Universal Orlando announces new Minion Land with a new attraction, cafe and more
Get ready to say "Hello-Bello" to even more Minions at Universal Orlando. Soon, an all-new attraction inspired by 2022's "Minions: The Rise of Gru" and a Minions-themed cafe will join the fan-favorite Despicable Me Minion Mayhem located in Universal Studios Florida — creating an all-new Minion land in the park.
Scheduled to open in summer 2023, Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast transports guests to Villain-Con: the worldwide convention for criminals where hopeful supervillains see if they have what it takes to join the ranks of the world's most notorious supervillains — The Vicious 6.
Universal describes Villain-Con Minion Blast as a family-friendly "interactive, blaster game experience" where guests will put their "villainous skills to the test as they compete against each other in a bid to join the ranks of the franchise's most infamous supervillains."
Related: How to use points to save money at Universal Orlando
True to Universal's opening-day promise that its park would allow guests to "ride the movies," Villain-Con Minion Blast will combine innovative screen technology with elaborate physical sets to create an immersive experience where guests get to be a part of the action.
Rather than a traditional ride vehicle, you will step onto a motion-based pathway and wield a blaster as you wind and glide through a series of villainous scenes; you'll earn points by blasting items and causing as much mischief as possible. Along the way, you'll encounter familiar characters from the Minions franchise and, of course, lots of mischievous yellow Minions.
Related: Unlock more magic: 16 Universal Orlando secrets to know before your next trip
In addition to the new attraction, Universal is opening a Minion Cafe. If the menu is similar to the cafe's location in Universal Studios Hollywood, you can expect to see a variety of sandwiches, soups and salads along with a few snacks and drinks featuring the Minions' favorite food — bananas.
Universal hinted at other "surprises" coming to the land inspired by popular characters from Illumination's blockbuster franchises.
Universal has not yet released specific details on height requirements for the attraction, but more details will be released in the months leading up to the attraction's summer 2023 opening. That should give you plenty of time to brush up on your supervillain skills before you attend Villain-Con.
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees