Bello, froggy friends! Lily was so hoppy to wake up to some incredible news from the team at Universal Orlando Resort. Starting in summer 2023, frogs will be able to enter Villain-Con — the biggest gathering of criminals anywhere. That's right! A brand-new attraction is coming next year to Universal Studios Florida! But ... that's not all. More marvelous Minion mayhem is on its way to the area formerly known as Production Central. Anxious to know more? Well, strap on your goggles and overalls and keep reading because we have all the despicable details!
What We Know About Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida
Say goodbye to Production Central! As soon as you enter Universal Studios, you'll step foot on Illumination Avenue and enter the all-new Minion Land. What will you find there? Be sure to bookmark this blog because we'll be updating it as more information is announced, but here's everything we know so far!
What Rides Will Be in Minion Land?
Joining the beloved Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem will be Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast. This first-of-its-kind diabolical family attraction will allow frogs to put their sinister skills to the test and take part in an epic competition. Fuel up on those bananas and see if you have what it takes to join the hallowed ranks of The Vicious 6, the most infamous group of supervillains in the world. Grab your blaster and step onto a motion-based pathway where you'll wind and glide through various villainous scenes and earn points by blasting a variety of items. The goal? Cause as much mayhem and destruction as possible.
Combining innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity and elaborate physical sets, this game-based adventure will bring you face-to-face with nefarious villains and tons of mischievous Minions in a whole new way. Familiar faces include the fierce Belle Bottom and the crustaceous Jean Clawed.
When Is Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast Opening?
Frogs will be able to enter the biggest criminal convention on the planet in summer 2023!
Where Will Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast Be Located?
Villain-Con is taking residence in the soundstage formerly occupied by Shrek 4-D, right across the street from Gru's house!
What Restaurants Will Be in Minion Land?
Dine like a supervillain at the brand-new Minion Café, the marquee dining location of Minion Land. This immersive new eatery is set to house a highly-entertaining dining experience themed after beloved Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto.
Hungry frogs will get the chance to enter and explore three separate dining areas: the Kitchen, where you'll get a glimpse of the explosive equipment and gear the Minions are using to whip up the cafe's delicious dishes; the Breakroom, where you'll find questionable "Office Safety Tips" and a vending machine stocked with mischievous items; and the Dining Room, where you'll get to check out colorful artwork courtesy of the Minions and more! Frogs will also get to enjoy their meal on the outdoor patio that overlooks all the marvelous madness of Minion Land.
Now, what have these overall-laden henchmen cooked up for you? Well, we're delighted to share that they're serving up an inventive menu full of family-friendly fare (with input from Universal Orlando's award-winning, culinary team, of course)! Be prepared to choose from nearly 20 items inspired by memorable characters and staples from the "Despicable Me" franchise, including vibrant "Despica-Bowls" such as Otto's Noddle Bowl, Agnes's Honeymoon Soup and the vegan Carl's Crispy Cauliflower, scrumptious handhelds such as the Steak & "Cheese Ray" sandwich and mouthwatering desserts such as Bob's Teddy Bear Chocolate Cream Puff. Tadpoles will also get to indulge in delectable dishes such as Mini Boss' Mega Melt. Frogs on the go will also be hoppy to know that an express window with a limited menu will also be available!
That's not all Minion Land will have to offer when it comes to silencing growling bellies! If you spotted a giant pink cupcake while conquering the Double Take on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, you've seen the future location of Bake My Day, a brand-new bakery that will be serving up cupcakes, macarons, s'mores and more. Additionally, this shop will serve as a retail location where you'll find Minion-inspired merchandise, such as apparel, plushes, drinkware, accessories, keychains and more.
Still haven't satisfied your sweet tooth? Then be sure to hit up Pop-A-Nana where you'll find sweet and savory popcorn (banana-flavored, anyone?!?) and an adorable assortment of popcorn buckets, including the famous Minion Selfie Bucket. And, of course, don't leave Minion Land without taking a peek inside Freeze Ray Pops where you'll find refreshing beverages and a variety of colorful popsicles inspired by Gru, the Minions and the vicious Vector. We can't wait to try these frogtastically fruity and frozen treats!
When Are the Minion Land Restaurants Opening?
Ravenous frogs will be able to get a tantalizing taste of Minion mischief in summer 2023.
What Else Is Coming to Minion Land?
Every good ride ends at a gift shop. Once you've proven your worth at Villain-Con: Minion Blast, be sure to stock up on toy blasters and other gizmos at Evil Stuff, opening alongside the attraction in summer 2023!
You didn't think you'd be able to stroll Illumination Avenue without meeting a few beloved characters, did you? Well, get your camera ready because you'll be able to cause all sorts of mischievous mayhem with the Minions, Gru, Agnes, Margo and Edith from the "Despicable Me" series AND jam along with Rosita, Gunter and Johnny from the hit film "Sing" at the brand-new outdoor Illumination Theater facade. Not only that but you'll be sure to discover colorful murals, photo ops and more throughout the land that celebrate additional characters from Illumination's popular films!
Where Can You See the Minions Currently?
Our favorite yellow troublemakers already have quite a presence at Universal Orlando! Transform into a Minion yourself and undergo basic (and not-so-basic) training under the watchful eyes of Margo, Agnes and Edith at Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem in Universal Studios. Once you've changed back to a human, exit the ride and get groovy with Gru's trusted henchmen in an interactive Minion-inspired dance party, then stock up on Gru-approved gadgets and marvelous Minion merch at Super Silly Stuff. You can also spend a night in Gru's laboratory and catch some Z's on a missile-shaped bed when you book a kids' suite at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
Are you excited about the new Minion ride at Universal Orlando Resort? What are you ordering first at Minion Café? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: What's Coming to Universal Orlando Resort in 2023 and Beyond
Hoppy planning!
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