Universal Orlando Resort (USO, IOA) Discussion Thread

[SomeotherguyuserI know more about donkeys than women!]

It has actors, just not as many as a typical Haunt maze. It's been awhile since I've been in there, but I want to say there's a Mummy, Chucky, and Frankenstein at least. But my memory sucks.

It all depends on the crowd levels. There's supposed to be the Phantom of the Opera, Nosferatu, the Mummy, Chucky, Mother from Psycho, the Wolfman, Igor, Frankenstein, and the butcher. Sounds like you went in there when several monsters were on their breaks. I go to USH quite often, and rarely have I seen the full cast. There has always been at least one or two actors missing.

As amazing it would be for Orlando to put in a year-round haunt, I'm leaning more towards Transformers replacing the SS.

[Wes.]

I want to say there's been one time where we walked through and only saw the Mummy. But yeah, I've never seen it fully staffed with all the characters you mentioned.
I kinda wish they'd tear that building down and do something new there, but I'll save that for the USH discussion thread.

[jedimaster1227Open Up Happiness]

So this week I had the opportunity to take part in a media preview leading up to today's Grand Opening of Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Florida. Both events gave me a great chance to see the care and detail that has gone into creating this new attraction, taking it beyond the experiences in attractions previously occupying this studio.

Despicable Me is the perfect family attraction for Universal Studios, plain and simple. There's something about this attraction for everyone. If you loved the Despicable Me movie, or even chuckled during the trailers for the film(s), then I have no doubt that in the least, the minions will give you reason to enjoy the attraction. Unlike its predecessors, the ride and its connective experiences (queue, pre-shows, post show and exit gift shop) all share a certain heart that can't be found in any of the other attractions in the resort. The tone of the film is perfectly extended to this attraction and it really amplifies the enjoyment you'll have for the franchise as a whole.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem stands alone as a unique story in the realm of the films. While it retains the characters from the first movie (and the upcoming second feature), it is not anchored by any story elements from either work, rather playing off of the story to give guests a unique adventure they can only experience by visiting the attraction. On the anniversary of the day in which Gru adopted Margo, Edith, Agnes, you as guests are to be transformed into minions and trained in an elaborate obstacle course of mayhem. When the girls decide to get involved in the training process, you accidentally fall into a restricted zone within Gru's evil lab, in a wildly amusing sequence of visual and motion acrobats that end on a high note. As the ride experience ends, the minions greet you at the exit with a Boogie Fever dance party that dumps into the Super Silly Stuff store, home to an insanely large and elaborate collection of infectiously irresistible merchandise. The franchise's cute factor definitely has something to do with it.

As I mentioned before, the genius behind this attraction is the obvious care that went into the development of this new story, and the addition of the smallest details to give the story greater depth. The outside queue is lined with real banana trees, a not so subtle nod to the minions' love for the yellow fruit. Animators of the second pre-show sequence went as far as to animate the reflection of Gru's symbolic logo as it is seen on the opposite wall, so as to appear as it is reflecting off of the lab's glass from behind which Gru addresses you. In every scene that minions appear (which is every single one), each minion has its own personality, and if you were to ride a hundred times, looking at a different minion each time, you'd find a different expression or visual gag in play each time. Guests even appear on the ride's main screen as they are transformed into minions (think rebel spy from Star Tours) in a seamless integration with the main film.

Today's grand opening ceremonies capped off a huge buildup for this attraction since the original announcement earlier this year. Universal Orlando has clearly shown its pride for the attraction, and they have much to be proud of. We've been told that guest satisfaction with the experience has been through the roof and the ride is drawing consistent wait times upwards of one hour.

Special thanks to the Universal Orlando Resort for hosting us twice this week. I can truly say how much I enjoy this new experience. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem has so many layers of detail, such a heartfelt story and a ton of wacky antics that all rope me in, and I can only imagine that I'm not alone. Come by and check out Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and see for yourself why I can't help but rave. This is a fantastic addition to a resort that continues to get better and better with each new experience added!


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[cfcI've gone pantless!]

You're right, Adam--looks just like you.

Now get me my cup of coffee!

[alpengeist04Why do I still have a donkey title???]

Thanks for the coverage of the events, Adam.

I really enjoyed riding it last week myself and was very pleased with the overall experience. It's definitely a very good addition to the park, so I have to say well done Universal. Now if we get that rumored Transformers ride next year, between the two it would definitely lessen the blow of losing Jaws.

[CoasterWeaselFull Fledged Donkey Enthusiast!]

My daughter who is 8 said she loved the ride last week when we went, she also loves the giant fluffy she bought in the shop afterwards too. The Minions truly are taking over with the giant billboards on the building and being the first characters in the superstar parade. We had a great time at USO even though TS Debby rained on us off and on the entire day.

[SomeotherguyuserI know more about donkeys than women!]

When Despicable Me was first announced, I thought it would just be just another overlay for Neutron. While it was an overlay nonetheless, I'm surprised at how much they've changed it up. Also that screen....wow, it's huge! Well done Universal. Looks like a very nice ride.

[AndrewoplisWhen I grow up, I want to breed donkeys!]

I have to say, this is really impressive! I never thought the ride would look this good, and I haven't even seen the movies.

[jedimaster1227Open Up Happiness]

All video has been added to the original post, including interviews from the yellow carpet, a full video of the opening festivities, as well as footage from the two pre-shows and the post show Minion dance party!

[ernierockerWhy do I still have a donkey title???]

Great report, Adam. I haven't seen the movie yet, but looks like they did a great job with the overhaul!