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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Universal Orlando Plans New Dreamworks Animation Land at Universal Studios for 2024
Universal Orlando Resort said it will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animations’ beloved animated characters.
Universal Orlando Resort said it will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animations’ beloved animated characters.
As guests step into this new land, their imaginations will run wild as they take in the vibrant colors, sights and sounds that surround them.
Dreamworks Land is coming to Universal Orlando Resort
Guests will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and explore themed interactive play spaces and attractions that bring popular franchises like Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda to life in imaginative ways.
The new DreamWorks land, coming to Universal Studios Florida, is part of a collection of new entertainment experiences debuting at Universal Orlando Resort in 2024 and is a continuation of Universal’s commitment to rich storytelling that places guests of all ages in the most incredible and immersive environments.
This new land will replace the former Woody Woodpecker area of the park.
More details will be revealed in the future. For more information on Universal Orlando Resort packages, click here.
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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See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
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