If the Grinch plays on repeat at your house during the holidays, you’re going to want to hear this! The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast was one of the highlights of our Universal Christmas trip!
What it’s like?
It’s a special holiday breakfast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous in Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure, offered only on select mornings during Grinchmas. While you eat, the Whos stop by your table. When it’s your turn, you head over to meet the Grinch, and he takes his time. He talks, jokes, and gets everyone involved. My video of him with my boys is over four minutes long. Four minutes of pure entertainment that we still laugh about.
This Year’s Update
This year’s breakfast dates and pricing haven’t been released, but last season it ran on select mornings November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026, for around $60 for ages 10+ and $33 for ages 3–9, plus tax. You need a separate paid breakfast reservation and admission to Islands of Adventure.
This breakfast is popular, so start checking regularly now, since reservations could open any day. If you’d rather someone handle them for you click here.
After breakfast, catch The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, included with Islands of Adventure admission. It’s the cherry on top: the Grinch story rolled into roughly 30 minutes of theater, with incredible actors, beautiful singing, and performances that feel Broadway-worthy.
Holiday Magic in Every Park
Over at Universal Studios Florida, the evening Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s brings enormous balloons, dancing performers, Minions, Shrek, Madagascar characters, and Santa. Add character encounters and all the Trolls fun in DreamWorks Land, and your kids will talk about this trip for years!
While you’re there, wander through Diagon Alley’s Christmas decorations, grab a hot Butterbeer, and catch Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees performing holiday songs. The Holiday Tribute Store is another fun stop for themed displays, festive treats, and souvenirs.
Epic Universe is joining the holiday fun, too. This season brings Snoggletog decorations to How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, festive décor in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and twinkling trees and holiday fountain displays in Celestial Park. The Wizarding World’s Ministry of Magic also gets dressed up for the season.
PRO TIP: Don’t skip the Park-to-Park ticket.
It lets you visit Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure on the same day, and it’s required for the Hogwarts Express between them. That train ride is part of the fun! Make sure your ticket also includes Epic Universe admission if you’re adding that park. With all three parks, you could easily build a beautiful five- or six-day holiday vacation, with time to enjoy your resort, too. Don’t let your child age or size deter you! My kids ranged from 3-7 last time we went and there was PLENTY for everyone to do.
Stay on Property
Take advantage of staying at a Universal hotel! You’ll get complimentary transportation to and from the parks and Early Park Admission at select parks, with valid admission.
Stay at Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, or Royal Pacific, and you also get Universal Express Unlimited for the length of your stay, including check-in and checkout days. That means skipping the regular lines at participating attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. This included hotel benefit does not cover Epic Universe.
This is why working with a travel advisor matters. The right hotel and tickets can make a huge difference in your trip, and understanding those perks can make all the difference.
I don’t love comparing Disney to Universal because for me, they’re totally different and both deserve your time! But…. Something about Universal always feels a little less chaotic. There are no structured park days and no running from one attraction to another to make a ride-time window. You can simply mosey around, enjoy the decorations, and make memories with your family.
If Disney has your crew feeling overwhelmed, maybe it’s time to consider Universal instead this holiday season.
A little Grinch sass, and Christmas memories together? That’s my kind of holiday.
About the Author
This article was written by Taylor Dooley, travel agent with Triple the Magic Travel Co. From theme parks and cruises to all-inclusive resorts and family vacations, she is passionate about helping clients create unforgettable travel experiences without the stress of planning it all themselves.
Ready to start planning your next adventure? Contact Taylor today for personalized vacation planning services at no additional cost to you.
Email: travelwithtaylord@gmail.com
Instagram: @taylordooleytravel
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