Detour

Minion Land is coming to Universal Studios Florida this summer

By Evie Blanco

Updated January 31, 2024 10:58 AM

Bake My Day retail shop at Minion Land in Universal Studios Florida. Minion Land, based on the mischievious characters from the “Despicable Me” franchise films, is opening this summer. Universal Orlando Public Relations

The highly anticipated Minion Land on Illumination Avenue at Universal Orlando Resort has released additional information about the food, laughs, and fantastic times guests can enjoy with the Minions. The renowned Illumination filmmakers and Universal’s award-winning creative team collaborated to create this immersive new space. The new park, which will open at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL, this summer, builds on the enormously successful Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride. It will introduce a brand-new range of activities for visitors of all ages based on the popular “Minions” film series.

Before experiencing the mayhem that goes down on Illumination Ave., visitors will be welcomed by a colorful, memorable “Minion Land” marquee displaying 22 Minions. Details about Minion Land’s new and exciting attractions, including Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, the Minion Cafe, Pop-a-Nana’s banana-flavored popcorn, and encounters with fan-favorite characters, are provided below.

ILLUMINATION’S VILLAIN-CON MINION BLAST

Minion Land features the brand-new attraction, Villan-Con Minion Blast, where riders battle each other in various interactive games. Universal Orlando Public Relations

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast is a brand-new attraction where guests battle against one another in various interactive and entertaining game activities designed to test their evil strength. After that, visitors leave through Evil Stuff, a brand-new store, to fill up on Minions and Villain-Con gear. Stay tuned for more announcements regarding Villain-Con Minion Blast!

ILLUMINATION’S MINION CAFE

Steak & “Cheese Ray” sandwich at Minion Cafe at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal Orlando Public Relations

The new Illuminations Minion Cafe has three distinct rooms styled after the four most popular Minions (Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto), guaranteeing a fun time for diners of all palates: The Kitchen, where visitors can see the appliances and tools the Minions use to prepare the cafe’s food; the Breakroom, where they can enjoy a meal in the Minions’ break area, complete with “Office Safety Tips” and a vending machine full of mischievous items; and the Dining Room, a cheery space decorated with colorful artwork from the Minions and more. Diners can also sit outside on a patio that views all the action at Minion Land.

Otto’s Noodle Bowl at Minion Cafe at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal Orlando Public Relations

Minion Cafe is the latest example of Universal Orlando’s award-winning culinary staff continuously setting a new standard for theme park dining with its delectable food and brilliantly themed settings. Nearly 20 dishes, including “despica-bowls” like Otto’s Noodle Bowl, Agnes’s Honeymoon Soup, and Carl’s Crispy Cauliflower (vegan option), as well as “despicable” handhelds like the Steak & “Cheese Ray” Sandwich and “despicable” desserts like Bob’s Teddy Bear Chocolate Cream Puff and a kids’ menu for the “mini Minions” in the family, are available. If you’re in a hurry but still want to satisfy your mischievous cravings, the Minion Cafe will have an express window with a smaller menu.

BAKE MY DAY

Bake My Day is a whimsical store and bakery with a huge pink cupcake on top that can be seen anywhere in the area. Inside, you’ll find a variety of sweet treats with Minion themes, like cupcakes, macarons, s’mores, and more, as well as unique Minion-themed apparel, plush, drinkware, accessories, keychains, and more.

POP-A-NANA

The Minions’ love of bananas inspired the sweet, salty popcorn served at this walk-up location. Visitors can also find a variety of adorable popcorn buckets in this location, including the Minion Selfie bucket.

FREEZE RAY POPS

Folks can cool off on a hot day by stopping by Freeze Ray Pops, which offers beverages and a variety of colorful popsicles inspired by Gru, the Minions, and Vector.

ILLUMINATION THEATER

At the outdoor Illumination Theater facade, visitors can meet and interact with their favorite characters from the film, including the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith, and Agnes, and the newcomers’ Rosita, Gunter, and Johnny from the smash hit “Sing.”

You can find murals, photo ops, and more honoring other characters from hit Illumination films sprinkled liberally throughout Minion Land.

Minion Land is one more way Universal Destinations & Experiences pushes the boundaries of family-friendly, fully-immersive storytelling by drawing from popular film franchises and characters. This exciting news follows the company’s announcement earlier this year that it would construct a unique, original theme park in Frisco, Texas, aimed at families with young children.

Visit the official website of Universal Orlando Resort to learn more about Minion Land and the rest of the theme park.

Evie Blanco is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience who was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Queens, New York. She is extremely well-versed in hip-hop music and culture and is always aware of any developments within it. Whether it’s the latest in pop culture, a fascinating foreign destination, a truly amazing new restaurant, or breaking news, she loves to write about it all. Evie can be reached via email at evieblanco@detourxp.com.

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This story was originally published May 23, 2023 at 7:10 PM.