First Look: Universal Orlando's Newest Attraction Villain-Con Minion Blast

I had a chance to experience Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Villian-Con Minion Blast which is set to open at Universal Studios Florida. It was, well, a blast!

In Villain-Con Minion Blast you’ll blast their way to supervillain stardom. This first-of-its-kind attraction 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.”

It’s not only hilarious but really fun! It’s one of the most creative and immersive attractions that has come to any Orlando theme park in a long time. As soon as I got off, I wanted to go again.

This attraction is still in “technical rehearsal” or what Disney might call “soft opening” so I cannot show you everything just yet. But here are a few highlights to give you an idea of what to expect when it officially opens on August 11, 2023.

MinionLand Villian-Con at Universal Orlando

If you recall from the film Minions: Rise of Gru, the characters travel to Orlando, Florida for Villian-Con, an annual convention for villains. As funny as that is, and of course this being the real Orlando, Universal Creative actually made the queue for this attraction, the convention center.

MinionLand Villian-Con at Universal Orlando

There are posters for exhibitors as you enter the convention center. They are really setting the scene that you’re attending Villian-Con in Orlando.

Despicable-Me-Minion-Mayhem
Despicable-Me-Minion-Mayhem

Just before entering the attraction, you’ll be issued a blaster. IT has a regular trigger and then a front trigger that’s used to deliver an even strong blast.

Despicable-Me-Minion-Mayhem Universal Orlando

You begin by standing on a slow-moving conveyor belt that winds its way through different rooms.

In a way, YOU are the ride vehicle here. Your goal is to aim your blaster at as many moving targets as you can to rack up points. There are lots of Minion shenanigans, of course.

This new ride technology is a game-change for Universal, which can sometimes rely too much on motion simulators. This is not a motion simulator thankfully and it’s one of the best new attractions I’ve experienced here in Orlando.

Despicable-Me-Minion-Mayhem Universal Orlando

And in true Oralndo-style, all good attractions empty out into a themed gift shop. But that’s not all. MinionLand is a whole new section of Universal Studios Florida.

Bake My Day Minion Bakery

Despicable-Me-Minion-Mayhem MinionLand
bake-my-day-universal

Bake My Day has Minion-themed desserts, candy, and pastries.

Minion Cafe

minion-cafe-universal-orlando

You can fuel up for the mayhem with a unique dining experience, Minion Café, a new eatery run by the Minions featuring inventive fare for every guest. Pop-A-Nana, a kiosk featuring banana-flavored popcorn; Freeze Ray Pops, a walk-up window serving refreshingly colorful frozen treats;

Minions Cafe is themed to the Minion’s break room. Lots of funny gags everywhere you look.

Minion-Cafe-Universal Orlando

Where the Minions clock in for their shift.

minion-cafe-universal-orlando

There are motivational posters on the wall. They were among my favorite details.

minion-cafe-universal-orlando

The locker room is filled with gags and hidden details. Be sure to look inside.

minion-cafe-universal-orlando

Minion’s Cafe dining room has penty of seating.

minion-cafe-universal-orlando

The guitar and teddy bear from the end scene in the animated movie are on the wall in the dining room.

minion-cafe-universal-orlando

Pap-A-Nana Popcorn

Pop-A-Nana, a kiosk featuring banana-flavored popcorn, Freeze Ray Pops, a walk-up window serving refreshingly colorful frozen treats.

pop-a-nana popcorn minions at Universal Orlando

Minion popcorn buckets are available at Minionland as well. Popcorn is banana flavored.




Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.


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Darren Wittko

For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.

www.saveatwdw.com
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