First Look: Universal Orlando's Newest Attraction Villain-Con Minion Blast
Universal Orlando Resort said Minion Land on Illumination Avenue will officially open to guests and clients on Aug. 11, 2023
I had a chance to experience Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Villian-Con Minion Blast which is set to open at Universal Studios Florida. It was, well, a blast!
In Villain-Con Minion Blast you’ll blast their way to supervillain stardom. This first-of-its-kind attraction puts guests’ villainous skills to the test to see if they have what it takes to become a member of the Vicious 6—a notorious group of supervillains from the hit film “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”
It’s not only hilarious but really fun! It’s one of the most creative and immersive attractions that has come to any Orlando theme park in a long time. As soon as I got off, I wanted to go again.
This attraction is still in “technical rehearsal” or what Disney might call “soft opening” so I cannot show you everything just yet. But here are a few highlights to give you an idea of what to expect when it officially opens on August 11, 2023.
If you recall from the film Minions: Rise of Gru, the characters travel to Orlando, Florida for Villian-Con, an annual convention for villains. As funny as that is, and of course this being the real Orlando, Universal Creative actually made the queue for this attraction, the convention center.
There are posters for exhibitors as you enter the convention center. They are really setting the scene that you’re attending Villian-Con in Orlando.
Just before entering the attraction, you’ll be issued a blaster. IT has a regular trigger and then a front trigger that’s used to deliver an even strong blast.
You begin by standing on a slow-moving conveyor belt that winds its way through different rooms.
In a way, YOU are the ride vehicle here. Your goal is to aim your blaster at as many moving targets as you can to rack up points. There are lots of Minion shenanigans, of course.
This new ride technology is a game-change for Universal, which can sometimes rely too much on motion simulators. This is not a motion simulator thankfully and it’s one of the best new attractions I’ve experienced here in Orlando.
And in true Oralndo-style, all good attractions empty out into a themed gift shop. But that’s not all. MinionLand is a whole new section of Universal Studios Florida.
Bake My Day Minion Bakery
Bake My Day has Minion-themed desserts, candy, and pastries.
Minion Cafe
You can fuel up for the mayhem with a unique dining experience, Minion Café, a new eatery run by the Minions featuring inventive fare for every guest. Pop-A-Nana, a kiosk featuring banana-flavored popcorn; Freeze Ray Pops, a walk-up window serving refreshingly colorful frozen treats;
Minions Cafe is themed to the Minion’s break room. Lots of funny gags everywhere you look.
Where the Minions clock in for their shift.
There are motivational posters on the wall. They were among my favorite details.
The locker room is filled with gags and hidden details. Be sure to look inside.
Minion’s Cafe dining room has penty of seating.
The guitar and teddy bear from the end scene in the animated movie are on the wall in the dining room.
Pap-A-Nana Popcorn
Pop-A-Nana, a kiosk featuring banana-flavored popcorn, Freeze Ray Pops, a walk-up window serving refreshingly colorful frozen treats.
Minion popcorn buckets are available at Minionland as well. Popcorn is banana flavored.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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New Minion Land Coming to Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort shares new details about all the ways guests can eat, laugh and make mischief with the Minions in the highly anticipated Minion Land on Illumination Ave.
As soon as guests enter the new Minion Land at Universal Orlando Resort, they’ll be greeted by a fun, photo-worthy “Minion Land” marquee featuring 22 Minions before embarking on the mischief that awaits along Illumination Ave.
ILLUMINATION’S VILLAIN-CON MINION BLAST
Guests can put their villainous skills to the test in Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – a new attraction where guests compete against each other in a fully interactive gaming experience that’s so much fun, it’s a crime.
Afterward, guests exit through Evil Stuff, an all-new retail location where they can stock up on Villain-Con and Minions merchandise.
More details about Villain-Con Minion Blast will be revealed soon.
ILLUMINATION’S MINION CAFE
The new Illumination’s Minion Cafe – will be the main dining location within Minion Land.
It will feature 3 themed areas designed after beloved Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto:
The Kitchen – where guests will get a glimpse of the equipment and gear the Minions have used to whip up the cafe’s menu
The Breakroom – where guests can dine in the Minions’ break space that includes everything from “Office Safety Tips” to a vending machine stocked with mischievous items
The Dining Room – a vibrant space adorned with colorful artwork courtesy of the Minions and more.
Guests can also enjoy their meal on an outdoor patio that overlooks the fun of Minion Land.
ILLUMINATION THEATER
Guests can meet, greet and interact with beloved characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith, and Agnes, plus new additions from the film “Sing” – Rosita, Gunter, and Johnny – at an outdoor Illumination Theater facade.
Guests can also discover murals, photo ops, and more throughout Minion Land that celebrate additional characters from popular Illumination films.
Minion Land is coming summer 2023. Stay tuned for more information and images.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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