By Jessica LaVigne
Today's the day! Minion Land on Illumination Avenue is officially open to all park guests, and includes so many themed experiences for Minion-lovers to enjoy. From banana-flavored popcorn at Pop-a-Nana, to Minion merchandise at the Evil Stuff retail store, you won't leave empty handed in this new land! And let's not forget about the brand new attraction, Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast, where you can blast your way to villain stardom.
Since the beginning of this year, we've seen this land progress a lot since Universal released the official concept art back in May. With so many guests visiting the Universal Orlando Resort on a daily basis, its no wonder that this project was completed in record time!
“We are thrilled to officially welcome our guests to the all-new Minion Land,” said Karen Irwin, President & COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “This immersive and captivating new 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, said, “After we visited Villain-Con in the first MINIONS, we all felt that there were many more stories to tell. I am thrilled for guests of all ages to discover our new Minion Land including the innovative gamified experience at Villain-Con Minion Blast where they can battle our favorite villains featured in the Despicable Me franchise, from the iconic Vector to the most recent supervillain, supergroup, The Vicious 6.”
Minion Land Experiences
If you love the Minion franchise, then you can probably spend your whole day here. With so many fully immersive experiences, you can meet Gru's Minions, put your villainous skills to the test, or cool off with a freeze ray pop. Check out everything can see and do in the brand new Minion Land by Illumination.
VILLAIN-CON MINION BLAST
Villain-Con Minion Blast 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 – a notorious group of supervillains from the hit film, “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” Villain-Con Minion Blast is also the first Universal Orlando attraction to feature a connected gameplay 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 new eatery that offers something for everyone in a highly entertaining dining experience that features three themed areas designed after beloved Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto: the Kitchen, the Breakroom and the Dining Room. Guests can also enjoy their meal at the outdoor patio that overlooks the fun of Minion Land.
Guests of all ages can enjoy inventive fare featuring nearly 20 items inspired by memorable characters and staples from the Minions franchise. 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 in Minion Land.
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, keychains and more.
EVIL STUFF
At this unique retail store, guests can pick up all the items necessary to complete their villainous transformation. This new retail store 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 guests can meet, greet and interact with beloved characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes, plus new additions from the hit film “Sing” – Rosita, Gunter and Johnny – at the Illumination Theater.
POP-A-NANA
This walkup location features sweet and savory popcorn, including a special banana flavor, inspired by the Minions’ love for bananas. Here, guests may also find an assortment of fun popcorn buckets, including the Disco Minion.
FREEZE RAY POPS
Guests can cool off with a visit to Freeze Ray Pops, a walk-up window serving refreshingly colorful frozen treats inspired by Gru, the Minions and Vector.
DESPICABLE ME MINION MAYHEM
One of the most comedic, heartwarming, and beloved theme park experiences ever created brings Minions, mayhem, and tons of laughter to a ride that turns guests into Minions. This simulator attraction is a fan favorite and must-see while experiencing all that Minion Land has to offer.
Images and content by Universal Orlando Resort
Overall
We got to see a special preview of this land yesterday, and let me tell you - it's amazing. The theming alone really makes you feel like you're part of Gru's Minion crew.
You can enjoy this new land and more at Universal Orlando Resort, and spread out the fun with Three Extra Months Free when you purchase any 2-Park or 3-Park Annual or Seasonal Pass for U.S. and Canada residents. *Blockout dates apply on select Passes.
Want to live near the theme parks and stay up to date with everything Orlando? We can help!
The Orlando Real is sponsored by The Pozek Group. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Orlando, reach out and we would love to help!
Search Orlando Real Estate Listings
Leave A Comment