Universal Orlando has confirmed that Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast will officially grand open August 11, 2023. The attraction has been running in technical rehearsals on select days since July 15th, and will be hosting Annual Passholder previews later this week.

In addition to announcing this new attraction’s official opening, the official Universal Orlando Resort’s mobile app has added Minion Blast this morning, along with its integration features. See more below to learn how the app connects to this attraction.

Entrance to Minion Land, Photo: Universal Orlando

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.

Today marks the first time you can see the wait time for the new attraction inside of the official app since it first started running in technical rehearsals.

Attraction showing wait time within official app

Universal says that Villain-Con Minion Blast is the first Universal Orlando attraction to feature a connected gameplay via the official app. By syncing your blaster to the app with a tap, contenders can take their game to a new level and track your scores, embark on special missions within the attraction, unlock evil perks and extra powerful blasts to help you gain more points and earn digital collectibles.

Click on this banner from app’s home screen to connect

The more guests play and the higher they score, the more perks and bragging rights they’ll earn. Plus, this digital experience connects to the visitor’s Universal Guest Account within the Universal Orlando app – unlocking a deeper connection that enhances their in-park experience and sets the stage for even more digital-to-physical world benefits.

How to connect and get started within the app

Before getting to the ride you can create your own profile for Villain-Con Minion Blast within the app. Go to settings to change your display name, avatar picture, and more. You can also follow others by adding them as a friend!

Select SYNC BLASTER from the main page of the Villain-Con section when you’re handed your blaster before starting the ride, and tap to your phone to connect. Then everything you earn during the ride will be added to your profile in the app, including your points total! Check the daily leaderboard to see where you rank afterwards.

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 are 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).

Minion Tots and Mac & Cheese from the new Minion Cafe

Universal says that the new attraction, along with the rest of Minion Land on Illumination Avenue, will officially open to guests on August 11, 2023 at Universal Studios Florida. The attraction may operate in technical rehearsals on select days until the grand opening.

Check out our full tour video of the queue areas along with a look at the blaster below, and stay tune for our review of the new attraction and the new restaurant, in our upcoming podcast!

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

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