You can eat with The Grinch & Friends at Universal Orlando this Wholiday Season. Some changes have been made to make this character meal not as much of a value in 2023, but it’s still a fun experience for Grinch lovers!
Universal’s Grinch Character Breakfast Reservations
You can eat with the Grinch & Friends on select dates from November 17th to December 27th, 2023 in Islands of Adventure. You do need park tickets as well as dining reservations. Below are the following reservation times for the Grinch Breakfast.
- 07:00 AM
- 07:15 AM
- 07:30 AM
- 07:45 AM
- 08:00 AM
- 08:15 AM
- 08:30 AM
- 08:45 AM
- 09:00 AM
- 09:15 AM
- 09:30 AM
Is the Grinch Breakfast Sold Out for 2023?
Inventory for the Grinch Breakfast comes and goes. When I had looked, every date was sold out except for two dates in December. Then as I kept checking Universal’s website, I found availability Thanksgiving week and grabbed a reservation.
I would keep checking the website and have also heard people having luck calling or stopping by guest services the day of if you’re still not having luck.
Reservations can be made by calling 407-224-3663
How Much is the Grinch Character Breakfast at Universal?
The Grinch Character Breakfast at Universal Orlando costs $58.99 per adult (ages 10+) and $32.99 per child (ages 3-9). It includes a non-alcoholic beverage, entree, and dessert. This year it is not a buffet like in years past.
What Characters Do You Meet at the Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast?
The Whos of Whoville walk around the tables and during our breakfast we were able to meet 5 different Whos. You’ll meet the Grinch after you finish eating.
Sometimes The Whos will sing, have a conversation, take a picture, etc. You can just ask.
Grinch Character Breakfast Review at Islands of Adventure
When you first go into Islands of Adventure (if you have a reservation before park opening, there is a separate park entrance), head to Confisco Grille. It’s right on the main entrance pathway on your right. Before you check-in at the podium, you’ll want to stop off at the kiosk right before it to scan your reservation bar code on your confirmation email. There they will give you tickets to the Grinch breakfast.
Next you’ll check in at the podium and head inside to the waiting area. When your table is ready, they’ll call your name and take you to your table.
The ambiance and decor are fine. They have some Christmas trees up, but nothing screams Grinch. Circus McGurkus Cafe is still closed.
You start off with croissants, muffins, and a fruit bowl. Nothing too special about any of them.
I also tried the Grinch Punch which is pineapple juice with some green apple flavoring. It was very sweet and tart, but fun to try.
You can also choose an entree from the menu. The menu includes some popular breakfast choices, and the portion sizes are pretty large. I chose Martha May’s Chicken and Waffles and my daughter chose Cindy Lou Who’s Belgian Waffles.
Both were tasty and good options. However, you could just get those same entrees at another restaurant for $15-$20.
Then you end with some desserts! Max bones, red velvet hearts, and Grinch cookies. We liked the Grinch sugar cookies, but the others were kinda meh.
Then after you finish your breakfast, you head to line up to meet The Grinch! We waited about 20 minutes in line. I’ve seen reports of waits up to 45 minutes and also waits of 5-10 minutes. I think if you have an earlier reservation time, then the line tends to be a little shorter.
The Grinch does spend a lot of time with each family and we decided to bring him some gifts, which he really seemed to love. It also was a conversation starter. My daughter made bracelets and drew a picture for him.
Is The Grinch Character Breakfast Worth It?
The Grinch Character Breakfast is expensive, the food is decent, but the interaction with the Grinch makes it all worth it. If you have a Grinch fan, then you don’t want to miss the breakfast. There is a free meet and greet in Seuss Landing, but wait times have been posted at 200 to 300 minutes on the regular.
There are some improvements that could be made like price, wait times for The Grinch, and location, but overall, it was a fun experience my daughter has been begging to try. No regrets, and The Grinch made her feel like a million bucks while also wiping his bottom with her picture, so sounds about right!
