It’s Alive! It’s Alive!” Next year, Universal – the pioneer of the horror genre – will bring its timeless monsters to the present day with the debut of Dark Universe – one of the five immersive worlds featured at the all-new Universal Epic Universe opening in 2025. The most mysterious world of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, this captivating new land will envelop guests in monstrous adventures across various attractions, shops, restaurants and character meet and greets that will thrill everyone from families to classic Monster fans alike.   Created by the award-winning Universal Creative team in partnership with Universal Pictures, Dark Universe blends the iconic stories of unearthly legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein and more with a new generation of monsters and characters, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein who has continued his misguided experiments. As guests venture through Darkmoor – the ravaged village within Dark Universe – they’ll encounter the characters and subjects of those experiments within a first-of-its-kind theme park environment that offers family-friendly fun while also pushing the boundaries on intensity in a way that only Universal could achieve.       WELCOME TO DARKMOOR   The journey to Dark Universe begins the moment guests enter its electrifying portal, which harnesses the dark energy of Darkmoor. As guests step foot inside, that same energy will pulsate throughout the entire village and connect at the top of Frankenstein Manor – the towering focal point of Dark Universe. Nestled within the blackened stone walls of the town, guests will embark on unique adventures where they can get made up to look like their favorite monsters, spin through the woods aboard a thrilling family coaster, enjoy unique dining establishments, enter Frankenstein Manor to brave Universal Orlando’s most chilling ride ever, and more.   Here's more information about the thrilling yet unsettling attractions and entertainment experiences that await visitors to Dark Universe:  

• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet, this state-of-the-art dark ride takes guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments. In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests into her laboratory to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters – but her plans go awry when her attempts to control the most dangerous of monsters, Dracula, fails, unleashing a horde of enraged monsters. Guests are then thrust into an intense ride through the darkness as they try to evade the grasps of The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula and others.

 

• Curse of the Werewolf – Deep in the woods that sit on the edge of Darkmoor, guests will find Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning family coaster inspired by “The Wolf Man.” Guests will enter the encampment of The Guild of Mystics where they’ll be greeted by the Maleva, the guild’s all-knowing seer and leader, who warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf. Guests then board a wagon and venture into the forest – racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves.

   

• Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience – Guests of all ages can become fashionably monstrous as they don elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos at Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. Here, monster makers have converted Dr. Pretorius’ infamous old lab into a parlor to continue the spirit of his demented experiments, and skilled artisans use their talents to transform guests’ outer appearances so they can showcase their fandom for the Universal Monsters.

 

• Meet the Monsters – There’s always someone…or something…looming in the shadows of Dark Universe – including Monsters who are eager to meet and greet everyone from kids to adults, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein. Guests will also encounter other unusual inhabitants roaming the eerie village, including Victoria Frankenstein’s servant, Ygor, The Invisible Man, an eccentric monster hunter, and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales of the classic Universal Monsters stories.

    Guests can also sink their teeth into delicious fare and shop all-new merchandise and apparel during their visit to Dark Universe at highly-themed dining and retail locations, including:  

• Das Stakehaus – Darkmoor’s most ominous restaurant, this establishment is a dining hall run by vampire “familiars” who size up unsuspecting patrons to be part of the vampires’ feast. Surrounded by artwork and artifacts detailing the history of the village’s creatures of the night, guests can enjoy a menu of kebabs, burgers, sandwiches and more.

 

• The Burning Blade Tavern – Despite the blades of the windmill still smoldering and flaming periodically, Darkmoor’s monster hunters have transformed this old fiery mill into their favorite hangout. While enjoying a menu of burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels and specialty beverages, guests will hear stories of the infamous “Hounds” – boastful hunters from beyond Darkmoor – all while surrounded by an impressive display of the monster heads they consider their “trophies.”

   

• De Lacey’s Cottage – Near Frankenstein Manor sits De Lacey’s Cottage food stand, where the original Frankenstein’s Monster once received sustenance and friendship. Here, guests can find a variety of snacks and cool treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters and more.

 

• Guests can take home a piece of the immortal world of Dark Universe with commemorative merchandise and mementos from retail locations like Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities.

