Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Officially Open

Universal Studios Florida's newest attraction - Despicable Me Minion Mayhem - has officially debuted to the general public just two days ago, on July 2, 2012. here's the official Grand Opening press release, which includes some nice photos from the event:

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New Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Ride Opens at Universal Orlando

Attraction Combines Beloved Characters from the Worldwide Hit Film Despicable Me with New Animation and Storyline and State-of-the-Art 3-D Technology to Create Fun for the Entire Family

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 2, 2012) – Universal Orlando Resort celebrated the grand opening of its hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction – bringing minions, mayhem and tons of laughter to guests at Universal Studios.

Based on the blockbuster Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment film Despicable Me, the ride was created by Universal Orlando in partnership with Chris Meledandri, founder and CEO of Illumination, and his filmmaking colleagues.  The ride places guests in the midst of an original adventure that combines a new storyline, new animation, the latest 3-D technology – and the heart, outrageous humor and memorable characters of the film.

There is something for every guest and every family: a heartwarming family story, hysterical minions and a disco-inspired dance party.

Guests will meet their favorite characters from the film – all voiced by the original cast: Gru (Steve Carell), the world’s greatest super-villain, and his daughters Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher).  They will enter the ride through the towering façade of Gru’s house, pick up 3-D “minion goggles” in his living room and be scanned for “human germs” in the Minionization Prep Room.  Gru is working on something “really big” and recruits guests for the job, transforms them into minions and sends them off for minion training.  From there, guests go on a wild ride where they evade water sprayers, giant flyswatters, anti-gravity rooms and more.

“We worked to blend the spirit and heart of the film with a great new adventure for our guests and their families,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative.  “Where else can your family laugh, dance, celebrate and become a minion all at the same time?”

“We’re so excited to introduce an entirely new experience that truly captures all the heart, humor and emotion audiences have come to love about Despicable Me,” said Meledandri.  “Fans of the film can now have fun and interact with their favorite Despicable Me characters in a way they haven’t been able to before.”

The attraction’s grand opening caps Universal Orlando’s “Year to be Here” – during which Universal debuted more new entertainment experiences across its entire destination than any other year in its history.  Despicable Me Minion Mayhem follows the debut of a newly-enhanced Blue Man Group Show at Universal CityWalk, the high-tech re-launch of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the spring openings of Universal’s Superstar Parade and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories at Universal Studios Florida.

For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

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Just as a reminder, now that the ride has been officially opened, the EXPRESS service will now be available, and the ride will be open daily (unless it has to be closed due to technical difficulties). The Orlando Theme Park News Team will soon go back to the park to check it out. Stay tuned!

ALL PHOTOS: ® Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved.