Planning a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood? If you have a little one with you seeing characters will be at the top of their list. There are so many different character experiences at Universal Studios from the Transformers, the Minions, Spongebob and more! Here are some tips on how to maximize your time when meeting characters at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Raptor Encounter at Universal Studios Hollywood. Photo Credit: Kelly Short

4 Tips for Seeing Characters at Universal Studios Hollywood

When my toddler hears that we are going to Universal Studios Hollywood, he immediately says he wants to do 2 things: see the raptor and see Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, the Transformers. With all the other activities at the park, this is his absolute favorite thing to do. The fun doesn’t stop there, there is quite a cast of characters at Universal Studios Hollywood. I thought I’d share some tips we’ve learned along the way.

Tip 1: Plan to Arrive Early

When visiting characters at Universal Studios Hollywood, plan to arrive early for the most popular characters. Similar to most other theme parks, lines can get longish for the most popular characters, ESPECIALLY if they are seasonal. We probably waited at least 30 minutes to see the Grinch during the Christmas season. After that we learned our lesson and for the next seasonal character (I’ll talk about those next!) we got in line 10 minutes before the character came out and we were probably the 4th or 5th family in line. It was so much quicker for our toddler who was so excited to see the characters.

We usually line up early and end up waiting about 10 minutes for the Transformers which is so worth it. The experience is like none other. You can actually TALK to Optimus Prime and Bumblebee and they will talk back! On our last trip, Oliver brought his toy Optimus Prime to show the “real” Optimus Prime. He told him that he now has Optimus Prime with him and he must protect it. The interaction really sets this meet and greet apart.

Meeting the Transformers at Universal Studios Hollywood. Photo Credit: Kelly Short

Tip 2: See the Seasonal Characters

We recently went to the park for Chinese New Year. My Kung Fu Panda loving little guy was beyond thrilled to meet Po and Tigress from the movie. These characters only came out for Chinese New Year so that made it even more special to be able to see them. What a special memory for us to have with him. Beyond Po and Tigress, they also had some of their regular characters such as Woody Woodpecker and Curious George in traditional outfits. Last but not least, they had a mandarin speaking Megatron!

Meeting Kung Fu Panda and Friends during Chinese New Year. Photo Credit: Kelly Short

Chinese New Year wasn’t the only holiday that there were special guests. My personal favorite is Grinchmas with none other than the GRINCH! It was so fun to get to interact with him and he was great with Oliver. We were even decked out in matching Grinch shirts! Oliver really enjoyed meeting Max the dog as well.

There’s nothing cooler than meeting the GRINCH! Photo Credit: Kelly Short

Tip 3: Follow your Child’s Lead

While the raptor and the Transformers are so awesome, they can be intense for some small (and not so small) children. Toddlers are finicky, cute little creatures and of all the characters at Universal Studios Hollywood, mine was afraid of the conductor in front of the Hogwarts Express. The conductor was awesome and got down to Oliver’s level and talked to him until he was comfortable. If your child is apprehensive about meeting a character, don’t push it. Let them take the lead and they will get comfortable at their own place.

A bit unsure in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Photo Credit: Kelly Short

He is more comfortable now! Photo Credit: Kelly Short

Tip 4: Enjoy the Spontaneous Character Sightings

There are only a few characters who have set times when they come out. Others like the Minions and Sponge Bob, just come to mingle with guests at different times during the day. Some street performers like Beetlejuice and Lucy are very sporadic and instead of being in one spot, they will walk around interacting with park guests.

Meeting a Minion was so much fun! Photo Credit: Kelly Short

I hope these tips will help you for your next trip to see characters at Universal Studios Hollywood! Do you have any cool tips? Share them below!