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Universal is investing at a rapid pace, with yet another park adding a new attraction in a matter of months.
One of its parks has seen significant development over the past decade, becoming one of Universal’s top-performing destinations. After debuting SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to massive fanfare in 2021 and expanding that land in 2024, Universal Studios Japan is now turning its attention back to another lucrative property: Illumination’s Despicable Me franchise.
Credit: Universal
This summer, Universal Studios Japan will open Villain-Con Minion Blast, an interactive attraction that brings guests face-to-face with characters from the animated film Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022). It’s the latest addition to Minions Park, a section of the park that already features themed rides, games, and character meet-and-greets.
A Familiar Ride With a New Audience
The attraction is modeled after a nearly identical experience that debuted at Universal Studios Florida in 2023, replacing the now-retired Shrek 4-D. In Japan, it will occupy the site of San Francisco Candies.
“Join Illumination’s Minions at Villain-Con and encounter Belle Bottom, Jean Clawed and the rest of the Vicious 6 as you compete to become the newest member of their super villain group,” Universal Studios Japan said on its website. “Use your E-Liminator X blaster and test your skill in this fun, interactive attraction. It’s all-new fun at Minion Park at Universal Studios Japan.”
Credit: Emmanuel Detres, Inside the Magic
Construction walls branded with the Villain-Con logo were first spotted in March, fueling speculation among parkgoers that a Florida import was on the way. The confirmation now places the attraction’s opening firmly within Universal Japan’s summer calendar.
Although the ride received a lukewarm reception in Orlando, where some guests criticized its overreliance on screens and slower pace, its high throughput makes it a logical fit for Japan. The park routinely experiences some of the highest attendance numbers in the world, with long lines and crowd control challenges common during peak seasons.
Ongoing Growth Beyond Minions Park
The announcement arrives amid a broader wave of expansion at the park. In 2024, Universal Studios Japan opened Donkey Kong Country, the first major expansion of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Its headline coaster, Mine Cart Madness, uses visual effects to simulate track-jumping—offering guests a ride experience unique to the Osaka park.
Seasonal events are also drawing attention. The Wicked Celebration, a promotional campaign tied to the release of Wicked (2024), includes daily meet-and-greets with Elphaba and Glinda, as well as themed food, merchandise, and a costume exhibit. The campaign is expected to continue through the end of the year.
Globally, Universal has been steadily scaling up its theme park business. With new parks planned in Texas and the U.K., and a permanent horror-themed attraction coming to Las Vegas, the company appears committed to maintaining momentum on several fronts.
For Japan, that means more Minions—and a few more blasters—are coming soon.
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