Figuring out how to find your favorite characters at Universal Orlando Resort theme parks can be tricky business. The specific locations where the characters appear can vary on a daily basis and from season to season. Fortunately, there are some easy things you can do to increase the odds of meeting your favorite characters during your next Universal vacation.

Here are some tips so you can learn how to find your favorite characters at Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Check the Park Map and Schedule for Your Favorite Universal Characters

Universal often provides an entertainment schedule where you can find out where and when you’re most likely to find your favorite characters. Grab a paper map upon park entry and see what you can find out there. (Park maps were recently updated to include Minion Land.)

Use the Universal Orlando Resort App

The app sometimes includes information about where to find your favorite characters throughout the day. You’ll find character appearances will match the theme of the land where they appear. For example, you’ll find the Grinch and other residents of Whoville in Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Ask a Team Member

Universal’s employees, or “Team Members”, usually know where you can find specific characters. These folks are very friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable.

Character Dining

Character dining can provide you with the opportunity to hang out with your favorite Universal characters. Examples include the Marvel Character Dinner.

Special Events and Seasonal Appearances

During special events such as Halloween Horror Nights, Mardi Gras or the holiday season, certain characters may have special appearances.

How to Find Your Favorite Characters at Universal Using Social Media

Use hashtags and location filters on your preferred social media account to check out the best places to find your favorite characters at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Other guests will have posts that feature their own character meet-and-greets and this will help you find out where to locate them. The official Universal Orlando Resort account could also be useful.

Stake Out Common Areas

While I wouldn’t recommend spending a whole day hanging out waiting to meet a character, you could find out the general area where your favorite characters usually appear, and hang out for a break to wait for them. This approach is definitely considered hit-and-miss.

For example, you’ll usually find Despicable Me characters beside Bake My Day Café on Illuminations Avenue, while Optimus Prime and Bumblebee are regularly outside of the TRANSFORMERS: The Ride- 3D attraction nearby. Beetlejuice hangs out at the entrance to Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show in the Hollywood neighbourhood.

Remember to keep a lookout throughout both parks for character appearances. You just never know who you might find!