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A flash flood of yellow balloons and yellow streamers greeted the crowd as Gru from the movie “Despicable Me” pushed the red button marking the official opening of Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Hollywood Friday, April 11, 2014.
Besides Gru, there were several Universal executives, along with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and the voices of Gru’s daughters, Miranda Cosgrove – the voice of “Margo,” Dana Gaier – the voice of “Edith,” and Elsie Fisher – the voice of “Agnes,” on hand.
Video: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem grand opening at Universal Studios Hollywood
Mario Lopez of television’s “Extra” served as the emcee of the short ceremony, which also featured a fast paced dance to the Oscar-nominated song “Happy” from the movie “Despicable Me 2.”
The attraction is similar to the Florida version, with the main show, a 3D moving seat simulator experience, identical to its counterpart.
Unlike the Florida version, the attraction is set in a themed mini-land. The front of the building features mockups of the houses as found on the street on which Gru and his daughters live, complete to the “dead” grass on the front lawn of Gru’s house.
Video: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Hollywood
Video: On-Ride scene – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
On the north side of the building, near the ride’s exit, sits a shop featuring everything from stuffed Minions, to stuffed unicorns and Grus and more. Outside is a themed area called “Super Silly Fun Land” from the movies, which replaced the park’s former Coca-Cola play area. It includes a wet and dry zone in the play area, with signs reading, “parents must be accompanied by children.”
Video: Super Silly Fun Land – Despicable Me play area at Universal Studios Hollywood
The wet zone is pretty much guaranteed to get anyone entering wet – actually soaked – judging by the amount of water periodically dumped by two large buckets. Today, the zone was still blocked off, as it had not received final approval from the city.
There is also a ride called “Silly Swirl” that is similar to Dumbo and the Astro Orbiter at Disneyland.
Video: Silly Swirly POV in Super Silly Fun Land / Despicable Me at Universal Studios Hollywood
Near the play area are three Midway Carnival games, and a buffet-style restaurant called Gru’s Lab Cafe.
“We wanted to do more development for this show than we did in Florida,” said Jon Corfino, the show producer and project director for the ride.
Themed mini-lands appear to be the new direction for Universal Studios Hollywood, as they also have a city of Springfield rising out of the hill around The Simpsons Ride, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature an elaborately themed land too.
Corfino added that he did not speak Minion while working on the project, but he understood them.
“What’s not to like about Minions?” he said.
The grand opening event brought celebrities down the yellow carpet, affirming their love of Minions.
Video: More Minion Madness at Despicable Me Minion Mayhem grand opening, Universal Studios Hollywood
Here’s a look back at the grand opening of Universal Orlando’s version of Despicable Me Minion Mayhem in July 2012:
Video: Interviews – Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem voices, creators, Miranda Cosgrove at Universal Orlando
Video: Grand opening of Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem at Universal Orlando
(Hollywood videos by Mark Eades. Orlando videos by Ricky Brigante.)
More photos from Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Hollywood:
