Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Update

May 3, 2012, 7:15 AM · Yesterday the construction walls in front of Gru's house came down and the only ones that remain are on the left side of the show building on Minion Way. The removal of the walls revealed the entire house and garage. You now can also see part of the outdoor queue area (between the house and the gift shop) which appears to be the last section of the queue that is outside before you enter the show building. There are speakers and LCD TV’s above the line queue. Universal had the audio playing but no video. The audio was setting up the storyline; Gru needs more Minions and he is going to turn us into them… though we don’t know how he does it. The audio also had several multiple choice questions asking what you would do if you were a Minion.

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Today as I was walking by the ride building I noticed a side door open. Inside was Universal Creative President, Mark Woodbury. He was accompanied by a few other important looking people. I was about to take a picture, but they closed the doors before I had a chance. From what I could see inside, it looked similar to the concept pictures that were released. Also on a side note, the sign for the ride now lights up at night as well. It appears that Universal is moving quickly to open the ride which makes sense due to the closing of Jaws.

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Replies (17)

May 3, 2012 at 8:12 AM · Holy crap! Woodbury was there? I saw him and thierry coup at the november harry potter celebration but didn't actually ask them a question . Rrreeaaallly regret it. Now that i know more details i think despicable me is going to be fantastic . Exterior looks amazing and glad they made grus house instead of just keeping the exterior plain.
May 3, 2012 at 9:55 AM · Figures; when my pass expires, a new ride is about to open. I can't wait to try it, mainly because it better be better then JN, or else...
May 3, 2012 at 11:15 AM · I'm going this weekend. Is it too impossible to hope for a soft open??
May 3, 2012 at 1:25 PM · I would think so . Softs occur usually a month before opening but since theres no official opening date i wouldn't count on it. Bright side is since exteriors finished u can see more details about the attraction than we could a few days ago . While your there can you see if constructions started on whatevers replacing jaws?
May 3, 2012 at 2:45 PM · I really don't think there is much to hope for from this ride.
May 3, 2012 at 3:15 PM · I hope they did a complete change from the last 2 rides in that building which used the same ride cars.
May 3, 2012 at 5:20 PM · You have to go in expecting something similar to Neutron though themed differently. I think my kids will love it since they love the movie. Also Universal is going to sell the hell out of some Minion merch.
May 3, 2012 at 7:11 PM · This should be cool.... even thought the same two detractors who seem to post on every USF related topic have nothing good to say.
May 3, 2012 at 7:29 PM · It's an opinion NB. I'm tired (and I'm sure Skipper is too) of you constantly bashing me.
May 3, 2012 at 7:42 PM · I'm pretty sure I didn't mention any names.... It is just funny because I can pretty much guess what a couple people on here will post before I even check the comments on any USF related story.

Low and behold, I was correct once again. I just don't understand the motive. The ambiguity of my post could suggest any two TPI members, but someone (not mentioning any names) was sure quick to reply.

May 4, 2012 at 1:43 AM · Responding to Dominick D's original post;

Or else what?

If we are going for veiled threats directed toward corporate entities then bravo, you hit the mark, but what is your intended follow-through? A letter-writing campaign? Holding your breath until you turn blue? Not re-upping for an annual pass? Or perhaps the frequent snarky comment in TPI forums?

Yeah, I'm guessing on that last one...

May 4, 2012 at 9:43 AM · I have to respectfully disagree with you, Skipper. I think there is a lot to hope for with this ride. We don't know exactly what will happen in the ride, yet, but I think that there might be some surprises that we haven't seen yet in this attraction building. Check out Screamscape. He has posted some thoughts about what might happen in this ride which is worth checking out. Also, great update, Bob! I can't wait to experience this. The entrance looks amazing!
May 4, 2012 at 10:12 AM · Randell, I don't know what I'll do. I haven't renewed my pass, and probably won't until the fall.
May 4, 2012 at 2:45 PM · I'll definitely be sure to check out if construction has started on "whatever is replacing Jaws." :)
May 5, 2012 at 12:10 AM · Oh my god, I heard the minions are the most adorable thing you are going to see ever. I can't wait for this to open. I hope you can win one of the "fluffy"unicorns!
And the cute house is so impressive. I'm so glad it's really Gru's house and we get to see it before it opens! Can't wait to see the minions!
May 5, 2012 at 1:53 AM · I waited outside the attraction for 35 minutes in hopes to catch another glimpse inside or possibly meet Woodbury, but unfortunately the doors never opened again and I had to catch back up with my group. :(

Speaking of the old Jaws area, I checked several angles (high, low, left, right, ect.), but I didn't see any sign of construction except for an extension to the existing construction wall to the left of the San Francisco Pastry Company building on the lagoon side of the former Amity area. The area that the Jaws ride used to occupy is just a flat, sandy piece of land now.

May 5, 2012 at 7:28 AM · Launch is going to happen may 26-thorI will eat my hat, cause this date is so many times shown in the movie- the launch of the rocket, date of girls concert . Would be strange if they would not use same date

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