Are you looking for the ultimate guide to the NEW Minion Land at Universal Orlando Resort?
Don’t worrry, I got you!
Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Minion Land like never before.
As you step into this vibrant new addition at Universal Studios Florida, be prepared to be swept away by a multitude of exciting adventures and attractions.
Indulge your taste buds with an array of banana-flavored treats that will leave you craving for more.
From banana popcorn to a refreshing banana popsicle, there’s something for every minion lover’s palate.
But Minion Land isn’t just about satisfying your cravings; it’s also about immersing yourself in the mischievous world of these lovable characters.
I have everything you need to know about this latest addition to Universal Studios Florida.
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What is Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida?
Minion Land at Universal Studios is a vibrant and whimsical addition to the park, dedicated entirely to those mischievous yellow creatures we all adore.
This immersive land offers an array of exciting attractions, delicious food options, and unforgettable experiences that will delight fans of all ages.
As soon as you step inside Universal Studios Florida, you will enter the world of the minions from the extremely popular, family friendly, “Despicable Me” franchise.
Despicable Me and the sequel films and spin offs are beloved by all.
Why Did Universal Bring Minion Land to the Park?
Universal Orlando took feedback from guests which stated that they were hesitant to bring families because they felt the park did not have much for younger children to do, unlike their competitors like Walt Disney World, Peppa Pig Theme Park and LEGOLAND Florida.
Universal also announced that they are recreating their former Kidzone Area into a Dreamworks themed land.
This addition to the park will feature new attractions, meet-and-greets, food offerings and more.
You will also be able to experience, Trolls, Shrek and donkey and other beloved animated characters in this fun new area.
In the meantime, Minions land is welcoming guests into its fun and whimsical world!
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Minion Land Food Tour
Starting off with one of the big questions, “What’s the best thing to eat at Minion Land in Universal Studios?”
With the opening of this area, there are quite a few fun food offerings that range from quick service to table service to snacks that your tummy will not regret trying.
We will start off with the main table service restaurant, “Illuminations Minions Cafe.”
Illumination’s Minion Cafe
The Minions are always hard at work whipping up delicious meals for visitors to experience.
Here you will find dedicated areas to our main faves: Kevin, Stuart and Bob!
Let’s hope they just don’t burn the place down in the process.
You will be seated in various themed areas of the restaurant including the break room and kitchen.
However, if the weather is nice, you can sit on the outdoor patio.
How to Order Your Food at Minion Cafe
Upon my arrival to the restaurant, we were told to order through the app for faster access.
- Download the Official Universal Orlando Resort App
- Create (or sign into) Your Universal Orlando Account
- Link a Payment Option
- Connect to Park Wi-Fi and Locate “Mobile Food and Drink Ordering”
- Select Minion Cafe
- Choose Your Food Items
- Check Out
- Scan Your Table QR Code
- Select “Prepare My Order”
- Enjoy!
Get the full guide to Mobile Ordering at Universal Orlando Resort here!
Minion Cafe Universal Orlando Menu
The menu featured a wide range of noodle bowls, along with unique dishes that works for most with special dietary needs.
We were told the Minion Tots were a must-try but it wasn’t available when we visited.
We did try Otto’s Noodle Bowl and it is presented to you in a special way that i won’t give away.
It featured Slow Roasted Porchetta, Udon Noodles, Tare Egg, roast corn and shrimp dumpling with a steamy broth.
I would HIGHLY recommend this dish as its filling, delicious and easy to share.
While you’re there be sure to try Kevin’s Chopa Chopa Salad (our Editor’s favorite), El Macho’s Salsa y Salsa Ropa Vieja, and Fluffy Unicorn Cupcake!
Before we go through the full menu below, I want to give you the breakdown of what each allergy notation is on the menu.
GS – Gluten Sensitive DS – Dairy Sensitive ES – Egg Sensitive PS – Peanut Sensitive TNS – Tree Nut Sensitive FS – Fish Sensitive SFS – Shellfish Sensitive SES – Sesame Sensitive SS – Soy Protein Sensitive
Despica-bowls
- Kevin’s Chopa Chopa Salad (DS, FS, PS, SES, SFS, TNS)- purple cabbage and arugula, tomatoes, cucumber, edamame, crispy pork belly, pulled rotisserie chicken, green banana chips and a mustard ale vinaigrette
- El Macho’s Salsa y Salsa Ropa Vieja (ES, FS, GS, PS, SES, SFS, SS, TNS)- braised beef with tomato cucumber salad, cilantro rice, salsa roja and El Macho tostones
- Carl’s Crispy Cauliflower(DS, ES, FS, GS, PS, SES, SFS, VG)- crispy cauliflower florets with sweet & spicy chili sauce, coconut blue rice, Thai cucumbers and edamame
- Lucy’s Top Secret Salmon(DS, FS, GS, PS)- wood-grilled Atlantic salmon, coconut blue rice, Thai cucumbers, edamame, lipstick taser sauce
- Otto’s Noodle Bowl(DS, FS, PS, TNS)- slow roasted porchetta, udon noodles, tare egg, cilantro, roast corn, shrimp dumpling, tonkotsu broth
- Chicken Stuart’s Szechuan Surprise(DS, ES, FS, PS, SFS, TNS)- Szechuan glazed rotisserie chicken, stir fried vegetable lo mein
- Agnes’ Honeymoon Soup(FS, PS, SES, SFS, SS, TNS)- green tomato soup, crispy pork belly, tomato gummy bear, basil oil served with a pimento cheddar grilled cheese sandwich
Handhelds
- Uncle Dru’s Belly Fillin’ Pork Sandwich (FS, PS, SES, SFS)- slow roasted porchetta, chimichurri sauce, mustard aioli, apple butter, bacon jam, arugula, Hawaiian pretzel bun, green banana chips
- Steak & “Cheese Ray” Sandwich (PS, SES, SFS, TNS)- French onion dipped roast beef, caramelized onions, secret sauce, cheesy blast pimento cheese on a cheddar & onion roll
Off the Flame
- Mel’s Meatball Mountain (FS, PS, SES, SFS, TNS)- wood oven baked stuffed pizza with meatballs, basil, fresh mozzarella and marinara
Desserts
- Fluffy Unicorn Cupcake (FS, PS, SES, SFS, TNS, V)- confetti cupcake, vanilla & bubble gum icing, topped with a a chocolate unicorn horn
- Minion Swiss Roll (FS, PS, SES, SFS, SS, TNS)- vanilla cake with a pineapple cardamom whipped ganache, passion fruit “banana” with a chocolate shell
- Bob’s Teddy Bear Chocolate Cream Puff (FS, PS, SES, SFS, SS, TNS)- filled with a chocolate whipped ganache
- Otto’s Pet Rock (ES, FS, SES, SFS, SS, TNS)- peanut butter mousse, strawberry jelly, crushed peanuts, banana cake dipped in a chocolate shell
Sides
- Minion Tots (FS, PS, SES, SFS, SS, TNS, V)
- Coconut Blue Rice (DS, ES, FS, GS, PS, SES, SFS, SS, VG)
- Green Banana Chips (DS, ES, FS, GS, PS, SES, SFS, SS, TNS, VG)
- Mini Banana (DS, ES, FS, GS, PS, SES, SFS, SS, TNS, VG)
Mini Minions
- Mini Boss’ Mega Melt (FS, PS, SES, SFS, SS, TNS, V)- pimento cheddar grilled cheese with Minion tots and a mini banana
- Freedonia Festival of Mac & Cheese (FS, PS, SES, SFS, SS, TNS, V)- mini shells tossed in a creamy white cheddar cheese sauce with Minion tots and a mini banana
- Shrunken Moonballs with Flying Sauce (FS, PS, SES, SFS, SS, TNS)- mini meatballs in marinara over spaghetti with Minion tots and a mini banana
- Mr. Gru’s PB & Jelly (FS, SES, SFS, SS, TNS, V)- pressed peanut butter & Gru’s jelly with Minion tots and a mini banana
Specialty Beverages
- PX-41 Punch (ES, FS, GS, PS, SES, SFS, SS, V)- Lemonade with bright flavors of strawberry and kiwi, with Evil Minion-colored topping and Blue Raspberry Pop Rocks!
- The Antidote(ES, FS, PS, SES, SFS, SS, V)- Oodles of banana flavor with Minion-colored topping and graham cracker crumbles! Tastes like a banana cream pie!
There are a few wine and beer options for 21 and over guests to partake in as well. Coca Cola freestyle machines are here, and cups are available for purchase.
The restaurant has a mobile order pick up option, if you wish to take it to go.
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Bake My Day
Moving right along for, if you are in the mood for something sweet, you’re going to want to head to the pinkest building in the area.
Bake My Day, is a walk in bakery that features Despicable Me and Minion themed cakes, macarons, cupcakes, cookies and more.
You can grab oh so fluffy souvenirs too!
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Freeze Ray Pops
Close by is Freeze Ray Pops, where if you want something sweet but will cool you off during those crazy hot Florida summer days, you can grab them here.
