MASSIVE UPDATES Announced for New Minion Land Coming to Universal Orlando

A NEW Minion-themed land is coming to Universal Orlando (with a Minion-themed ride to match) and some massive updates about it have just dropped.

We’ve shared some initial details about the Minion ride before, and we’ve even taken a look at why Minions: Rise of Gru did so much better than Lightyear at the box office. But now, grab your bananas and jump into the Minions world with us for some exciting news.

Universal has shared that the new Minions space will be an “expansive new land” that’ll take you into the world of the animated films “like never before” and will feature “unique dining experiences” along with the new Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction.

Minion Land will be on Illumination Ave., which is what Universal is calling “an immersive new area created in partnership between Universal’s award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination.”

Minion Land will open THIS SUMMER at Universal Studios Florida and will debut a bunch of NEW experiences. Let’s go through them all.

Marquee

First up, as soon as you enter the land you’ll see a Minion Land marquee that’ll feature 22 Minions. Be sure to stop and grab a photo!

Villain-Con Minion Blast + Evil Blast

The highlight of the land will be the NEW ride — Villain-Con Minion Blast. It’s an attraction where “guests compete against each other in a fully interactive gaming experience.”

The attraction will combine innovative screen technology, 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 attraction will transport guests to Villain-Con, the biggest criminal convention on the planet. There, you’ll take part in a competition to see if you can join The Vicious 6, a group of supervillains from Minions: The Rise of Gru.

After the ride, guests will exit through a gift shop called Evil Stuff. This is a new store where you’ll be able to “stock up on Villain-Con and Minions merchandise.”

Minion Cafe

Looking for some food? Stop by Minion Cafe, which will be the “marquee” dining spot within this land. The restaurant is described as being “immersive” and “highly-entertaining,” and Universal has said it will offer “something for every palate.”

There will be 3 themed areas in the restaurant designed after Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto. One is the Kitchen where you’ll be able to catch a peek at “the equipment and gear the Minions have used to whip up the cafe’s menu.”

Another section will be the Breakroom — where you can dine in the break space for the Minions. There, you’ll find “Office Safety Tips” to read along with a “vending machine stocked with mischievous items.” Finally, there’s the Dining Room. This is a space decorated with colorful artwork from the Minions and more. There will also be an outdoor patio to check out that’ll overlook Minion Land.

In terms of the menu, there will be “inventive, family-friendly fare” including nearly 20 items inspired by characters and more from the Minions films.

Chow down on “despica-bowls” like Otto’s Noodle Bowl…

…Agnes’s Honeymoon Soup, and Carl’s Crispy Cauliflower (vegan offering).

Or you can opt for more handheld items like the Steak & “Cheese Ray” Sandwich.

Those with a sweet tooth can check out the desserts, like Bob’s Teddy Bear Chocolate Cream Puff.

Plus, there will be a kids’ menu with things like the Mini Boss’ Mega Melt.

If you want a faster snack, you can stop by the express window for the cafe, which will have a more limited menu.

Bake My Day

But wait…there’s MORE. You can stop by Bake My Day to get souvenirs and sweet treats. It’ll have Minions-themed treats like cupcakes, macarons, s’mores, and other options. Plus, there will be Minion-inspired merchandise here like plush toys, accessories, and keychains.

It’ll be topped with a massive pink cupcake you WON’T be able to miss!

Pop-A-Nana

Ever wanted to try banana-flavored popcorn? Well, soon you’ll be able to! Pop-A-Nana — a walk-up spot — will have sweet and savory popcorn flavors inspired by the Minions and their love of bananas.

Minion Popcorn Bucket from Earlier in 2023

You’ll also find popcorn buckets here so be on the lookout for those!

Freeze Ray Pops

On a hot day, Freeze Ray Pops might be a must-visit for you. It’ll have a variety of colorful popsicles available for sale that are inspired by Gru, the Minions, and Vector. You’ll also find some beverages here.

Illumination Theater

At the Illumination Theater facade (which will be located outside) you’ll be able to participate in some character meet-and-greets with the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith, and Agnes.

Plus, you’ll find characters from the movie Sing including Rosita, Gunter, and Johnny.

In addition to the things mentioned above, you’ll want to be on the lookout for murals, photo ops, and more throughout Minion Land that will celebrate “additional characters from popular Illumination films.”

What do you think about this new space? Is it someplace you’ll HAVE to visit once it opens? Tell us in the comments.

For now, the opening date has not been set, but it is set to open in the summer so we’ll be on the lookout for more news. In the meantime, see our stories below about Univeral and check back for the latest updates!