I recently had the chance to experience Epic Universe during a special preview—and let me tell you, the character meet and greets are some of the most immersive and exciting I’ve ever seen at a theme park. Universal has gone all-in on bringing these worlds to life, and meeting the characters is a huge part of what makes each land feel so real.

From giving Mario a high five in Super Nintendo World to interacting with a life-size Toothless in the Isle of Berk, every encounter felt thoughtfully designed and true to the source material. Whether you’re a fan of How to Train Your Dragon, Harry Potter, classic monsters, or Nintendo games, there’s a good chance you’ll find your favorite characters walking the streets—or soaring overhead.

In this post, I’m sharing every character I met during my time in the park, organized by each themed land, along with tips on where to find them and what to expect. If you’re planning a trip to Epic Universe, here’s exactly who you can meet and where to find them.

Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe is everything I hoped it would be and more. The second you step through the green Warp Pipe, you’re transported straight into the Mushroom Kingdom—and the characters are a huge part of what makes this land feel so alive.

The way the characters talk was completely unexpected and a really fun surprise!

Characters You Can Meet:

• Mario

• Luigi

• Princess Peach

• Toad
• Donkey Kong

Where to Find Them:

• Peach’s Castle Courtyard is the best place to find Mario with Luigi, and Peach. Each of them has their own designated photo area, but the transitions are smooth and well-managed by Universal’s team.
• Toad near Toadstool Cafe

Pro Tip:

Get in line for character meets early in the day or during lunch hours—these lines stay busy. Character attendants will also give you a heads-up if someone is about to switch out so you don’t wait for someone who’s about to take a break.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

If I had to pick one area where the character interactions completely exceeded my expectations, it’s the Isle of Berk. Universal has brought this land to life with incredible detail, and the characters here feel like they’ve stepped straight out of the movies.

Characters You Can Meet:

• Hiccup

• Astrid

• Stoick the Vast
• Toothless

Where to Find Them:

• Most characters gather in the central village square area near the training arena and dragon stables. There’s usually some live entertainment or background activity happening there too, which helps the whole area feel active and alive.
• Toothless appears in a dedicated meet-and-greet area set up to look like a dragon perch. Expect a line, but it’s absolutely worth it. Sometimes he has friends, and sometimes Astrid or Hiccup will be with him!

Pro Tip:

Check the schedule in the Universal app or ask a nearby team member about showtimes—many of the characters participate in mini-performances or scripted training demos throughout the day. If you time it right, you can meet them right after the show ends, with much shorter wait times.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

This version of the Wizarding World is unlike anything Universal has done before. Set primarily in the British Ministry of Magic with nods to Fantastic Beasts, the entire land has a darker, more mysterious tone—and the characters fit that vibe perfectly.

Characters You Can Meet:

• Wizarding World Students – Students from Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Ilvermorny wander the streets and interact.

• Wandkeepers & Spell Demonstrators – While not named characters, these team members are part of the land’s storyline and offer wand advice, spellcasting tips, and plenty of lore-based conversations. They truly make you feel like part of the wizarding world.

Pro Tip:

This area leans more toward immersive storytelling than casual meet-and-greets. Be prepared for characters to stay fully in-universe—they won’t pose with Mickey ears or talk about your day at the theme park. It’s more like stepping onto a movie set than into a photo line.

Dark Universe

Dark Universe was easily the most surprising land when it came to character interactions. This area blends classic horror with modern storytelling, and the characters here aren’t just spooky photo ops—they’re part of the atmosphere. Some roam, some lurk, and some pop out when you least expect it (in the best possible way).

Characters You Can Meet:

• Frankenstein’s Monster – Towering, slow-moving, and incredibly detailed. He doesn’t speak but uses head turns, groans, and slow gestures to communicate. The costume and prosthetics are movie-quality.
• The Bride of Frankenstein – Elegantly eerie and theatrical. She engages in dramatic, silent performances and was surprisingly interactive with guests who played along.

• The Invisible Man – This was a fun surprise. His appearance is achieved with clever visual effects and costume work, and he interacts with guests using voice only and clever sleight-of-hand-style tricks.

• Igor– part of the lore of the Monsters Unchained ride

Pro Tip:

Some guests walked right past characters because they weren’t standing in obvious locations. This land is best explored slowly, letting the environment unfold. If you’re hoping for photos, be respectful—some characters break the fourth wall briefly, but many prefer to keep the tone immersive and eerie.

Bonus Tips for Meeting Characters at Epic Universe

• Use the Universal App – Character meet times and locations aren’t always posted on physical signs, but the Universal Orlando app often lists them in real time. It’s the easiest way to track who’s out and when.
• Ask Team Members – In several lands, team members shared helpful tips about when specific characters were coming out next, or where they typically appear. They were especially helpful in Super Nintendo World and Dark Universe.
• Timing Matters – Mornings and late afternoons were the best windows for short waits. Right before lunch, I found characters like Peach and Toothless had noticeably shorter lines.
• Be Camera Ready – Many of the character encounters happen in immersive environments, not traditional backdrops—so photos look great, but it helps to have your camera ready and someone in your group prepared to snap the moment.
• Play Along – Epic Universe’s characters thrive on interaction. Whether it’s casting spells with a wand or giving Frankenstein a fist bump, the more you lean in, the more fun the interaction becomes.

Epic Universe isn’t just about rides—it’s about being dropped into the middle of your favorite worlds, and meeting the characters is one of the best ways to feel that magic. Whether you’re trading jokes with Luigi, talking dragons with Hiccup, or being stared down by Frankenstein, these encounters are packed with personality, detail, and immersive storytelling.

Having experienced it all firsthand, I can confidently say the character meet-and-greets at Epic Universe rival anything you’ll find at Disney or Universal’s existing parks. They’re not just photo ops—they’re part of the adventure.

If you’re planning a trip to Epic Universe, I hope this guide helps you make the most of those character moments. Let me know in the comments who you’re most excited to meet—and keep an eye out for future updates as more characters are added!