Credit: Dick Thomas Johnson, FlickrIf you thought Universal was slowing down its expansion plans any time soon, think again.
The past few years have been huge for Universal. Last month, Universal Orlando Resort finally debuted its third theme park, Epic Universe, complete with lands inspired by How to Train Your Dragon, Universal Classic Monsters, Nintendo, and Harry Potter. The park has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response, with fans already keen to hear more about potential expansions in the future.
Before Epic Universe, Universal was busy debuting the likes of DreamWorks Land, Donkey Kong Country – an expansion of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – at Universal Studios Japan, and the new Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore.
There’s plenty more on the way, too, with Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift heading to Universal Studios Hollywood and a surprise attraction set to replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida.
Universal Announces Surprise Opening Date for Theme Park Expansion
Even before those days come, Universal is set to debut a brand new expansion at Universal Studios Japan.
The park has confirmed that it is expanding Minion Park – its land inspired by the Despicable Me franchise – in just a few weeks. This comes months after the park confirmed that it had been quietly working on a duplicate of Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, which is currently only found at Universal Studios Florida.
Minion Park’s expansion debuts on July 11. Universal Studios Japan has confirmed that the land will grow 1.4 times bigger than its current size, alongside stores selling special food and merchandise.
“Villain-Con—the biggest gathering of villains anywhere—has arrived at USJ and Minion Park is now bigger and badder!” Universal says on its website. “Come experience Illumination’s Minions in an all-new way while also enjoying Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Freeze Ray Sliders.
The level of mayhem has been amped-up to infinity! For the first time ever, blast your way to supervillain stardom in the new Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction. Visit Evil Eats where mischief is always on the menu. Get the latest Villain-Con merch at Evil Stuff and more.”
What Else To Expect From Universal Studios Japan?
Currently, Universal Studios Japan’s Minion Park consists of Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. Just like the versions found at Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Florida, and Universal Studios Beijing, this sees guests transformed into Minions using a new device called the Minion Gun created by Doctor Nefario.
Beyond Minion Park, Universal Studios Japan blends immersive storytelling with high-tech thrills. In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests can explore Hogwarts Castle on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a dark ride that uses robotic arm technology to simulate flying. Nearby, Flight of the Hippogriff offers a gentler coaster experience through Hogsmeade, perfect for younger guests and families.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD brings video games to life with interactive attractions. The headline ride, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, uses augmented reality headsets and real steering to put guests inside a Mario Kart race. Yoshi’s Adventure is a slower-paced ride that travels along a track overlooking the land, with riders spotting hidden eggs and characters from the Yoshi series.
Elsewhere in the park, adrenaline junkies can ride The Flying Dinosaur, a flying coaster that inverts riders as it swoops and dives above the Jurassic Park area. Other highlights include Jaws, a classic boat ride with practical effects, and Hollywood Dream – The Ride, a music-synced coaster that also offers a reverse version called Backdrop.
Do you plan on visiting Universal Studios Japan anytime soon?