The all-new Illumination Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction has opened to all theme park guests for the first time today. Known by Universal as “Technical Rehearsals,” this soft open is not guaranteed, but allows them to test the new attraction before it is officially open.

During this special preview the attraction may not be running with all effects or features, and no operating hours are guaranteed. Universal Orlando has not yet released an official opening date for this attraction, only saying it will open “this summer.”

This attraction features a wireless handheld blaster that guests use to earn points while standing on a moving walkway. The moving walkway takes riders from scene to scene as they battle various villains from the Minions and Despicable Me films.

The company has not revealed whether the attraction will continue to operate for guests in the coming days, and while in Technical Rehearsals it is possible that the attraction could close at any time while they work out the bugs.

Currently, photos and video inside the attraction itself are not allowed during Technical Rehearsals. Signs posted explain this, and Team Members are instructing guests of the rule while entering. This may not be the case once the attraction is officially open.

They have been cutting off the queue temporarily, when it gets too long, listing the attraction as “AT CAPACITY” on the wait time sign near the entrance. If you see this, check back shortly, as they have been reopening the queue once the wait goes down.

Located at the entrance to Minion Land, the new Villain-Con Minion Blast combines physical sets with screens and interactive game-based technology, utilizing custom animation and an original storyline to create a one-of-a-kind attraction.

Upon entering the attraction, guests will immediately be transported to Villain-Con – the largest convention for villains around the globe – where the headlining event is a challenge to see who has what it takes to become the newest member of the notorious supervillain group, the Vicious 6, featured in the hit film, “Minions: Rise of Gru.” As guests make their way through the convention, they’ll venture through the trade show floor, stocked with the latest gadgets, vehicles, and fashion to pull off the most heinous schemes, before picking up an “E-Liminator X” blaster to compete against their friends, loved ones and fellow guests to prove how bad they really are.

Throughout the competition, guests will use their blaster – equipped with Freeze Rays, Banana Bombs, Explosive Nunchucks and more – to cause as much mayhem and destruction as possible to earn points. As they wind and glide through the experience aboard a moving pathway, they’ll encounter each member of the Vicious 6, voiced by the original cast from the film, in a setting inspired by their character.

Villain-Con Minion Blast will also be the first Universal Orlando attraction to feature a connected gameplay experience via The Official Universal Orlando Resort App. This feature is not currently available, but is expected to come online soon as we get closer to an official opening.

Replacing Shrek 4-D, Minion Blast is one part of the newly re-imagined “Minion Land” near the front of Universal Studios Florida. This area includes the new attraction, as well as the existing Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem ride.

There is also the new Illumination Theater meet and greet space nearby, Bake My Day sweet shop, Freeze-Ray Popsicles, Pop-A-Nana Banana Popcorn stand, and the new Minion Cafe, (which replaced the former Monsters Cafe).

Stay tuned for more details and information on an official opening date for the new Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction when it is announced. In the meantime, check out our full tour video of the queue areas along with a look at the blaster below.

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Good luck if you’re planning to ride during this soft opening period, and hopefully the new ride is running while you’re at the park!

Subscribe to the news feed or enter your email address below to never miss an update. Original Photos: Alicia Stella | Official Art: Universal Orlando Resort

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