ORLANDO, Fla. – Do you have what it takes to become the next super villain?
Get ready to enter Villain-Con and put those evil skills to the test at Universal Orlando’s all-new interactive experience, “Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.”
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The attraction, which is currently scheduled to officially open sometime this summer, began technical rehearsals for park guests Saturday morning. Before guests were allowed inside, Universal leaders welcomed a limited number of media to check out the villainous blaster technology that guests will soon be using.
See more images in gallery above
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast is just one piece of Universal Orlando’s plans for an all-new Minion Land. When guests step onto the newly created “Illuminations Avenue” at Universal Studios Florida, they will not only find the immersive new experience, but also the unique Minion Café, various eateries, shopping and entertainment offerings inspired by some of Illumination’s hit films and character meet-and-greets at the new Illuminations Theater.
The “Minion Blast” queue snakes through areas that the former Shrek 4D attraction had. Instead of finding swampy fairytale creatures, guests will find “Villain-Con” banners and logos throughout, along with some comedic posters featuring some of the villains from the “Despicable Me” films including, of course, the notorious Vicious 6.
Following a short stint outside in the queue, guests will make their way into a large room that Universal is calling the convention trade show floor. The room is stocked with the latest villain gadgets, malicious vehicles, corrupt companions (pets) and their food, wickedly good fashion and so much more.
The room is packed with small details that guests are sure to uncover each time they visit.
Guests will then move up into a small area where a slow-moving conveyor system holds “E-Liminator X” blasters.
Here are the “E-Liminator X” blasters. Each one lights up and says if they’re fully charged or not. #AtUniversal pic.twitter.com/UbIbrRSOdo
— Landon McReynolds (@LandonProducer) July 15, 2023
From this point, guests will step onto a moving pathway and use their blaster, which is equipped with Freeze Rays, Banana Bombs, Explosive Nunchucks and more to cause as much mayhem and destruction as possible to earn points. The experience moves through a series of rooms with large screens and set pieces. During the experience, guests will encounter each member of the Vicious 6, voiced by the original cast from the films including Belle Bottom, Stronghold, Nun-Chuck, Jean Clawed and Svengeance.
Universal said Minion Blast will be the first attraction with connected gameplay that will sync up to the Official Universal Orlando Resort App.
By syncing their blaster to the app with just a tap, Universal said guests can track their scores, embark on special missions within the attraction, unlock evil perks and extra powerful blasts to help them gain more points and earn digital collectibles. Universal said the digital experience will unlock a deeper guest connection that enhances in-park experiences and sets the stage for even more digital-to-physical world benefits.
Universal Orlando worked hand-in-hand with their partners at Illumination Entertainment to bring this experience to life.
During technical rehearsals, Universal Orlando said the ride may close unexpectedly for the day, or may not open at all.
Click here for more information about Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.
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