Credit: Universal Orlando ResortIf you thought Universal had maxed out the potential for Minions, think again: one park just started work on yet another Minions attraction.
Gru may technically be the lead of the Despicable Me franchise, but it’s his Minions who have truly solidified their place in pop culture. Love them or loathe them, their quirky humor has sparked viral trends, massive merchandise sales, and even a growing presence in theme parks, proving their influence extends far beyond the screen.
Universal’s Growing Minions Empire
At Universal Studios Hollywood, you can currently find Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – a motion simulator on which guests are invited to join Gru and his mischievous crew for an immersive 3D adventure. The Minions also have their own dedicated outdoor play zone, where guests can meet the characters, snap photos, and enjoy themed food and merchandise.
The Minions have an equally formidable presence at Universal Orlando Resort, where guests can once again ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and explore Illumination’s Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida.
Opened in 2023, this land features one of the park’s newest attractions: Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. Replacing Shrek 4-D, this sees riders come face to face with the Vicious 6 as they blast their way to “supervillain stardom.”
Universal Studios Beijing also boasts its own Minion Land, as does Universal Studios Singapore, with the latter having debuted earlier this year. Meanwhile, Universal Studios Japan is home to Minion Park – Universal’s inaugural Minion-themed area, complete with Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (yes, again) and Freeze Ray Sliders.
Theme Park Preps to Debut Yet Another Minion Ride
As if this wasn’t enough Minion chaos, it seems like Universal Studios Japan’s Minion Park is growing.
X, formerly known as Twitter, user @MORy_moryusj recently spotted the Villain-Con “V” being built behind a construction wall in Minion Park, suggesting that the Osaka theme park is getting its own version of Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. The same spot was previously home to San Francisco Candies.
Wha…what is this!!
Could it be ” V” ” from VILLAIN-CON?
Excited 🤭
#USJファン #USJ #ユニバ
#ミニオン
こ、これは！！
まさかVILLAIN-CONの"V"では！？
ワクワク🤭#USJファン #USJ #ユニバ#ミニオン pic.twitter.com/axPjkqFfe4— MORy (@MORy_moryusj) March 20, 2025
Of course, the reception to Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast wasn’t entirely positive when it first debuted at Universal Orlando Resort. Many visitors voiced disappointment over the ride’s lack of true immersion.
As is a common complaint about Universal’s attractions, Villain-Con Minion Blast relies heavily on screens, giving the experience a more static, less dynamic feel. Guests were expecting an interactive, high-energy adventure, but found the attraction underwhelming with limited physical elements.
It didn’t help that the attraction replaced Shrek 4-D – a beloved (if slightly dated) attraction inspired by the hit movie series featuring the ogre of the same name.
Having also closed at Universal Studios Hollywood, you can currently only find the attraction at Universal Studios Singapore – which boasts an entire Far, Far Away land – and at Universal Studios Japan. However, the latter’s version of the attraction is also currently on hiatus.
Are you Team Minions or do you think Universal has gone too far with rides inspired by the fictional henchmen?