  To prepare for the electrifying chills and thrills that await in Dark Universe, guests can now purchase a variety of new merchandise themed to the new land – including apparel, accessories and more. The collection is available for a limited-time and can be purchased at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center in Universal CityWalk and on shop.universalorlando.com.   Stay tuned – more details about Universal Epic Universe will be revealed in the months ahead. For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/epicuniverse.

 

Guests Can Step Into the Worlds of Beloved Nintendo Characters as They Explore SUPER NINTENDO WORLD featuring Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and – for the first time in the U.S. – Donkey Kong 

  Next year, guests can jump into the action of their favourite video games when SUPER NINTENDO WORLD makes its much-anticipated debut at Universal Orlando Resort as one of five imaginative worlds at the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park. Developed in partnership between the visionaries of Universal Creative and Nintendo, the vibrant land combines iconic Nintendo characters with Universal’s renowned craft of creating innovative theme park experiences to deliver a multi-sensory environment where guests can experience the fun and adventure of Nintendo games in a whole new way.   Today, Universal Orlando reveals official details about all the excitement that awaits in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe – featuring attractions plus dining, shopping and interactive experiences inspired by the Super Mario franchise and – for the first time in the U.S. – Donkey Kong Country.  

ENTER THE ICONIC GREEN PIPE

  It all begins the moment guests enter the portal to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, which will transport them through the iconic green pipe into the immersive land. As guests emerge from the pipe, vibrant scenery and exciting kinetic energy surround them as they are greeted by the familiar sights and sounds that they’ve experienced on their Nintendo game consoles – from the towering Mt. Beanpole and majestic Peach’s Castle to swaying Piranha Plants, pacing Goombas, spinning coins, ? Blocks and more.  Inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, guests will be able to explore Super Mario Land – where they’ll enjoy adventures alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and other characters; and Donkey Kong Country – where they’ll encounter thrills featuring Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong and other members of the Kong family.    

SUPER MARIO LAND

  The colorful landscapes of the Mushroom Kingdom come to life in Super Mario Land, where guests can experience:  

• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: Guests are invited to join Team Mario and battle Team Bowser for the Golden Cup in this groundbreaking attraction that fuses augmented reality, projection mapping technology and elaborate environments to bring the fun of the Mario Kart video game series to life in a compelling ride-through experience.

  Guests up for the challenge will enter through Bowser’s Castle – where they’ll wind its corridors and get a glimpse of Bowser’s deceptive plans to stack the odds in his favor – before boarding their kart and heading to the starting line. Then, guests steer through a variety of Mario Kart courses – collecting coins, tossing shells at Team Bowser, dodging obstacles, and more – as they join their favorite characters and compete to help Team Mario win the race.  

• Yoshi’s Adventure: The delightful Yoshi’s Adventure attraction will make its U.S. debut when SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opens at Universal Epic Universe. On this family-friendly ride, guests of all ages will enjoy breathtaking views of Super Mario Land as they join Yoshis and travel through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs – encountering many familiar characters along the way.

   

• Toadstool Cafe:At Toadstool Cafe, guests can enjoy a variety of tasty dishes inspired by the world of Super Mario and its characters, including Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs and so much more. Guests will also get glimpses of several Toads cooking up culinary creations through various virtual windows as they dine inside the restaurant.

 

• Yoshi’s Snack Islandand Turbo Boost Treats: Guests can also pick up delicious treats, snacks and beverages at these walk-up dining locations.

 

• 1-UP Factory andMario Motors: Guests can shop for souvenirs, apparel, toys and more inspired by their favourite Super Mario characters and adventures within these retail locations.

 

• Meet and Greets: Guests can meet, greet and interact with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad throughout various areas in Super Mario Land.

   

DONKEY KONG COUNTRY

  At the edge of Super Mario Land, guests will discover an entrance that leads them to Donkey Kong Country, where they’ll explore the lush, tropical landscape from the video game series, complete with tall trees, waterfalls, landmarks such as The Golden Temple and more. Here, guests can enjoy:    

• Mine-Cart Madness: Guests will hop into a mine cart and careen through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted golden banana on this first-of-its-kind family coaster. Utilizing an unprecedented ride system, innovative technology and a unique coaster design, Mine-Cart Madness will send riders on a thrilling adventure where they will experience the jaw-dropping maneuvers that they’ve seen Donkey Kong and the mine carts perform in the video games – including getting blasted out of a barrel, seemingly jumping over gaps as they speed along a rickety track, and so much more.

