Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.
We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.
“Minions” fans, there is a new attraction at Universal Studios Orlando Resort you won’t want to miss.
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast had a soft opening this week for technical rehearsals where guests were allowed to get a sneak peek at this highly-anticipated interactive attraction.
My family and I were lucky enough to experience it during the few hours it was open — let’s take a look at what the experience is like.
Taking over the space of the former Shrek 4-D attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast is the new centerpiece of Minion Land, sitting directly across the street from Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
The premise of the interactive ride is that you are attending Villain-Con (a convention in Orlando, Florida, for villains) and you need to prove that you have what it takes to join the supervillain group, Vicious 6, featured in the film “Minions: Rise of Gru.”
In the queue, guests pass through the tradeshow floor of the convention that features information about Villain-Con and its keynote speakers.
There are also plenty of vendors stocked with gadgets, fashion, and even Corrupt Companions for wannabe villains.
This is also where you will get your first look at the E-Liminator X blaster that will be used on the ride.
Once you pass through the tradeshow floor, you’ll be handed a fully charged E-Liminator X and instructed to stand on a colored marker on a moving conveyor belt that’s very similar to what you would see in an airport luggage carousel.
This is where the fun starts. Your only mission is to cause as much chaos and damage as possible as you wind your way through multiple rooms ending in Orlando, Florida.
Each room has a theme with both physical objects and massive interactive screens where you can prove your worth to the Vicious 6.
The attraction is open to all guests who can stand on their own, though guests under 48” (122 cm) require a supervising companion.
Guests will be blasting away on the E-Liminator X, a blaster with haptic feedback that tracks your shooting and will display your score throughout the attraction.
Each blaster has a username, score, and color that will appear on the screen as you are shooting, and your final score will be presented in the final room.
The blaster has 2 triggers: 1 main trigger with unlimited blasts, and a secondary trigger in the front that fires special blasts like Freeze Rays and Banana Bombs.
The E-Liminator X is a solid device, meaning it’s rather heavy. My 4-year-old son had a difficult time properly holding it — but he still had a good time.
When the ride is busy, it’s hard to keep track of exactly who is shooting and causing mayhem. This could be frustrating to those players trying to boost their score, but it also allows younger players to shoot freely without leaving the game with a 0 score.
Hot Tip:After the ride officially opens, there will be an option to enjoy enhanced gameplay via The Universal Orlando Resort app in the attraction and throughout Minion Land (opening August 11, 2023).
The entrance to Universal Studios Orlando Resort is now officially dominated by the banana-loving Minions on Illumination Ave.
With the additions of Illumination’s Minions Cafe, Bake My Day, Freeze Ray Pops, Pop-A-Nana, and, of course, plenty of souvenir-shopping opportunities, “Minions” fans can immerse themselves in the film like never before.
The completion of Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast makes the area, as they say: “So much fun, it’s a crime!”
Minion Land officially opens August 11, 2023, and Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast is already a great addition to Universal Studios Orlando Resort.
Personally, I was never a fan of the Shrek 4-D experience (despite loving the films), so I am happy to see it replaced with something more interactive — and fun!
With a steadily moving walkway that constantly transports guests through the attraction, lines should move quickly on busy park days.
My wife often gets motion sickness, but she really enjoyed the attraction and felt fine after — that’s always a good sign. And both of my kids had a blast, despite the heavy blaster.
Was this page helpful?
Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.
Travel is changing fast... Stay on top of all the points strategies, exclusive offers & pivotal news - and lock in huge savings along the way.
We respect your privacy. Please view our privacy policy here.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.
0 comments
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.