At Universal Orlando’s Loews Portofino Bay, you can play chess with Gru! 

Loews Portofino Bay at Universal Orlando whisks guests away to the seaside village of Portofino, Italy. From the cobblestone streets to the outdoor cafes, this unique Universal hotel is the closest you’ll come to a European vacation without leaving Orlando. The resort is also home to some unique character meet-and-greets.

While the parent’s idea of a good time might be to relax by the resort’s tropical pool or enjoy some shopping, the kids may have other ideas of a good time. Thankfully, Portofino Bay offers something for everyone, including activities to keep any kid entertained. 

One of our favorites and our kid’s favorites too is the chess and checkers tables. Here, your kiddos can enjoy a fun game of checkers or chess, and if they’re lucky Despicable Me dad Gru will show up for a match. 

Over at Loews Royal Pacific Resort kids can dine with their favorite Universal character during a special Sunday Character Breakfast. The Character Breakfast includes a full buffet as well as time to pose for photos and get autographs from the characters. 

Universal Orlando’s Hard Rock Hotel also offers a fun Character Breakfast every Tuesday morning in The Kitchen. Much like the Character Breakfast at Loews Royal Pacific, The Kitchen Character Breakfast will bring in some of the theme park’s most popular characters for special dining meet and greets.

For a chance to play chess with Gru or dine with some of Universal Orlando’s most popular characters without leaving your hotel make sure you book a stay at one of Universal’s many resorts. If you are planning a trip to the park to meet even more characters you can find discounted Universal Orlando tickets right here on BestofOrlando.com!

Orlando, FL – 2/2/16

By: Jena Pugh