   

• A selection of tropical menu and merchandise offerings in the middle of the jungle – all inspired by the Donkey Kong Country video game franchise and its characters. More details will be shared in the coming months.

And that’s not all - guests will find even more exciting experiences and adventures while exploring SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.   POWER-UP BANDS   Guests can level up their fun in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with the purchase of a Power-Up Band, a wearable for their wrist that allows them to enhance their play throughout Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. With the Power-Up Band, guests can collect digital coins by punching ? Blocks and playing interactive activities; collect digital stamps on attractions; earn digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr.; and discover other hidden surprises. Guests can also access Leaderboard screens in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to see where they rank amongst fellow guests.     SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe will be Universal Destinations and Experiences’ third instalment of the immersive land. Right now, guests can enjoy SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan.

Universal Orlando Resort has revelaed a first look at its two upcoming hotels, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort. Universal Stella Nova Resort is set to open on January 21, 2025 with Universal Terra Luna Resort launching a month later. The Universal hotels are co-owned and operated by hotel partner Loews Hotels & Co. The space-themed hotels will each have 750 guest rooms, able to comfortably accommodate four guests. Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort will offer a variety of dining options including Cosmos Cafe and Market at Stella Nova Resort and Omega Cafe and Market at Terra Luna Resort. These quick service restaurants serve American classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus grab-and-go items. Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill at Stella Nova Resort and Moonrise Bar and Moonrise Grill at Terra Luna Resort will serve burgers, quesadillas and salads. Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort will both have resort-style pools with a hot tub, lounge and table-top seating and a firepit. Poolside activities include movie screenings and outdoor games. The Universal hotels will also house fitness centers, game rooms and recreation rooms. Hotel guests can take advantage of early park admission up to one hour before the parks open plus complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the parks and Universal CityWalk. Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort are adjacent to the new Universal Epic Universe and just minutes away from the existing Universal Orlando theme parks. More details about Epic Universe, which will open at a later date in 2025, will be revealed in the months ahead. Guests can now book reservations or packages at Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort. 

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Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights will deliver spine tingling frights earlier than ever before. Halloween Horror Nights returns on select nights from August 30 through November 3 2024, with a new terrifying experiences. This year, 10 all-new movie-quality haunted houses and five scare zones will fill the streets of Universal. Guests can also enjoy an energetic live show, eat and shop for Halloween merch. Halloween Horror Nights single night tickets are available for purchase now. Additional details about Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood will be revealed soon. 

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Universal Orlando Resort has given a first major reveal of what to expect at upcoming theme park Universal Epic Universe. It unveiled more details about Celestial Park which is the central focal point of Universal Epic Universe and the first zone guests will encounter at the new theme park. Celestial Park is the gateway to explore the four additional worlds of Epic Universe: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Guests will discover a different era of the wizarding world in a new land that blends 1920s wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films with the Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter franchise. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Guests enter the iconic green pipe into the worlds of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong. How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: A colourful world of dragons and Viking adventures based on the How to Train Your Dragon film franchise. Dark Universe: Where guests encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the landscape of monsters,and mystery. Located inside Epic Universe at the edge of Celestial Park is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, featuring 500 rooms and its very own dedicated entrance into the theme park. The park entertainment schedule will include various fountain shows throughout Celestial Park's seven acres of water. They will perform to music and interactive lighting from day to night. There will be a wide array of unique dining including Atlantic – a full-service surf and turf restaurant and the Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant. Ride highlights at Universal Epic Universe include Starfall Racers, a dual-launch racing coaster and Constellation Carousel, the grand centrepiece of Celestial Park. This is a 360-degree multi-sensory ride through the milky way with choreographed music and starlight. Overall, the new theme park will have more than 50 attractions, entertainment, dining and shopping spread across the five zones. More details about Universal Epic Universe will be revealed in the months ahead. Later this year, an interactive preview center at Universal CityWalk will offer a sneak peek of what’s coming at the new theme park 

