Call the hotels directly and get the specifics for the dates you'll be staying. You can go to any of the hotels and enjoy the character meals...we LOVE The Kitchen restaurant at Hard Rock Hotel. The characters are "free" to enjoy, regardless of how many people at your table order food. On select nights you can visit with Shrek, The Simpsons, Scooby and sometimes others. During the Christmas holidays, Santa himself has magically popped in, much to the thrill of our kids!
The staff at The Kitchen is absolutely incredible, so attentive , we hated to leave!
In the park character dining is now available at Universal Studios Cafe La Bamba. Breakfast only right now, and a bit pricey. We just ate there this summer and the food, the service, the characters...everything was very enjoyable. It is just a lot to pay, and it's not a buffet....(I think it was about $60 bucks or so with tax for my son and I). Not sure if we'll do it again, unless the grandkids are with us on the next trip.