Minion Land is now officially open at Universal Orlando Resort!

Universal Orlando Resort revealed that Minion Land on Illumination Avenue officially opened to guests on August 11, 2023 at Universal Studios Florida.

Minion Land was created in partnership between the visionary teams at Universal Creative and Illumination and brings to life a whole new level of Minion mischief and diabolical fun.

This one-of-a-kind land expands upon the wildly popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction to engage the entire family in a new collection of humorous adventures inspired by Illumination’s beloved Minions franchise.

Guests of all ages can now step into the beloved world of the Minions franchise like never before at Universal Studios Florida.

“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.”

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 Ave., including the groundbreaking new attraction – Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – where guests can blast their way to supervillain stardom.

Guests can also savor tasty dishes at Minion Cafe, snack on banana-flavored popcorn at Pop-a-Nana, cool off with sweet treats at Freeze Ray Pops, shop exclusive Minion-inspired merchandise and goodies at Bake My Day and the Evil Stuff retail store, laugh alongside the Minions while experiencing absolute Mayhem at the beloved Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and meet lots of fan-favorite characters along the way at Illumination Theater.

Here’s a closer look at the collection of new experiences guests will find enjoyably despicable in Minion Land:

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 POP

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.

Below are the menu offerings available at Minion Cafe

**Mr. Gru’s PB & Jelly** – pressed peanut butter & Gru’s jelly with Minion tots and a mini banana

**Chicken Stuart’s Szechuan Surprise** – Szechuan glazed rotisserie chicken, stir fried vegetable lo mein

**Wells Banana Bread Beer** – a dark Golden English Ale which balances the flavor and aroma of ripe bananas with roasted, toast-and-caramel malt notes

**Otto’s Pet Rock** – peanut butter mousse, strawberry jelly, crushed peanuts, banana cake dipped in a chocolate shell

**Minion Swiss Roll** – vanilla cake with a pineapple cardamom whipped ganache, passion fruit “banana” with a chocolate shell

**Bob’s Teddy Bear Chocolate Cream Puff** – filled with a chocolate whipped ganache

**Fluffy Unicorn Cupcake** – confetti cupcake, vanilla & bubble gum icing, topped with a a chocolate unicorn horn

**Freedonia Festival of Mac & Cheese** – mini shells tossed in a creamy white cheddar cheese sauce with Minion tots and a mini banana

**Shrunken Moonballs with Flying Sauce** – mini meatballs in marinara over spaghetti with Minion tots and a mini banana

**Mini Boss’ Mega Melt** – pimento cheddar grilled cheese with Minion tots and a mini banana

**El Macho’s Salsa y Salsa Ropa Vieja** – braised beef with tomato cucumber salad, cilantro rice, salsa roja and El Macho tostones

**Uncle Dru’s Belly Fillin’ Pork Sandwich** – slow roasted porchetta, chimichurri sauce, mustard aioli, apple butter, bacon jam, arugula, Hawaiian pretzel bun, green banana chips

**Kevin’s Chopa Chopa Salad** – purple cabbage and arugula, tomatoes, cucumber, edamame, crispy pork belly, pulled rotisserie chicken, green banana chips and a mustard ale vinaigrette

**Agnes’ Honeymoon Soup** – green tomato soup, crispy pork belly, tomato gummy bear, basil oil served with a pimento cheddar grilled cheese sandwich

**Otto’s Noodle Bowl** – slow roasted porchetta, udon noodles, tare egg, cilantro, roast corn, shrimp dumpling, tonkotsu broth

**Mel’s Meatball Mountain** – wood oven baked stuffed pizza with meatballs, basil, fresh mozzarella and marinara

**Lucy’s Top Secret Salmon** – wood-grilled Atlantic salmon, coconut blue rice, Thai cucumbers, edamame, lipstick taser sauce

**Carl’s Crispy Cauliflower** – crispy cauliflower florets with sweet & spicy chili sauce, coconut blue rice, Thai cucumbers and edamame

**Steak & “Cheese Ray” Sandwich** – French onion dipped roast beef, caramelized onions, secret sauce, cheesy blast pimento cheese on a cheddar & onion roll

Halloween Horror Night’s Taste of Terror

Brand new this year is Taste of Terror, a separate ticketed dining event that allows guests to get a sneak peek and unlimited samples of the haunted house themed menu offerings that will be available at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights.

Included in the Taste of Terror experience, guests can enjoy

o An exclusive preview of all-you-care-to-enjoy tasting-sized portions of select Halloween
Horror Nights food and beverage items
o A souvenir Halloween Horror Nights light – up cup (21+ only)
o A Halloween Horror Nights Coca – Cola Freestyle cup
o One digital download photo taken at the Taste of Terror experience
o Alcoholic beverages will be available at a hosted bar (Must be 21+ with valid photo ID to drink)

Select menu items include, but are not limited to
o The Last of Us – Left Behind Ravioli
o Yeti – Bloody Campground Poutine
o Day of the Dead – Vegan Walking Taco
o Traditional Halloween – Peanut Blooder Burger
o Desserts – Pumpkin Dulce de Leche Puff, Trick or Treat Bucket, Bloody Snowball, Mummy Oreo Cheesecake Pop and more

Taste of Terror runs 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 18, 19, 25 and 26. Tickets cost $139, plus tax. Theme park admission is required.