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Universal Orlando Resort is adding two new hotel properties. Co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort will each feature 750 guest rooms in the resort's Prime Value category. This will bring the total number of guest rooms across the park destination to 10,500. They are slated to open in early 2025. Universal Stella Nova Resort will have a galactic theme inspired by galaxies, new stars and mysterious black holes. The Universal Terra Luna Resort is inspired by diverse planetary elements of the universe. Guests staying at the new hotels, or other Universal Orlando hotels can take advantage of exclusive theme park benefits which include Early Park Admission. This allows guests to access one of the three theme parks up to an hour before park opening. There is complimentary transportation to and from the parks, and resort-wide charging privileges. Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort will be located adjacent to the future site of the new Universal Epic Universe theme park. This is set to open at a later date in 2025. Universal Orlando's current theme parks and Universal CityWalk will be accessible from the new hotels via complimentary shuttles. The new accommodations provide travel agent partners additional hotel options to sell along with the eight existing Universal Orlando hotels. Stays can be booked beginning January 2025 at Universal Stella Nova Resort and February 2025 at Universal Terra Luna Resort. More details about the new hotels will be revealed at a later date.

A day out at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure is now a little more expensive. Universal’s Orlando theme parks have raised their ticket prices, following a similar move by rival Disney. Single park entrance tickets are up a minimum of $10 to between $119 to $179 depending on the day. A park hopper ticket valid for both is now from $174 to $234, up from $164 to $214 previously. “Our pricing reflects the incredible, entertainment experiences we continue to offer our guests, and with our date-based variable pricing model, guests have more flexibility,” Universal said. There are no further price increases on annual passes for Universal parks. Universal Orlando is adding a third park in central Florida called Epic universe, expected to open in phases from 2025. The 750-acre park will feature DreamWorks IP themed lands including Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda attractions. The expansion will also include more Harry Potter attractions.

Universal Orlando Resort brings back the destination-wide Holidays celebration next month. It kicks off November 17 and runs daily through December 31. Perennial favorites are on show, from ‘The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle’ in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Grinchmas. Not to be missed are the floats and larger-than-life balloons during Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's. Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter At Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade transform into a holiday wonderland. The nighttime spectacle, ‘The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle’ returns to Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure with a vibrant projection show highlighting Christmas moments inspired by the characters and stories of the Harry Potter films. The Frog Choir also returns to Hogsmeade with a special holiday-themed performance, plus guests can dance along to Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, in Diagon Alley.   Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's at Universal Studios Florida Watch pop culture-inspired stories from Despicable Me, Shrek and Madagascar during Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's. They come to life as larger-than-life balloons, colorful holiday floats and hundreds of performers. It leads up to a stunning finale with a special appearance by Santa Claus and the lighting of the 80-feet Christmas tree.   Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure The spirit of Grinchmas is back at Universal Islands of Adventure where the Grinch stars in the live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, the "Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular." The whimsical atmosphere features oversized candy canes, twisty Christmas trees, tinsel ornaments and more. Catch an appearance from the Whos from Who-ville and a special photo op with the Grinch himself.   Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios Florida The top-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller will return to Universal Studios Florida to put guests in the holiday mood with live performances on December 2, 3, 9 and 10.   Universal's Holiday Tour Guests can enjoy a guided tour with special access to all the holiday entertainment experiences taking place across the destination, including: A chance to meet the Grinch, and his dog, Max, while enjoying light bites, desserts and drinks Reserved seating at the "Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular" in Universal Islands of Adventure A meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida An exclusive, after-hours showing of "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle" in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure. Universal's Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning November 19 through December 30, 2023 and can be booked om www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays. Annual and Seasonal Passholders can get a $10 off discount per ticket per passholder with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass.   The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure This popular dining experience allows guests to start their day with breakfast and fun appearances by the Grinch and other Dr. Seuss characters. The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast takes place in Confisco Grille in Universal Islands of Adventure on select dates November 17 through December 27 www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays. Premier and Preferred Annual Passholders  receive a 20% for select dates.   The Holiday Celebration Continues at Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando's Hotels Guests can keep the celebration going at Universal CityWalk with seasonal food and special entertainment. Plus, all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels will be decked out with festive décor and offer holiday feasts and activities. Special menus will be available at Universal hotels for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, and there will also be menorah lighting ceremonies and more. Select hotels also offer special holiday entertainment like Christmas tree lightings and strolling carolers. More at: www.universalorlando.com.

