When it comes to mayhem, Illumination’s Minions are total pros. The yellow mischief makers exist simply to serve the most evil of bad guys. It’s appropriate, then, that their Universal Studios Hollywood attraction is called Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. Come on, it’s the Minions — you didn’t think you were just going to sip a cup of tea with them, did you?
On this family-friendly attraction, you’ll join Gru, along with his daughters Margo, Edith and Agnes on a whirlwind, Minion-packed journey. Throw on your goggles and overalls, it’s time to get Minion-ized! Here’s everything you need to know about this total blast of an attraction.
THE STORY
Welp, it’s happened again: Gru has cooked up yet another diabolical scheme. And this time, he’s roping you into it. Gru wants to turn you— yes, you! — into a Minion. You’ve had a good run as a human, it’s time to turn your wardrobe in for overalls and goggles. You don’t speak English now; you speak Minionese. As is always the case for the Minions, your transition into the Minion experience isn’t as calm and smooth as Gru might like. After some brief Minion training, chaos ensues.
But wait! There are emotional stakes, too! It’s also the anniversary of Gru adopting his three daughters, Margo, Edith and Agnes. Agnes has a special gift for Gru — but will she be able to give it to him amidst the Minion pandemonium?
THE QUEUE
The mayhem starts the second you lay eyes on the attraction. “Despicable Me” fans will instantly recognize Gru’s house the second they walk up to Minion Mayhem. It really sticks out among the line of prim little white houses. That creepy, high-pitched A-frame could only belong to the world’s #1 supervillain, right? Once you enter Gru’s house, you’ll be inundated with Minion recruitment propaganda posters (“Join now!” “Your life could be great!”) and a pop quiz on Minion best practices. (Hint: the answer is always the most chaotic option.)
Soon, you’ll end up in Gru’s living room for the first pre-show. Gru, with some “help” from the girls, gives you Minion 101: being a Minion means working in labs, traveling to faraway lands, and serving Gru.
FUN FACT: The voices you hear in this attraction are the same actors who voice Gru and the girls in the “Despicable Me” movies!
Finally, you’ll get ushered into Gru’s lab — a.k.a., the Minionization Prep Room — for the second pre-show. Here, the evil mastermind lays the whole story out for you. His gadgeteer, Dr. Nefario, has created an amazing device: the Minion Gun. Yup. It’s a gizmo that turns humans into Minions. But becoming a Minion is about so much more than getting a yellow body — it’s a lifestyle. You have to be trained to do Gru’s bidding! And when Margo, Edith and Agnes worm their way into the lab, they convince their dad to let them train you. Then, the doors slide open and…it’s time to get Minion-ized!
PRO TIP: Be prepared to plug your nose at any moment. We all know how these guys get with their fart guns.
THE RIDE
When you enter the ride itself, you might feel like you’re in a movie theater — but it’s so much more than that. This motion-simulated ride uses a gigantic, wraparound screen and a moving bench (or, should we say, Minion Simulation Pod) to bring the magic and excitement of “Despicable Me” to life. Once you’re secured into your four-seat pod, Margo, Edith and Agnes greet you on their hovercraft.
Then, without further ado, it happens: Kevin the Minion zaps you with the Minion Gun, and you’re officially one of Gru’s loyal followers! Let the insanity begin.
Your pod rises up and you’ll feel yourself get hitched into a conveyor belt. You’re officially in the Minion training grounds. Within seconds, you’re barreling down a corkscrew track, descending into Minion mayhem.
The goal of Minion training is, of course, to prove you’ll do anything to execute Gru’s evil agenda. Or, as Margo tells you: “This is where we test your strength, speed and ability not to die!” So during this crash-course, you’ll bounce off a trampoline and onto a giant cactus; dodge laser beams; try to avoid pummeling from giant boxing gloves; keep things straight in an anti-gravity chamber, and dare to resist the ultimate Minion temptation: a banana.
And that barely scratches the surface of this attraction. It’s a lot — in the best way possible. Meanwhile, Agnes is determined to get her anniversary gift to Gru, and when she drops it into a deathly chasm — well, we won’t spill all the details. Just know that you barely have a single moment to breathe on Minion Mayhem.
But the fun doesn’t stop when the ride is over! You can’t leave Gru’s house without encountering your very own Minion dance party. There’s no way you can resist shakin’ that booty with the fun and humorous Minions.
RIDE DETAILS
Here are the nuts and bolts you need to know:
- This is a motion simulation ride
- Height requirement: 40” (101.6 cm)
- Under 48” (121.9 cm): Supervising Companion Required
- Universal Express Pass is available
- No Single Rider is available
- Child Switch available upon request
- Stationary seating available
SUPER SILLY STUFF
The ride might be over, but you can still get a whole lot of Minion-inspired merch. After the dance party, you’ll find yourself in Super Silly Stuff, a veritable emporium designated to Minions, Fluffy Unicorn, and other characters from Illumination’s “Despicable Me” universe. Get yourself a set of cozy Minion slippers, a bubble gun, plushies, collectible sippers, water gear, and so much more. If you want an item with a Minion on it, chances are you can find it at Super Silly Stuff.
EXPLORE MINION LAND
The party doesn’t stop once you’re back to your human self! After you’ve gotten your paws on some Super Silly Stuff, take some time to explore the rest of Minion Land. After the ride, you’ll find yourself in Super Silly Fun Land — the seaside carnival Gru and the girls visit in “Despicable Me.” There, you can get a 360-view of the land on the “Silly Swirly” ride, splash around in the Wet Zone, and play arcade games like “Super Silly Space Killer” and “Banana Cabana.” And if you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat at the Minion Cafe, or a sweet treat at Despicable Delights. You’re gonna taste a lot of banana on the Minion-themed menus. You’re welcome.
What do you love most about Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem? Let us know in the comments!
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