USJ: Minion Park Expansion with New Attraction to Open This Summer

(eap) Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has announced an extensive 40 percent expansion of the “Minion Park” themed area to mark its eighth anniversary. The centerpiece of the expanded area, which is scheduled to open this summer, will be the interactive attraction “Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast”. An attraction of this type already opened in 2023 at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando (see EAP news from 11 Aug 2023).

The ride concept is a first for the Japanese park: For the first time, a so-called “Moving Walkway Blaster Ride” will be used, in which guests can ride through the scenery standing on a conveyor belt and collect points with an interactive blaster. At the center of the action is the fictional supervillain convention “Villain-Con”, where participants compete against characters such as “Belle Bottom” and “Jean Clawed” to prove themselves as a new member of the “Vicious 6”. The attraction will be complemented by new content and gameplay elements developed exclusively for USJ.

In addition to the new main attraction, the park also announced new dining options and stores that have been specially designed for the expanded Minion area. The aim is to further expand the immersive experience around the popular characters from the “Despicable Me” and “Minions” film series and make it accessible to a broad family audience. ■