Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
A simulator ride based on the Despicable Me franchise.
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Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is a motion-simulator ride based on the *Despicable Me* film series, found at five Universal theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Beijing, and Universal Studios Singapore.
The ride’s voice cast includes Steve Carell as Gru, Miranda Cosgrove as Margo, Dana Gaier as Edith, Elsie Fisher as Agnes, Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario, and Pierre Coffin as the Minions.
The attraction’s history began in March 2011, when Universal Studios Florida announced that Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast would close to make way for a new ride. That ride started seasonal operations on April 1, 2011, and officially closed on August 18, 2011. On April 14, 2011, Universal Orlando Resort started a teaser campaign on Facebook, releasing weekly hints. The attraction was officially announced on May 19, 2011, during a live webcast at Universal Orlando Resort. On the same day, Universal Destinations & Experiences also announced a major refurbishment of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure. Construction began in mid-August 2011 with the removal of the former Jimmy Neutron ride. The attraction soft-opened on June 9, 2012, and officially opened on July 2, 2012. The ride’s gift shop, Super Silly Stuff, had opened earlier in May 2012.
On March 11, 2013, Universal Studios Hollywood announced that it would open Despicable Me Minion Mayhem in 2014, following rumors that the recently closed T2-3D: Battle Across Time would be replaced. A later announcement confirmed the surrounding area would be themed to Super Silly Fun Land. The Hollywood version soft-opened on March 20, 2014, and officially opened on April 12, 2014. The area includes a rotating Zamperla Aero Top Jet ride called Silly Swirly, a water play area, and a dry play area. A giant statue of Stuart the Minion was placed on top of the ride’s building in July 2015.
On June 20, 2016, Universal Studios Japan announced the attraction would replace Back to the Future: The Ride, which had closed on May 31, 2016. The ride film was reanimated in higher quality and with a higher aspect ratio using a fisheye lens to fit the IMAX dome screens from the previous ride. This version opened on April 21, 2017, in the new Minion Park area.
- First opening
- July 2, 2012 (Universal Studios Florida)
- Based on
- Despicable Me (2010) and its franchise
- Voice cast includes
- Steve Carell, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Elsie Fisher, Russell Brand, Pierre Coffin
- Number of locations
- 5
- Replaced at florida
- Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast
- Replaced at hollywood
- T2-3D: Battle Across Time
- Replaced at japan
- Back to the Future: The Ride
Lore & Background
The attraction originated at Universal Studios Florida, where construction began in mid-August 2011 after the closure of Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast. It soft-opened on June 9, 2012, and officially opened on July 2, 2012. The ride's gift shop, Super Silly Stuff, opened in May 2012. Universal Studios Hollywood announced its version in March 2013, soft-opened on March 20, 2014, and officially opened on April 12, 2014, replacing T2-3D: Battle Across Time. A giant statue of Stuart the Minion was erected on the ride's building in July 2015.
Universal Studios Japan announced its version in June 2016, replacing Back to the Future: The Ride. The ride film was reanimated in higher quality and with a higher aspect ratio through a fisheye lens for IMAX dome screens. It opened on April 21, 2017, in Minion Park, boasting more content than other versions. Universal Studios Singapore's version replaced Madagascar: A Crate Adventure, with the Madagascar area closing on March 27, 2022; the ride and Minion Land opened on February 14, 2025.
In May 2019, Universal Parks discontinued 3D at the Hollywood location, converting the ride film to 2D and removing references to 3D safety goggles. The Orlando version followed suit on July 18, 2019. The ride experience includes a queue with Minion recruitment information, a first pre-show in Gru's living room, and a second pre-show in his laboratory where Gru attempts to turn guests into Minions using a Minion Gun.
Reader's Guide
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem represents a significant cross-platform expansion of the Despicable Me franchise into theme park attractions, appearing at five Universal parks across three continents. Its development illustrates the trend of replacing older attractions—such as Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast, T2-3D: Battle Across Time, Back to the Future: The Ride, and Madagascar: A Crate Adventure—with properties from Illumination. The ride's conversion from 3D to 2D at the Hollywood and Orlando locations in 2019 reflects ongoing refinements to guest experiences. The Japan version, with its enhanced film and additional pre-show, demonstrates regional variations in ride design. The attraction's longevity, from its 2012 debut to the 2025 Singapore opening, underscores the enduring popularity of the Minions and the franchise's ability to anchor themed lands such as Minion Land and Minion Park.
Did You Know?
- The ride replaced Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast at Universal Studios Florida.
- The Japan version uses a reanimated film with a fisheye lens for IMAX dome screens.
- The Singapore version opened on February 14, 2025, replacing Madagascar: A Crate Adventure.
More in Characters & Minions
Elsewhere in Despicable Me
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