**Peanut Blooder Burger** – Smash Burger w/ Peanut sauce, raspberry jelly, cheddar cheese, shaved onions, jalapeño bacon & cherry peppers

**Surfer Boy Hawaiian Pizza** – French Bread style pizza with crispy spam, pineapple chutney, jalapeño scallions, and mozzarella. Vegan Option includes vegan sausage crumble and vegan mozzarella

**Bloody Campground Poutine** – Crispy fries, topped with Asian-inspired gravy, char-sui roasted pork, cheese curds, scallions, and crispy chilis

**“Burnt Ends” Poutine (vegan)** – fries, topped with beef-less “burnt ends,” gravy and vegan cheeses

**Left Behind Ravioli** – Mini Cheese ravioli w/ marinara, truffle cream, and tempura fried enoki mushrooms

**Fried Til’ The End Chicken** – fried popcorn chicken tossed in Nashville Hot Sauce, drizzled with ranch, topped with scallions and chili threads

**Vegan Walking Taco** – Fritos chips topped with Vegan Chorizo, shredded mozzarella, roasted corn salsa, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and cilantro

**Oreo Mini Mummy Pop** – Oreo cheesecake pop with candy pop

**Trick or Treat Bucket** – chocolate crème brulée topped with peanut butter buttercream, caramel popcorn, candy corn, M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces

**Bloody Snowball** – chocolate cake with marshmallow buttercream and desiccated coconut

**Chicharrónes de Harina** – deep fried flour crisps seasoned with cinnamon and sugar

**Hellfire Mini Cake** – layered chocolate cake with mango cayenne filling topped with chocolate guitar

**Pumpkin Dulce De Leche Puff** – pumpkin and dulce de leche filled puff topped with whipped ganache, pumpkin seeds, and gold accents

And lastly, Universal Orlando Annual Passholders will be able to take advantage of Passholder-only menu offerings across the resort from August 15th through September 30th.

**Island Chicken Pancit Bowl (Whakawaiwai Eats)** – Sautéed noodles and mixed vegetables topped with grilled chicken in a sweet and tangy sauce

**Zucchini Fritters (Mythos Restaurant)** – Cretan herbed zucchini fritters, served with a cucumber tomato salad and tzatziki sauce

**Lobster Mac & Cheese (Lombardi’s Seafood Grille)** – Savory Maine lobster chunks, sea shell pasta, white cheddar Monterey Jack, parmesan cheese sauce, crunchy herb topping

**Guava Cheese Doughnut (Voodoo Doughnut)** – Raised yeast shell filled with cream cheese and guava filling, dipped in yellow honey icing

**The Maloney Stack (Finnegan’s Bar & Grill)** – Char-grilled premium Angus beef burger, beer battered onion rings, challah roll, braised beef short rib with savory bordelaise and Guinness cheese sauce

**Wagyu Beef Sliders (Confisco Grille)** – Wagyu beef sliders on brioche buns with bourbon bacon jam, cheddar cheese, arugula, and garlic aioli, served with truffle fries

Universal Orlando Resort invites U.S. and Canadian residents to take advantage of an incredible offer – three extra months free when purchasing or renewing any 2-Park or 3-Park Annual or Seasonal Pass. Available for purchase now at www.UniversalOrlando.com, the “3 Months Free on Any Pass” offer allows guests to save significantly on an extraordinary year of theme park perks that includes 15 months of admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, as well as Universal Volcano Bay for select Passes – three theme parks that boast some of the most innovative, immersive and popular theme park experiences ever created. Blockout dates apply on select Passes.

Universal Orlando Annual and Seasonal Passes are loaded with exclusive benefits and perks to experience the resort like a pro – including discounts at dining and shopping locations throughout the parks and Universal CityWalk. Plus, each pass gives guests access to special offers at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels to take their vacations to the next level.

The “3 Months Free on Any Pass” is the perfect offer for guests to explore and enjoy all the exhilarating entertainment that can only be found at Universal Orlando Resort. With more than 60 highly-immersive attractions and experiences across its award-winning theme parks – plus the debut of the all-new Minion Land and the interactive blaster game experience, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – Universal Orlando is the place to vacation in 2023 and beyond.

Passholders can also enjoy exclusive seasonal benefits, such as Passholder Appreciation Days between August 15 and September 30, giveaways and year-round access to the Passholder Lounge at Universal Islands of Adventure.

For more information about the “3 Months Free on Any Pass” offer and Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com

Universal Orlando Resort is an award-winning theme park destination that welcomes all to truly be themselves while enjoying world-class attractions that redefine theme park experiences. Here, a multitude of authentically thrilling, exciting and spontaneous adventures await – each inviting guests to embark on whatever vacation they crave while igniting their full range of emotions like never before – from the awe of walking the streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the rush of adrenaline that takes over when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor in Jurassic Park to the wide-eyed joy of seeing an entire slice of cake atop a delectable milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.

The 700-acre resort is home to three exhilarating theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay – that boast some of the most innovative and immersive experiences ever created, with a fourth next-level theme park, Universal Epic Universe, on the way. Guests can also relish in exciting dining and entertainment at the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and enjoy incredible accommodations and magnificent theming across eight hotels that offer something for every style and budget – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside and Dockside Inn and Suites.