Character tips

[snowwhite84]

Hello! I have a question about meeting characters in US/IOA. I have been to both parks several times before, but it will be the first time for DD6. She is a Disney pro, and loves meeting the characters there, so I'm sure she will flip for her favorites at US/IOS like Shrek, Spiderman, Songebob etc.
My question is, where are the best places to meet the characters? Are they there at specific times? Do they sign autographs? If so, is there an autograph book you can buy like at Disney, or should you bring your own?

Thanks for any tips you guys can provide!

 

[tink606]

The last time I was there the autograph books that they had were generic universal studios/IOA books. The characters for IOA are out at specific times. Marvel in Isands has like a little car show and then all the comic books heroes spread out and pose for u to take pics with and also in the Dr. Seuss Area they have all the Cat in the Hat Characters and the Sneetches also oh and The Grinch, normally during the day, when I've been there. In Universal in front of the jimmy neutron ride there is Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob to take pics with and when u exit the Shrek ride there is a section where you could take a pic with Donkey, the princess, and Shrek. There is no specific times for the univesal characters, but normally they are out during the day. Hope this helps you out in someway.

 

[alanda]

From what I can remember ( couple of years ago now) some days there were characters outside the gates - Jimmy Neutron was one of them while we were there. Spiderman is usually rushing around Marvel Island, but you can get your photo taken with him at an official time stated in the guide. I thought the other characters times/venues were in the guide too. We had a great time talking to Donkey - do that if you can.

 

[snowwhite84]

Thanks. I was wondering if character times would be posted in the guide. Does the park map also point out where the characters are? My knowledge is based off what Disney does, and I know their maps have litte red hands pointing to where you can find characters.
Also, is it common to ask the characters for an autograph, or is that out of the ordinary? Thanks again!

 

[phamton]

Thanks. I was wondering if character times would be posted in the guide. Does the park map also point out where the characters are?
Also, is it common to ask the characters for an autograph, or is that out of the ordinary?

Yes, yes, and yes.

Most people find that there are more characters and they are out more than the Disney characters. You won't have any problem meeting them. Plus the lines aren't generally as long as the character meet and greets at Disney. The only line that seems to be long is the one to meet Donkey, Fiona, and Shrek at the exit to the Shrek ride.

 

[RVGal]

Thanks. I was wondering if character times would be posted in the guide. Does the park map also point out where the characters are? My knowledge is based off what Disney does, and I know their maps have litte red hands pointing to where you can find characters.
Also, is it common to ask the characters for an autograph, or is that out of the ordinary? Thanks again!

Yes, the character times are posted in each park guide. And, yes, the park map in the guide will show you where the characters are. Just like you look for the Mickey hand pointing to the character locations on the Disney maps, you'll look for a camera with its flash going off indicating the character locations on the Universal maps.

We just returned from a trip a few weeks ago, so here is a scan from my IOA guide about the characters:

And here's the US guide's characters:

Also, it is not unusual to ask for autographs. Many of the characters have stamps instead of signing each book by hand.

Hope that helps!

 

[snowwhite84]

Thanks for the info! That's very helpful!