Pop-A-Nana
Last but certainly not least, my personal favorite and new snack is located at the Pop-A-Nana stand, near the Minion Cafe.
Topped with some of the minions, here you can find sweet and savory popcorn options.
The controversial flavor brought over from Universal Studios Japan is the banana flavor, which I was EXTREMELY excited to try.
While I adored it, my friends weren’t crazy for it.
The banana flavor is overpowering at all and you can get hints of caramel too. My suggestion is ultimately, its only $5 for a small serving and it’s worth a try!
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Minion Land Rides at Universal Studios Florida
Within Minions Land, there was already one popular family attraction (Despicable Me Minion Mayhem), but that was part of the problem, which Universal Orlando is in the process of correcting.
Illumination’s Villain Con Minion Blast, the brand new attraction to the land, debuted to the public on August 11th of 2023.
It is unique, exciting and an excellent addition for families of all types!
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Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Before we get to the new attraction, which I will keep spoiler free, let’s touch base on the original, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
This motion simulator ride takes you along for Gru’s latest scheme.
You are being recruited to become a minion yourself!
But of course, the plan takes an unexpected and hilarious turn as you zoom through the lab and chaos ensues!
At the end, you’re invited to a super silly and fun dance party with a familiar soundtrack. It is a heartwarming and zany good time.
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Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
Coming back to the latest addition, Villain-Con Minion Blast, guests are invited to attend Villain-Con at its new home in Orlando, Florida.
Here you will join the Minions and the rest of the Vicious 6 villains to see if you have what it takes to join the squad.
You will be given E-Liminator X blasters and be placed on a moving walkway where you will aim at targets on screen to rack up a high score.
It is a unique and roaring good time for everyone that I highly recommend you try!
How to Play the Villain-Con Minion Blast Game
When you download the Universal Orlando app, you can enjoy enhanced gameplay at Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction and throughout Minion Land on Illumination Avenue.
Once you download the app, you’ll be able to create a profile.
After creating your profile, you’ll be able to keep track of your score each time you experience this attraction.
Just be sure to connect your E-Liminator X blaster to your app when entering the attraction.
On the app, you can also connect with friends and work your way to the highest score on the leaderboard!
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Illumination Theater
Want to meet some of your favorite Illuminations characters? Now you can at the dedicated Illuminations theater!
Here you can run into one to two characters at a time and have some memorable experiences with them.
For the first time ever, now you can meet some of the main characters from the popular “Sing!” franchise.
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Minion Land Merchandise and Shopping
Don’t forget to indulge in some retail therapy!
Explore the shops in Minion Land and get your hands on some exclusive Minion merchandise.
It’s the perfect way to take a piece of the Minion mayhem home with you. There are three ways to get your favorite merchandise in Minion Land:
1. Super Silly Fun Stuff
This store is filled with an extensive selection of toys, apparel, candy, accessories, and Gru-approved gadgets, making it the ultimate destination for exclusive Despicable Me merchandise.
You can even pick up a fart gun for that special person in your life.
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2. Evil Stuff
This is your one-stop-shop for all your Minion and Villain-Con needs!
You will find a wide range of essentials, including toy blasters, apparel, and various souvenirs such as keychains, pins, magnets, and more.
Whether you’re looking for a fun toy or a unique keepsake, Evil Stuff has got you covered.
Don’t miss out on our extensive selection and make the most of your Minion and Villain-Con experience.
This is one of our favorite stores at Universal Studios Orlando.
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3. Bake My Day
Not only can you satisfy your sweet tooth, you can find some of the most lovable Minion merch here such as t-shirts, bags, toys and so much more!
It’s a cute little shop that you can’t miss.
As you can see, no trip is complete without all of the fun minion-inspired merchandise from Universal Studios Florida!
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My Final Thoughts on Minion Land at Universal Orlando Resort
It may seem a bit overwhelming, but once you arrive I assure you that you will be immersed in a land of vibrancy and good vibes.
I personally think this expansion of a Despicable Me-inspired land has been a great addition and will be fun for all.
Make sure to make the new Illumination’s Villain-Con Minions Blast your first stop of the day if you are set on riding in order to minimize wait times for yourself.
As a solo traveler, I didn’t feel out of place at any location in the land I visited, despite not necessarily being the age demographic.
That’s the beauty of Universal Orlando! No judgement by anyone, just welcoming all for a fun time.
Let us know if you plan on visiting and what your first stop will be in our Facebook Group!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
Authors: Victoria Wade and NikkyJ
(Original Article Date: August 11, 2023/Updated on February 17, 2024)