Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: Universal’s Mischievous Yet Heartwarming Attraction
Ba-ba-ba-ba-banana!
It’s time to harmonize with the Minions as they sing their favorite song because now you can become a Minion, too! That’s right fellow Despicable Me fans: your wildest, yellowest dreams are coming true. The only thing better than meeting a Minion is being a Minion!
Whoa, does my writing sound squeakier and a bit like gibberish? Maybe the Minion transformation is already taking place!
Huh? I always write this like? Oh. . .well, never mind then. Just prepare to be Minion-ized!
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: How to Ace Your Interview with Gru!
Before you decide to commit to life as a Minion, there are a few things you may want to consider.
1. Gru will be your new boss.
2. Your thoughts will revolve around bananas.
3. It’s going to be tons of fun!
To find Gru’s lab and apply for the Minion job interview, just head to Universal Studios‘ Production Central. You might even be able to hear some Minion mayhem happening before you walk through the front door of Gru’s gloomy, asymmetrical house.
You’ll recognize the interior – including his suit of armor – when you walk inside. But don’t get too comfortable here; a lab coat-clad assistant will quickly usher you toward Gru’s lab. Meander through secret corridors stylishly decorated with Minion posters (and try to ignore the missiles hung like Christmas decorations) until you reach the interview room.
Oh, don’t worry, you don’t need a suit and tie for this interview! Minions wear overalls, after all. But the unconventionality doesn’t stop there. You see, Gru’s conducting a mass interview. And he’s in a hurry.
Yeah, there are not actually any #pro-tips to getting the job. You’re basically a shoe-in.
Fictionality aside – for a moment – this preshow is such a fun addition to the Despicable Me canon! Animated by Illumination, with characters voiced by their original actors like Steve Carrell (aka Michael Scott), it’s like getting a bonus mini-movie! It’s just part of what makes Despicable Me Minion Mayhem a truly must-ride attraction.
I Didn’t Choose the Minion Life – The Minion Life Chose Me
Walkthrough the laboratory doors toward your DOOM – er, training!
The Minion-izing process has been totally approved for safety. . . In fact, you used to need special Minion goggles, but now you don’t even have to wear those! (Read: the ride used to be 3D, but now it’s 2D, which is a huge plus for us motion-sick prone people!1)
Each “transformation pod” holds 8 soon-to-be-Minions and also provides the swaying, swerving, and scintillating thrills of this motion simulated ride! (There are also stationary, wheelchair accessible pods so everyone can enjoy the despicable fun, even if they don’t like jarring motion!2)
In front of the pods is a GIGANTIC screen – we’re talking IMAX level – that will immerse you in Gru’s lab. Wind, water, and smells also add a quirky touch of realism to the experience!
And speaking of Gru’s lab. . .well, that’s not so safe.
Your training will consist of dodging giant fly swatters, bounding over cacti of unusual proportions, sliding through crushing compactors, and careening down daredevil drops. Not to mention the absolute hardest test of all: RESIST THE BANANA.
Ha. Yeah, right!
As you experience each wacky detour through the lab – brimming with fellow adorable Minions, of course – you’ll also be traveling through a short story. In addition to completing your chaotic Minion training, little Agnes is hoping to deliver her Adoption Day Anniversary present to Gru!
Can you and your fellow Minions help make the big day a big success? This will be a true test of your “strength, speed, and ability to not die.” Plus, we’d do anything for the “gorls,” right?!
Overall, this zany ride is perfect for anyone who loves Despicable Me, and especially for families with kiddos like Agnes, Edith, and Margo.
Minion Mayhem Dance Break
After the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, there’s an awesome surprise: you might just stumble into a Minion dance party!!
Rock those overalls and boogie with your favorite yellow henchmen or maybe do a karaoke cover of the banana song. While the Minions are pretty hyper and like to keep things shaking, they might just take a dance break for a quick selfie. . .if you promise them a banana.
It’s So Fluffy I’m Gonna Die!!!
Once your Minion training is complete, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through heaven – that is, a gift shop filled with plushies!
The name of the shop is rather on the nose: Super Silly Stuff.
Here you can recruit a gaggle of stuffed Minions for your own not-so-villainous missions back home, or grab an iconic fluffy unicorn to snuggle with. Either way, you can’t go wrong! (Getting a Minion and a unicorn is also always an option. We certainly won’t judge.)
You can also stock up on nefarious gadgets, as well as accessories that will help you feel like a Minion even after you’ve transformed back into a boring human. From hats to pajama bottoms, Super Silly Stuff will help you embrace your most despicable self!
But seriously. We all know we’re just there to buy our own Minion.
Have you embarked on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem? Did you pass your training? Let us know in the comments below!
I’m off to eat a banana.
Cover Image
Photo: Juliette Urquiza via Flickr
Recommended Gear for this Adventure
Disclaimer: We earn a commission if you click any of the links above and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
