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Universal Orlando reveals additional details about new Minion Land

May 19, 2023
3 min read
Minion Land at Universal Orlando Resort
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Get ready to say “Bello” to even more Minions at Universal Orlando Resort.

On August 11, 2023, the new Minion Land will open at Universal Studios Florida with an attraction inspired by 2022’s “Minions: The Rise of Gru," a Minions-themed cafe, character meet-and-greets and more. These new experiences and attractions will join the fan-favorite Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride — creating an immersive new area of the park where guests can channel their inner Minion.

Related: These are the 10 best rides at Universal Orlando

Universal recently released additional images and specifics about Minion Land, detailing what guests can expect when they visit this summer.

Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast is a new attraction that transports guests to Villain-Con: the worldwide convention for criminals where hopeful supervillains test their mettle in an attempt to join the supervillain group, 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 are 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 scenes. Riders 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.

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Related: Unlock more magic: 16 Universal Orlando secrets to know before your next trip

Minion Land dining locations

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

In addition to the new attraction, Universal is opening multiple dining locations throughout Minion Land.

Guests can dine at Illumination's Minion Cafe, a themed, quick-service eatery with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu will have dishes inspired by characters from the "Minions" films, and some even feature the Minions’ favorite food — bananas. Warm up with a "despica-bowl," bite into a Steak and "Cheese Ray" Sandwich or snack on a Bob's Teddy Bear Chocolate Cream Puff, just to name a few.

You can also purchase Minion-themed treats and souvenirs at the Bake My Day gift shop and bakery, pick up some banana-flavored popcorn from the Pop-A-Nana popcorn stand or cool off with a popsicle from Freeze Ray Pops.

Other Minion Land experiences

Guests can meet characters from the "Minions" films and other Illumination animated films at the Illumination Theater. This outdoor area will be the go-to spot for character meet-and-greets and photo opportunities with favorite characters.

Bottom line

Minion Land is set to open on August 11, 2023. That should give you plenty of time to brush up on your supervillain skills before you attend Villain-Con.

Featured image by UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. 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, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.