How to Meet the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood 2023
The holiday season is in full swing at Universal Hollywood, & the Grinch meet & greet is one of the absolute best parts of their holiday celebrations. You can meet the Grinch daily from November 24th to January 1st 2024, and it's included with your park admission ticket.Here's all the places you can meet the Grinch during the Holiday season at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Where to Meet the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood
Did you know there’s 3 locations to meet the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood during the Holiday season?! Two locations have much shorter waits times too!Universal Plaza, Upper LotStudio Tour Exit, Upper LotLower Lot above Jurassic Park CafeAnnual Passholder Exclusive Photo Op
Meet the Grinch inside Who-ville in Universal Plaza
To the lefthand side of the Grinchmas Tree, you’ll find the Grinch meeting guests in front of Martha May’s pink home.
Visiting the Universal Plaza greeting area is your best option for a guaranteed way to meet the Grinch.
Note— he does leave his spot to do the tree lighting show every 1/2 hour in the evening (days with later park hours). This location has the longest line. Plan to arrive at the park as early as possible. Typically, his line is over an hour + long, particularly in the evenings and on the weekends.If you’re meeting the Grinch in the Universal Plaza—Arrive as early as possible. The wait time goes up significantly throughout the day. We got in line 30 mins after park opening, & still waited 1hr 5 minutes
Meet the Grinch at the Studio Tour Exit
Throughout the day, especially on the weekends, the Grinch will hang where you exit the Studio Tour attraction. Located in the Lower Lot, look for him in the corner where the fake Hollywood sign photo op.
Ask the Team Member holding a microphone at the bottom of the escalator for the Grinch's upcoming set times. We queued for the 2:30pm set, & waited 15 minutes. Remember that he only meets with guests periodically throughout the day at this location, as opposed to Universal Plaza, where you can find the Grinch all day.
This Grinch spot is a hidden gem. It has the shortest wait time since most guests aren't aware of it. Aim for this spot if you’re at Universal Studios Hollywood for only 1 day, &/or aren’t an Annual Passmember.
Annual Passholder: Exclusive Grinch Photo Op
This exclusive Grinch Meet and Greet is located in the Lower Lot above Jurassic Cafe. The line typically starts at 12:00pm and stays open until 5:00pm on select days (usually peak visiting days).We got in line at 11:40am to see him the quickest. We waited 20 minutes!Out of all 3 Grinch spots, this Annual Passmember location was the best in my opinion. It had a very short wait time, & has the most immersive Grinch setup + personalized interaction.
How Long Do You Get With The Grinch?
Interactions typically last up to 5-7ish minutes.
Photo Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood
Tips for Meeting the Grinch at Universal Hollywood
Here are some tips when trying to wait less in line for meeting the Grinch:
Visit during on a weekday. The waits are shortest in the morning.Arrive at early for park opening, and knock out your meet-and-greets first! You can meet Cindy Lou Who, Mac, the mayor of Whoville, the Grinch and others characters during Grinchmas.Hang out in the center area of the Who-bilation celebration. (Blue benches) in Universal Plaza. You’ll often see various Whos walking around. You can even catch the Grinch when he briefly leaves his photo-op spot to interact with himConsider splurging, & purchase the VIP Tour experience
Where’s the BEST Location to Meet The Grinch at Universal Hollywood in 2023?
Out of all 3 Grinch meet and greet locations, the Annual Passmember location was the best in my opinion. It had a very short wait time, & has the most immersive Grinch setup + personalized interaction.
Regardless of where you meet the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood, his sense of humor makes this meet-and-greet such an unforgettable experience for both littles and adults!