Universal’s Minion Land

It’s been in the works for more than a year, and it is now the brightest, funnest and yellow-est attraction at Universal Orlando. Yes, the all-new Minion Land in now open at the Universal Studios park, and it is a riot of colour, humour and activity.

It replaces the former Shrek 4-D film show, and it expands the Minion universe extensively as you walk through the gates of Universal’s original park. It also introduces a wealth of new tastes, thanks to four food and beverage options.

But the headline attraction is equally novel and entertaining. Villain-Con Minion Blast features a unique walk-through shoot-’em-up game that is sure to be a big hit with families, especially as you get to compete against each other in this extension of the Minion movie world.

Universal Minion Land - The Basics

Regular Universal visitors will know that the park already boasted one out-and-out banana-infused attraction with Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, a highly amusing simulator ride into the original villain-tinged realm of Gru and his yellow assistants.

And that has been used to expand the Minion-verse throughout the main entrance area, creating a clever 3-D effect, with the park’s designers getting together with movie-makers Illumination Films to create a vivid and compelling setting.

At the opening event on August 11, Universal Orlando’s president Karen Irwin explained: “We are thrilled to officially welcome our guests to the all-new Minion Land.

“This immersive and captivating addition to our destination was brought to life in a partnership with our colleagues at Illumination and puts our guests into the heart, and villainous minds, of this diabolically fun franchise. This rich new environment has so much for all our guests to enjoy.”

Chris Meledandri, founder, and CEO of Illumination added: “After we visited Villain-Con in the first Minions [movie], we all felt there were many more stories to tell. I am thrilled for guests to discover our new Minion Land, including the innovative gamified experience at Villain-Con Minion Blast where they can battle our favourite villains featured in the Despicable Me franchise, from the iconic Vector to the most recent supervillain, supergroup, The Vicious 6.”

Guests are welcomed to the land with a fun, photo-worthy “Minion Land” marquee featuring 22 Minions before embarking on more mayhem that awaits along Illumination Avenue, including the headline new attractions.

Here’s a full look at the collection of experiences that we think guests will find enjoyably despicable in Minion Land:

Villain-Con Minion Blast

This all-new attraction blends immersive sets, interactive game-based technology and an original storyline for a first-of-its-kind attraction that puts guests’ villainous skills to the test to see if they have what it takes to become a member of the Vicious 6 – the notorious group of supervillains from the hit 2022 film Minions: The Rise of Gru.

Villain-Con Minion Blast is also the first Universal Orlando attraction to feature a connected game-play experience via The Official Universal Orlando Resort App. By syncing their blaster to the app with just a tap, contenders can take their game to an entirely new level and track their scores, embark on special missions within the attraction, unlock evil perks and extra powerful blasts to help them gain more points and earn digital collectibles.

Minion Cafe

At the new Illumination’s Minion Cafe, guests can expect an immersive eatery that offers something for everyone in a highly entertaining dining experience that features three themed areas - the Kitchen, the Breakroom and the Dining Room - designed after beloved Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto. Guests can also enjoy their meal at the outdoor patio that overlooks the outdoor fun of Minion Land.

The inventive fare on the menu features nearly 20 items inspired by memorable characters and staples from the Minions franchise, including Lucy’s Top Secret Salmon and Stuart’s Szechuan Chicken. We also like El Macho’s Salsa y Salsa Ropa Vieja (a fab beef stew) and Otto’s Noodle Bowl, along with some really tempting sandwiches and a Meatball Mountain pizza.

Minion Cafe also features an express window with a limited menu for those looking to satisfy their mischievous cravings quickly and return to the mayhem!

Bake My Day Topped with a massive pink cupcake that’s visible from anywhere in Minion Land, Bake My Day is a whimsical retail location and bakery featuring a selection of Minion-themed sweet treats, including cupcakes, macarons, s’mores and more, along with exclusive Minion-inspired merchandise like apparel, plush, drinkware, accessories and keychains.

Pop-A-Nana This walk-up location features sweet and savoury popcorn, including a special new banana flavour, inspired by the Minions’ love for bananas. Here, guests may also find an assortment of fun popcorn buckets, including the highly collectible Disco Minion.

Freeze Ray Pops Completing the four food and beverage options that make up the new Minion Land, here visitors can cool off with a visit to this walk-up window that serves refreshingly colourful frozen treats inspired by Gru, the Minions and the villainous Vector.

Evil Stuff

At this unique retail store, guests can pick up all the items necessary to complete their villainous transformation. This new shop - opposite the Super Silly Stuff store at the exit of the Despicable Me attraction - offers a variety of Villain-Con and Minions merchandise, making it a one-stop destination for those seeking to embrace their “evil” side.

Illumination Theater

Not only can guests discover murals and photo ops of popular characters from Illumination films throughout Minion Land, but now they can meet, greet and interact with an array of the film characters, including the Minions themselves as well as Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes, plus new additions from the hit film Sing, namely Rosita, Gunter and Johnny at this elaborate outdoor location, which has been extensively remodelled after previously hosting Shrek and Donkey.

It all adds up to an extensive dive into the Minion world, and we think this is a wonderful addition to the Universal Studios line-up. Now, back to the Cafe…!

What do you most like the sound of in the new Minion Land? Tell us on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages… and don’t forget to interact with us on Pinterest and now TikTok too!