Universal announces new 'Minions'-inspired family attraction
Universal Orlando Resort announced Thursday that a new family-friendly attraction is coming to the park in the summer of 2023.
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, inspired by the "Minions" movie franchise, is an interactive blaster game.
"Villain-Con Minion Blast combines innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity and elaborate physical sets to create a one-of-a-kind, game-based adventure where guests encounter immersive environments, nefarious villains and tons of mischievous Minions from Illumination’s films in a whole new way. The world-class attraction transports guests to Villain-Con – the biggest criminal convention on the planet – to take part in an epic competition to see if they have what it takes to become the newest member of The Vicious 6, a notorious group of supervillains from the hit film, “Minions: The Rise of Gru," a release states.
The attraction will open within the new Minion Land, an entire area inspired by the movies.
John Gregory, a reporter for and owner of Theme Park Tribune says the Minions announcement is not a surprise.
It will replace Shrek 4-D, which closed last year and right after Shrek closed, Universal tweeted a video of an onion being replaced by a banana, a sure clue the Minions were coming.
Gregory says it's a good fit for Universal's audience.
"I think the minions are beloved because they are silly enough and clean enough for a family-friendly audience, an audience with younger kids, but they have that off-the-wall and slapstick kind of humor that can appeal to a broader demographic, not just being solely a kids property," Gregory said.
The announcement comes as Universal is in the throws of building its newest Orlando park, Epic Universe.
It's set to open in a 750-acre lot near Sand Lake Road and Universal Boulevard in the summer of 2025.
Universal's new Minion Land will also feature the fan-favorite Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and a new Minion Café.