Universal Studios Hollywood is getting ready to roll out the yellow carpet, and break open the gates of Super Silly Fun Land. The all new area takes what Universal Studios Florida started in 2012 and expands on it, using more characters from the film series, and more locations. Today we received a special Minion invitation to not only check out the new attraction, but also learn when the attraction will open.
Despicable Me at Universal Studios Hollywood takes the great ideas and attraction from Universal Studios Florida, and expands on it greatly. Instead of just building a ride and calling it a day, the creative team behind Universal Studios Hollywood designed and built an all new area for the attraction. Super Silly Fun Land features key scenes from Despicable Me, as well as an all new flat ride, play area and shops. Instead of seeing just a portion of Gru’s House, guests see the whole thing, as well as Ms. Hattie’s School for Girls, The Super Silly Fun Land mountain range, and a few more areas. The attraction was so popular in Orlando, with the attraction still getting wait times of over an hour on most days, that Universal Studios Hollywood decided to go bigger with TWO attractions. The attraction features state of the art 4K Digital 3D projectors and the same lenses designed for the Hubble Telescope.
The queue is as much a part of the attraction as the actual ride itself. Just like it’s counterpart in Florida, Despicable Me in Hollywood has guests walking through Gru’s House. Unlike Florida, the house is situated in the same suburban neighborhood from the film. There’s tons of great sight gags at play, including Gru’s family tree, famous outlaws and villains that Gru admires, as well as the back end of that huge silver car that is parked out front. As you walk through the house, you see many mementos of Gru’s past adventures, as well as his current adventures with the girls. The queue really immerses guests into the world of the film, and gets you ready to be Minions.
What can you expect? The attraction is a 3D motion simulator. Guests will pick up 3D glasses before entering Gru’s Lab. Guests will then be scanned for any toxins before entering the lab, made to take a test…oh and yeah, you’ll be shot with Gru’s Fart Gun and turned into a Minion. The experience is relatively painless, but if you experience any side effects I’d say longer than ten minutes, you might want to go to a doctor. Just kidding….don’t go to a doctor, they ask questions.
All joking aside, the ride is a perfect mix of action and fun and follows the storyline set in motion by the first film. If you like Minions (and who doesn’t?) there are so many Minions that you should more than get your fill. The ride system is a very family friendly theater style simulator. The height requirement is just 40 inches, and is perfect for all members of the family. If a guests can’t ride, or is too small to ride, there is stationary seating, so that all guests can enjoy the experience of becoming a Minion.
Minions love to dance, so as soon as guests exit the ride area, they are greeted with a huge dance party, and of course…other Minions. It’s the perfect spot for a photo op, or just to shake it. Immediately after the dance party, guests can walk through the Silly Stuff shop. You can buy T-shirts, cups, cookies and even a unicorn…which is a must because “IT’S SO FLUFFY!”.
Video-Walkthrough the entire queue, and giftshop at Despicable Me:Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Hollywood
But there’s more besides just the ride. The entire world of Despicable Me has been brought to life!
Gru’s Lab Cafe is also currently open, and gives Minions a place to grab…what else.. A Banana! There’s other food as well, and the restaurant is a cafeteria style eatery.
Here’s what Gru is serving:
- Gru’s Backyard BBQ Rotisserie Chicken
- Italian Meatball Sandwich with Asiago Cheese
- Gru’s Grilled Cheese with BBQ Pulled Pork
- El Macho’s Nachos
- Dr. Nefario’s Lab Salad
- Minion’s Kid’s Meal: Choice of mini-grilled cheese or chicken tenders with fruit wedges, cookies and beverage
And here’s what the girls have cooked up for Dessert
- Homemade Colorful Cupcakes
- Caramel Fudge Brownies with Minion Marshmallow Topper
- Freshly Made Waffles with Bananas and Whipped Cream
- Irresistible Banana Fritters with Caramel & Nutella
- Fresh Banana Fruit Cups (one of the Minions’ favorite foods!)
If you’re looking for a quick bite, guests can grab a chocolate covered banana, or even what appears to be a banana version of a Dole Whip…we didn’t get to try it, but it looked amazing.
Full menu:
- Despicable Me Dippin Dots
- Minion Cotton Candy
- Frozen Minion Treats
- Chocolate Minion-Colored Dipped Bananas
- “Bake My Day” Cupcakes
Video-Ding Dong Ditch in Gru’s Neighborhood at Universal Studios Hollywood
There is so much detail poured into every inch of the Despicable Me area, from the attraction to the neighborhood and yes…even Super Silly Fun Land.
One element that wasn’t open today, and one that is sure to be a huge hit, is Super Silly Fun Land. It’s the iconic seaside amusement park that Gru takes the girls after their first successful mission. While the park will not have the huge coaster, it will feature two huge elements from the films. The first being the arcade game where Agnes got her Unicorn (IT’S SO FLUFFY I’M GONNA DIE!) called Super Silly Space Killer. Yes, you can test your skills, and yes…you could win a unicorn.
Silly Swirly Fun Ride will take guests on a ride above Super Silly Fun Land, as they soar on very unique ride vehicles. The entire area will be a huge play area, featuring both water attractions and dry attractions. Guests will be able to climb, jump and slide, just like a Minion. Super Silly Fun Land should open very soon.
Video-Walk through Despicable Me’s Super Silly Fun Land and Gru’s Lab Cafe at Universal Studios Hollywood!
The ride will be open April 11th. That is the official date for the grand opening of Minion Me at Universal Studios Hollywood. The Yellow carpet will be officially rolled out, and as of right now, guests can expect to see Despicable Me” stars, Miranda Cosgrove (Margo), Dana Gaier (Edith) and Elsie Fisher (Agnes). The attraction will also be in soft openings until April 11th, so if you are in the park, there’s a good chance you could experience all the Minion Mayhem. Soft openings mean that the ride could be open for technical rehearsal, but it’s not 100% guaranteed to be open until April 10th.
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Update 3-28-14
Universal has pushed back the official grand opening to April 11th, just one day. The attraction remains in soft openings until then.
The list of celebs attending has also grown to include the following:
Mayor Eric Garcetti, Chris Meledandri, Illumination Entertainment; Ron Meyer,
Vice Chairman of NBCUniversal; Steve Burke, CEO of NBCUniversal; Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood; “Despicable Me” stars, Miranda Cosgrove (Margo), Dana Gaier (Edith) and Elsie Fisher (Agnes), actor David Arquette, Melanie ‘Mel B’ Brown, (“America’s Got Talent” judge, former Spice Girl), actors Neal McDonough (“Band of Brothers).
Be sure to stay tuned as we bring you more from Gru and the gang at Universal Studios Hollywood. Also be sure to follow along with us on Twitter @BehindThrills for all the latest updates!
