Universal has been busy lately – but not too busy to secretly build yet another theme park attraction.
For years, Universal has trailed Disney in the global theme park race—but that gap appears to be closing fast. Universal Orlando’s long-awaited Epic Universe is just weeks from opening and has already drawn glowing praise from early previews. This summer, the company will launch a permanent horror-themed attraction in Las Vegas, with a kid-focused theme park set to open in Frisco, Texas, in May 2026.
Universal also recently confirmed plans for Universal Studios Great Britain, aiming for a 2031 debut. Meanwhile, rumors continue to swirl about potential expansions in Beijing and at Universal Studios Hollywood.
In the meantime, Universal has also secretly started work on yet another new attraction, heading to its most popular non-U.S. park in the near future.
Universal Confirms Work on Secret New Attraction
Today, Universal Studios Japan confirmed that it’s working on its own version of Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.
The attraction – which currently exists solely at Universal Studios Florida, where it replaced Shrek 4-D in 2023 – will be located in the former site of San Francisco Candies and become part of Minions Park when it opens this summer.
“Join Illumination’s Minions at Villain-Con and encounter Belle Bottom, Jean Clawed and the rest of the Vicious 6 as you compete to become the newest member of their super villain group,” says Universal Studios Japan. “Use your E-Liminator X blaster and test your skill in this fun, interactive attraction. It’s all-new fun at Minion Park at Universal Studios Japan.”
Some fans already had an inkling that the park was working on the attraction, with construction walls bearing the Villain-Con logo popping up in March.
As per the ride description, it will be extremely similar – if not identical – to the version of the attraction found in Orlando. Notably, the ride hasn’t received the best reviews, with guests complaining upon its debut that it relied too much on screens and was too slow-paced to compare to its predecessor.
Regardless, the ride is high-capacity – something that always comes in useful at a theme park as busy as Universal Studios Japan, where the dense crowds have made headlines on multiple occasions.
Minions Park is already home to multiple attractions inspired by the blockbuster Despicable Me franchise, including Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and Freeze Ray Sliders. Guests can also spot their favorite characters from the franchise.
Other Changes at Universal Studios Japan
Beyond Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, Universal Studios Japan has also recently added Donkey Kong Country – the first expansion of its Nintendo-themed area. Like Epic Universe, this contains the roller coaster Mine Cart Madness, in which guests appear to jump the track.
The park is also in the midst of its Wicked Celebration, during which guests can meet Glinda and Elphaba and enjoy special food, merchandise, and a costume exhibit. The event kicked off in March – with Wicked (2024) receiving a later release in Japan than most other countries – with Elphaba and Glinda set to continue meet-and-greets until the end of the year.
Have you ever visited Universal Studios Japan?
