Minions Are Taking Over Universal Studios Orlando In 2023

Can't get enough of Bob, Stuart, and Kevin? Well, Universal Studios in Orlando just announced a brand new Minions attraction for 2023. Next summer, kids, teens, and adults can engage in Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. Kind of similar to the Men In Black interactive ride, this blaster game is fun for the whole family. Put your villainous skills to the test as you compete against each other in a bid to join the ranks of the franchise’s most infamous supervillains.

According to a press release from Universal, Villain-Con Minion Blast is a one-of-a-kind immersive encounter. The attraction combines innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity and elaborate physical sets.  The world-class attraction transports guests to Villain-Con – the biggest criminal convention on the planet. Riders will take part in an epic competition to see if they have what it takes to become the newest member of The Vicious 6, a notorious group of supervillains from the hit film, “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” Guests will grab an interactive blaster and step onto a motion-based pathway to put their skills to the test. Glide and navigate through various scenes where you'll earn points by blasting items and cause as much mayhem as possible.

Villain-Con Minion Blast will open in Summer 2023 within the new Minion Land on Illumination Ave at Universal Studios in Orlando. This ride is replacing the beloved Shrek 4-D adventure. The new area of the park is going to be Minion central. It will also feature the fan-favorite Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, a new Minion Café and other surprises inspired by Minions. For more info, click here. 

[Source: Universal Studios Orlando]

Four Florida cities made it on WalletHub's list of most fun cities in the U.S.. Everyone has a different definition of fun. Some people like to enjoy outside activities like parks, beaches, theme parks, or nature trails. Others prefer an exciting night life with trendy bars, restaurants and clubs. With so many preferences, WalletHub had to define U.S. cities that packs a little bit of everything into one area. Thankfully in Florida, we have so many fun and cost-effective activities to do. Which is probably why four cities in Florida made it on the top 20 list of most fun cities in America. 

With so many people moving to the Sunshine State, it's not surprising to find so many Florida cities on this study. Orlando was named the second most fun city in America. Although the theme parks may not be cost-effective, there's still plenty to do/see, especially if you're a foodie. Orlando and Miami were tied for most restaurants per capita. Just a few hours away, there's even more to do in Champa Bay. Tampa was tied for first in most festivals per capita. To our surprise, St. Petersburg did make the list at number 36, two spots behind Jacksonville.

To help Americans find the most fun cities with cost-effective options, WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities based on 65 key metrics. They range from fitness centers per capita to movie costs to average open hours of breweries. Check out the full list of most fun cities in the U.S. here.

Not sure how anything in Vegas is cost-effective but it sure is fun! Vegas was ranked second in most festivals per capita and tied for first for most restaurants per capita. Between that and the casinos there will always be something to do!

Orlando is our first Florida city to be ranked most fun in America. Between theme parks, shopping and restaurants, there's always something to do in Orlando.

Right behind Orlando is one of the most popular destinations in FL. Who doesn't love South Beach? You'll find so many foodie spots as well as endless nightclubs and music venues.

Every time I visit ATL I feel like I never have enough time to see and do everything I planned! Atlanta is a huge city for concerts, sports, shopping, and night clubs.

If you've never been, we highly recommend visiting New Orleans at least once. Mardi Gras is a party like no other, and they know how to celebrate all year long. There's so much to see and do other than the madness on Bourbon Street.

San Francisco was tied for first for most restaurants and festivals per capita. Even though it's known to be one of the most expensive cities in America, there's still many cost-effective activities to do.

Austin is one of the biggest growing cities right now. I feel like people are moving from their northern states and heading to either Florida or Texas. It's no wonder either, one of the biggest music festivals is hosted in Austin (Austin City Limits). As well as the SXSW conference that brings in tons of visitors and celebs.

It's Hawaii, that's all you need to know.

Obviously there's endless activities to do in the city that never sleeps. It's finding cost-effective activities that may be difficult. Tourists can always grab a city pass and save on top attractions.

As long as you're not visiting in the winter, there should be plenty of fun things to do in the Windy City. The Lincoln Zoo is one of the few free admission zoos in the U.S. and is definitely worth the visit.

Sports, shopping, and the zoo are major attractions in Cincinnati.

We have no idea how an Ohio city could be ranked better than Champa Bay, but maybe we're just biased.

With more than 300 miles of inland waterways, it’s no wonder Greater Fort Lauderdale has been nicknamed the “Venice of America.”

Would love to bike around Portland and try all the coffee/foodie spots we could think of.

Denver is a gorgeous city with so much to do! Visit one of their many breweries, go on a hike at Garden of the Gods, or catch a Rockies or Avalanche game.