HamiKuma, a character originating from Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN), will be present at Universal Studios Hollywood for HHN 2025 as a meet-and-greet character. This marks the first time the character will appear in a live capacity outside of Japan, according to official announcements. The meet-and-greet is scheduled to take place in front of the Animation Studio Store, and it will be available during both daytime and evening hours on event days.
In addition to the live appearances, Universal Studios Hollywood has introduced a line of HamiKuma-themed merchandise for the 2025 Halloween season. These items include a popcorn bucket priced at $39.99, a plush headband for $30, a spirit jersey costing $85, and a keychain available for $25.
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Each product features the distinctive design of the character. The introduction of this merchandise line complements the character’s live presence and provides fans with various options for memorabilia.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s decision to feature HamiKuma reflects the park’s ongoing effort to incorporate popular elements from its international counterparts. While the character has only appeared as a mascot and merchandise figure in Japan until now, its live meet-and-greet introduction at Hollywood indicates a potential expansion of the franchise’s reach.
HamiKuma’s Absence from Universal Orlando Resort
Contrary to Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort will not feature HamiKuma as a live character during HHN 2025. Official sources confirm that HamiKuma will not be part of any meet-and-greet or interactive experiences at the Orlando park. While merchandise related to HamiKuma is available for purchase at Universal Orlando, it remains limited to retail items without associated live performances or character appearances.
Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights via Halloween Horror Nights YouTube
This absence follows Universal Studios Japan’s original announcement regarding the character’s international expansion, which named Universal Studios Hollywood explicitly but did not include Orlando as a destination for live character appearances. The decision appears to be a deliberate choice rather than an oversight, likely based on differing event programming strategies between the two parks.
Universal Orlando Resort is known for its large-scale haunted houses, scare zones, and shows during HHN. It often curates exclusive content tailored specifically to its audience. The exclusion of HamiKuma from Orlando’s live lineup may be a reflection of this strategic programming, focusing on other original or licensed intellectual properties instead.
HamiKuma meet and greet at Universal Studios Hollywood – YouTube, Jerrod Journeys
The availability of HamiKuma merchandise at Orlando indicates some level of brand recognition and interest among guests. Visitors to Universal Orlando can purchase themed products but should not expect to interact with the character in person during the Halloween events.
The introduction of HamiKuma to the international Universal parks represents a gradual expansion strategy from Universal Studios Japan, which originally debuted the character. Observers and fans alike may anticipate potential future appearances in other parks, depending on reception and strategic decisions.
Conclusion
In summary, HamiKuma will appear as a live meet-and-greet character only at Universal Studios Hollywood during Halloween Horror Nights 2025. Universal Orlando Resort will not host live appearances of the character but will offer related merchandise. Guests interested in engaging with HamiKuma in person should plan visits accordingly.
HamiKuma in a performance at Universal Studios Tokyo – YouTube, Universal Parks News Today
The differing approaches between the two parks highlight distinct programming decisions for their respective Halloween events. Universal Studios Hollywood integrates HamiKuma into its event line-up both as a live character and through merchandise, whereas Universal Orlando Resort limits the character’s presence to merchandise alone.
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