Epic Universe Character Guide (2025): Where to Meet Mario, Toothless, Ygor & More 🌟
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Aug 2
- 8 min read
Universal Orlando’s brand-new Epic Universe theme park brings your favorite worlds to life—not just through rides, but through unforgettable character encounters! Whether you're high-fiving Mario, sharing dragon wisdom with Hiccup, or trading mysterious glances with Dracula, the meet-and-greets here are next-level immersive.
From spontaneous street interactions to elaborately themed photo ops, this guide will help you find every character, plus give you expert tips on timing, locations, and what to expect.
🔍 Want to explore more of Epic Universe? From rides and restaurants to hidden details and immersive lands, our fan-favorite 2025 Epic Universe Park Guide covers everything you need to plan the ultimate visit—don’t miss it!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Pair it with this character guide for the full picture—rides are amazing, but the magic lives in the details.
📍 Bonus: Download our 2025 Epic Universe Character Map at the end of the post to take the magic with you on the go!
🍄 SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
Step into a real-life video game where coin blocks float above your head, Piranha Plants pop from pipes, and your favorite characters come to life in vibrant, high-energy fashion. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ is packed with immersive detail—and the character interactions are pure joy for gamers of all ages.
🎮 Immersion Meets Interaction
From the moment you walk through the warp pipe, you’re inside a fully interactive Mario world—meaning even the character meet-and-greets are part of the fun:
Characters often play off their environments—expect gestures, “game logic,” and quirky reactions.
Donkey Kong’s area features unique jungle theming, so don’t be surprised if he moves differently or interacts in character-specific ways.
Toad and Luigi are known for fun banter and playful energy—especially with kids wearing Power-Up Bands.
🎮 Meet Your Favorite Nintendo Characters
Mario & Luigi – Found near the center of the Mushroom Kingdom, these two brothers love high-fives, poses, and fist bumps.
Princess Peach – Meet her outside her regal courtyard at Peach’s Castle, always ready with a royal wave and charming chat.
Toad – This cheerful helper appears near the Toadstool Café, and he’s just as excited to see you as you are to see him!
Donkey Kong – New for Epic Universe! Catch him in the Donkey Kong Country section—he’s a big hit (literally and figuratively).
📲 App-Based Timing: Character appearances are frequent and often listed in the Universal Orlando app. If you don’t see them listed, ask a nearby Team Member—they’re usually in the know.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Mornings and late afternoons are best for short waits. Midday and early evening can be packed, especially around meal times.
🧩 Bonus Gameplay
Bring your Power-Up Band for an even more interactive experience—these wearable game bands unlock mini-games, collect digital coins, and may even trigger special character reactions during meet-and-greets.
🎮 Learn more in our Complete Guide to Epic Universe Power-Up Bands—including which games to prioritize and how to link your band in the Universal app!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Some characters—especially Mario, Luigi, and Toad—respond differently when you’re wearing a Power-Up Band. Try tapping it or showing off your collected keys during your interaction!
🐉 Isle of Berk – How to Train Your Dragon
Venture into a windswept Viking village where dragons fly overhead, instruments echo through the streets, and your favorite dragon riders roam the land. With soaring animatronic dragons, immersive architecture, and character encounters around nearly every corner, Isle of Berk is one of the most vibrant lands in Epic Universe.
🤝 Meet Hiccup & Toothless – The Heart of Berk
📍 Location: Haddock Paddock, in the back-right corner of the land near the boat ride
Get ready to meet Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid, and even Stoick the Vast in an impressively themed dragon training arena. The setting feels like stepping straight into the DreamWorks films—right down to the dragon perch where Toothless greets his biggest fans. This is one of the most popular meet-and-greets in the park, so go early! By midday, the wait can easily exceed two hours.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Toothless is almost always available for meet-and-greets, but his Viking companion may vary. If Hiccup is off on an adventure, you might meet another Berk local instead!
🎭 Roaming Characters – Chaos, Vikings, and Baby Dragons
Unlike structured meet-and-greets, these characters pop in and out with no fixed schedule—but the fun is unforgettable.
Ruffnut & Tuffnut – These mischievous twins love to cause mayhem wherever they go. They’re hilarious and unpredictable.
Night Lights (baby dragons) – Often spotted mid-morning near the Forge. If you see a crowd gathering, chances are these adorable dragons are nearby.
Gobber & Grump – This fan-favorite duo appears around the Forge, especially in the afternoon. Gobber is full of wit, and Grump… is mostly full of naps.
📸 Immersive Moments: These interactions aren’t posed photo ops. Expect unscripted surprises and themed banter—so keep your camera ready and join the fun!
🎶 Atmosphere & Entertainment
The central village square comes alive with:
Dragon training shows
Viking musicians
Interactive mini-performances featuring villagers and dragon handlers
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: After a training demo or show, hang back in the village square. Characters often linger in the area with much shorter lines—and some of the most spontaneous interactions happen here.
🐉 Hidden Details to Watch For
Animatronic dragons breathe, blink, and move throughout the land—don’t forget to look up!
Aerial surprises: You may spot dragons flying high overhead, especially near show times.
Berk’s architecture is filled with Viking carvings, dragon-themed props, and insider Easter eggs from the films.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic™
Step into wizarding Paris of the roaring 1920s, where history, magic, and a touch of mischief bring the streets of Place Cachée to life. This land feels like stepping onto a movie set—characters weave in and out of your journey, and every corner has a story waiting to be uncovered.