Minion Land at Universal Orlando Resort is now officially open. Guests are welcomed by a "Minion Land" marquee. It features keenly awaited new attraction – Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast – where guests play at being a supervillain. It comprises immersive sets, interactive game-based tech, and an original storyline. Minion Land serves as a multi-faceted interactive gaming attraction developed in partnership with Illumination. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is a fan favorite simulator attraction, while at Illumination Theater, guests get to meet, greet and interact with their favorite characters like the Minions and Gru. It also includes the Evil Stuff retail store and Minion Café. "This rich new environment has so much for all our guests to enjoy," said," said Karen Irwin, COO of Universal Orlando Resort. The land is close to the main entrance of the park, replacing the Production Central area, and now known as Illumination Avenue.

Next year, Universal Orlando Resort will welcome an all-new themed land showcasing DreamWorks animated characters. It will feature characters like Gabby from Gabby's Dollhouse and Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda attractions that bring the popular franchises to life. “Guests will share special moments with their favorite characters in the most imaginatively fun ways,” Universal said. The new DreamWorks land, is part of a series of new entertainment experiences debuting at Universal Orlando Resort in 2024. It will replace Kidzone at Universal Studios Florida. Kidzone closed in early 2023. More details are set to be released in the near future.

  Today, Universal Orlando Resort shares new details about all the ways guests can eat, laugh and make mischief with the Minions in the highly anticipated Minion Land on Illumination Ave. – an immersive new area created in partnership between Universal's award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination. Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, the new land expands upon the wildly popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and will debut a new collection of experiences for guests of all ages inspired by the beloved Minions franchise.   As soon as guests enter the land, they'll be greeted by a fun, photo-worthy “Minion Land” marquee featuring 22 Minions before embarking on the mischief that awaits along Illumination Ave. From blasting their way to supervillain stardom in Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast to savouring tasty dishes at the Minion Cafe to snacking on banana-flavoured popcorn at Pop-a-Nana and meeting fan-favourite characters along the way, here are details about the exciting new experiences that await in Minion Land:   ILLUMINATION'S VILLAIN-CON MINION BLAST   Guests can put their villainous skills to the test in Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast – an all-new attraction where guests compete against each other in a fully interactive gaming experience that's so much fun, it's a crime. Afterward, guests exit through Evil Stuff, an all-new retail location where they can stock up on Villain-Con and Minions merchandise. More details about Villain-Con Minion Blast will be revealed soon.   ILLUMINATION'S MINION CAFE   It's Minions in the kitchen, mischief in the dining room, and tons of tasty food at the new Illumination's Minion Cafe – the marquee dining location within Minion Land. This immersive new eatery offers something for every palate in a highly-entertaining dining experience that features three themed areas designed after beloved Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto: the Kitchen – where guests will get a glimpse of the equipment and gear the Minions have used to whip up the cafe's menu; the Breakroom – where guests can dine in the Minions' break space that includes everything from “Office Safety Tips” to a vending machine stocked with mischievous items; and the Dining Room – a vibrant space adorned with colourful artwork courtesy of the Minions and more. Guests can also enjoy their meal on an outdoor patio that overlooks the fun of Minion Land.   Just as eye-catching as Minion Cafe's incredibly-themed surroundings is its delicious menu – the latest example of how Universal Orlando's award-winning culinary team continues to raise the bar when it comes to theme park dining. Guests of all ages can enjoy inventive, family-friendly fare featuring nearly 20 items inspired by memorable characters and staples from the Minions franchise, including eclectic “despica-bowls” such as Otto's Noodle Bowl, Agnes's Honeymoon Soup and Carl's Crispy Cauliflower (vegan offering); delectable handhelds such as the Steak & “Cheese Ray” Sandwich; adorable desserts such as Bob's Teddy Bear Chocolate Cream Puff; a kids' menu for the “mini Minions” in the family that includes items like the Mini Boss' Mega Melt; and so much more.   The Minion Cafe will also feature an express window with a limited menu for those looking to satisfy their mischievous cravings quickly and return to the mayhem in Minion Land.   