minions! Even if you don't ride their attraction, you can pop through the store to meet them & get a photo. Team Members are always happy to take your photo with your own camera in case you don't want to buy their photos. But the one thing that you don't want to miss is green screen photos that you can get at the E.T. attraction in Universal Studios and at Spider-man among some other Amazing friends at Marvel Super Hero Island.
If you do the green screen photos, you will have to purchase them in order to have the finished product. But the photos that you can create are definitely a fun keepsake of your visit!
Some of the younger kiddos will love the Universal Superstar Parade. They can see Dora the Explorer & Diego; SpongeBob SquarPants, Patrick & other fun underwater friends, Barney & his pals & there's even a fun float for the Secret Life of Pets. Such a fun parade! You can find Trolls & several of the other characters for your photos in the Character Party Zone. One thing that you don't want to miss is the Minions! Even if you don't ride their attraction, you can pop through the store to meet them & get a photo. Team Members are always happy to take your photo with your own camera in case you don't want to buy their photos. But the one thing that you don't want to miss is green screen photos that you can get at the E.T. attraction in Universal Studios and at Spider-man among some other Amazing friends at Marvel Super Hero Island.
Some of my favorite interactions were with Shrek, Fiona & Donkey! Donkey definitely is a riot & Fiona has a fun way to engage with him and their guests.
It's most definitely a show every 15 minutes as the Transformers change out between Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron.
On the Islands of Adventure side, you'll want to see the Super Heroes including Captain America, Spider-man, Storm, Green Goblin and Doctor Doom come riding in to make a spectacular entrance! Or have a fun Raptor Encounter at Jurassic Park. And don't miss the whimsical Seuss Landing where you can have photo opportunities with all sorts of your childhood's favorite stories. Classic Comic Strip characters come out to say hi at Toon Lagoon. You can sometimes see Popeye & Olive Oyl.
If you're interested in meeting some of the Animal Actors. You can see Kelly, the dog from Bad Moms or Frank, the dog from Men in Black or pat Beethoven, the Saint Bernard on your way out of the show.