🌍 Roaming Characters
Cosme Acajor – The elegant and celebrated wandmaker behind Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magiques. You’ll often find her inside her shop, discussing wand lore and craftsmanship with curious visitors.
Wandkeepers & Spell Demonstrators – These magical guides share in-character spellcasting tips and love swapping stories about legendary wizards.
French Aurors – Ever-watchful and mysterious, these guardians of wizarding law may stop you with questions about “suspicious activity” (all part of the fun!).
Wizarding Students – From Hogwarts, Ilvermorny, and Beauxbatons, these lively students love to chat about your wand, your house, and even your Muggle fashion sense. They’re a delight to interact with!
✨ Immersive Extras
Interactive Magical Creatures Windows – Spot enchanting creatures like Bowtruckles and Mooncalves peeking out from shopfronts.
Wizarding Band & Plume the Puffskein – If you hear music, follow it! This trio of street performers travels with a furry, wide-eyed puffskein named Plume—and you might even get a chance to interact.
Want to master spellcasting like a pro? Check out our Interactive Harry Potter Wands Guide and Wizarding World Spell-Casting Cheat Sheets for tips and maps of every spell location.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This land is all about organic storytelling, not traditional photo ops. Characters stay fully in-universe, so wander slowly and let the environment unfold. If you’re hoping for photos, be respectful—some characters may not break character for selfies.
🧛 Dark Universe – Classic Monsters Come to Life
Enter a shadowy realm where Universal’s iconic monsters are not just photo ops—they’re part of the story. Dark Universe fuses classic horror with modern, immersive storytelling, creating an eerie, theatrical environment where characters may lurk, wander, or surprise you entirely.
Some blend seamlessly into the foggy streets, while others haunt corners and alleyways, waiting for the right moment to make their presence known.
👻 Meet the Monsters – A Hauntingly Fun Encounter
Just inside the land’s main entrance, you’ll find a dedicated meet-and-greet spot that features a rotating cast of legendary creatures
🧟 Scheduled Encounters:
Frankenstein’s Monster & the Bride of Frankenstein – Meet these two towering figures in a shadowy alcove near the Toiletten. They don’t speak, but their detailed costumes and expressive body language make them some of the most memorable characters in the park.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Both characters stay fully in character—expect dramatic poses, eerie glances, and unexpected reactions. They may not say a word, but they say everything with a look.
🕯️ Roaming Characters
Dark Universe features some of the most surprising and theatrical roaming characters in the park—no two visits are quite the same.
Ygor – Often found pushing a cart or lingering near the cemetery. He’s small and sneaky, so keep an eye low!
The Invisible Man – Ironically easy to recognize—just look for floating bandages, sunglasses, and attitude.
Monster Hunters – Roam the land keeping tabs on mysterious happenings.
Spooky Violinists – Add an eerie soundtrack to the atmosphere.
Dracula – Occasionally emerges from the shadows when you least expect it.
🎭 Immersive Theater: These characters don’t just pose—they perform. Whether it’s a violinist haunting the foggy air or a Monster Hunter sizing you up, you’re stepping into a living horror film. The roaming cast rotates—on our visit, we saw Ygor paired with a violinist and The Invisible Man alongside Monster Hunters.
📍 Best Spot: The lower level near the central warp pipe and cemetery sees the highest concentration of activity. Linger here for your best chance at multiple encounters.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: The energy shifts after dark—more monsters appear and the atmosphere grows even more cinematic. But early visitors can still catch brooding characters and moody interactions if they explore slowly.
🔁 Final Tips Before You Go
🗺️ Use the App: Many character times are listed in the Universal Orlando app—especially for Super Nintendo World and Isle of Berk.
🙋♀️ Ask Team Members: They’re often your best bet for finding roaming characters or getting timing tips. They especially shine in Super Nintendo World and Isle of Berk.
📸 Be Camera Ready: Many characters appear in themed settings, not against plain backdrops. Have someone in your group ready to snap the moment!
🎭 Play Along: These aren’t static photo ops—they’re immersive story moments. Characters respond best when you engage with their world.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Characters at Epic Universe react more to genuine curiosity and interaction than scripted lines. If you have kids, let them lead the interaction. You’ll walk away with magical memories—and better photos too.
🗺️ Grab Your Free Printable!
🎁 Download our 2025 Epic Universe Character Cheat Sheet + Map—perfect for navigating the parks with ease!Choose your favorite format:
📱 JPG version for quick access on your phone
🖨️ PDF version to print and take with you
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Keep it handy during your visit—especially for finding roaming characters and knowing where to go after shows for surprise interactions!
🎬 That’s a Wrap on Epic Universe Characters!
From spellbinding wizards and mischievous dragons to heroic plumbers and legendary monsters, Epic Universe is bursting with unforgettable character encounters. Whether you're chasing down roaming surprises or lining up for a meet-and-greet with your favorites, these interactions add a whole new layer of magic to your day.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Slow down, play along, and let the land draw you in—the best moments often happen when you least expect them.
💬 Have a favorite Epic Universe character moment? Tell us in the comments—we’d love to hear your stories and tips too!
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
P.S. Planning your own magical getaway?
🎢 Start with our Universal Orlando Vacation Guide
🗂️ Download our printable Cheat Sheets for Universal Orlando
🌌 Want the latest on Epic Universe? Our Epic Universe Park Guide has all the updated information.
♿ Need Accessibility tips for Universal? We share what to know before you go!