BAKE MY DAY   Topped with a massive pink cupcake that's visible from anywhere in the land, Bake My Day is a whimsical retail location and bakery featuring a selection of Minion-themed sweet treats, including cupcakes, macarons, s'mores and more, along with exclusive Minion-inspired merchandise like apparel, plush, drinkware, accessories, keychains and more.   POP-A-NANA   Banana-flavoured popcorn, anyone? This walk-up location features sweet and savoury popcorn inspired by the Minions' love for bananas. Here, guests may also find an assortment of cute popcorn buckets, including the Minion Selfie bucket.   FREEZE RAY POPS   Guests can cool off with a visit to Freeze Ray Pops, featuring a variety of colourful popsicles inspired by Gru, the Minions and Vector – along with beverages.   ILLUMINATION THEATER   Guests can meet, greet and interact with beloved characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes, plus new additions from the hit film “Sing” – Rosita, Gunter and Johnny – at an outdoor Illumination Theatre facade.   Guests can also discover murals, photo ops and more throughout Minion Land that celebrate additional characters from popular Illumination films.   Minion Land is yet another example of how Universal Destinations & Experiences is raising the bar on immersive storytelling for the entire family using beloved stories and franchises often seen in films.  This follows exciting news earlier in the year where the company announced plans to build a one-of-kind, original theme park for families with young children in Frisco, Texas.   About Universal Orlando Resort – Where It's More Than Magic, It's Real   Universal Orlando Resort is an award-winning theme park destination that welcomes all to truly be themselves while enjoying world-class attractions that redefine theme park experiences. Here, a multitude of authentically thrilling, exciting and spontaneous adventures await – each inviting guests to embark on whatever vacation they crave while igniting their full range of emotions like never before – from the awe of walking the streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the rush of adrenaline that takes over when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor in Jurassic Park to the wide-eyed joy of seeing an entire slice of cake atop a delectable milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.   The 700-acre resort is home to three exhilarating theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay – that boast some of the most innovative and immersive experiences ever created, with a fourth next-level theme park, Universal Epic Universe, on the way. Guests can also relish in exciting dining and entertainment at the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and enjoy incredible accommodations and magnificent theming across eight hotels that offer something for every style and budget –  Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal's Aventura Hotel and Universal's Endless Summer Resort – Surfside and Dockside Inn and Suites.

  Next summer, guests will engage in loads of diabolical fun for kids, teens and adults as part of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. Developed in partnership between Universal’s award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination, this interactive, blaster game experience will invite guests to put their villainous skills to the test as they compete against each other in a bid to join the ranks of the franchise’s most infamous supervillains.   Villain-Con Minion Blast combines innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity and elaborate physical sets to create a one-of-a-kind, game-based adventure where guests encounter immersive environments, nefarious villains and tons of mischievous Minions from Illumination’s films in a whole new way. The world-class attraction transports guests to Villain-Con – the biggest criminal convention on the planet – to take part in an epic competition to see if they have what it takes to become the newest member of The Vicious 6, a notorious group of supervillains from the hit film, “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” Guests who are up for the challenge will grab an interactive blaster and step onto a motion-based pathway to put their skills to the test. They’ll wind and glide through various scenes where they earn points by blasting a variety of items and causing as much mayhem and destruction as possible. It’s a unique, mischief-filled experience that’s so much fun, it’s a crime.   Villain-Con Minion Blast will open in Summer 2023 at Universal Studios Florida within the new Minion Land on Illumination Ave. This new area will also feature the fan-favorite Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, a new Minion Café and other surprises inspired by popular characters from Illumination’s blockbuster franchises.   More details about Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast and Minion Land will be revealed in the months ahead. For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.