Minion Land: Must-see highlights of Universal Studios Singapore’s new attraction

Minion Land, the newest attraction at Universal Studios Singapore (USS) based on the popular Despicable Me and Minions animated films (2010 to present), opened its doors to the public on Feb 14.

Featuring a variety of rides, games, entertainment, food and shopping – spread across three areas named Gru’s Neighbourhood, Super Silly Fun Land and Minion Marketplace – it takes over the space formerly occupied by the Madagascar zone, which closed in 2022.

The attraction is the result of a partnership between Resorts World Sentosa (RWS); Universal Creative, the design team behind Universal Studios’ attractions; and Illumination, the animation studio behind the films.

Minion Land, the newest attraction at Universal Studios Singapore (USS) based on the popular Despicable Me and Minions animated films (2010 to present), opened its doors to the public on Feb 14.

Featuring a variety of rides, games, entertainment, food and shopping – spread across three areas named Gru’s Neighbourhood, Super Silly Fun Land and Minion Marketplace – it takes over the space formerly occupied by the Madagascar zone, which closed in 2022.

The attraction is the result of a partnership between Resorts World Sentosa (RWS); Universal Creative, the design team behind Universal Studios’ attractions; and Illumination, the animation studio behind the films.

It is no mere copy of the Minion Lands found in Universal Studios theme parks in the United States, Japan and China. The park here offers guests experiences unique to USS, as well as familiar attractions.

Minion Land at USS, for example, features the first Minion dance party-themed carousel, Buggie Boogie, and Super Hungry Food Stand, a restaurant with a menu that includes local cuisine.

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Mr Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, tells The Straits Times: “A lot of time is spent in early planning and concept design to create experiences which are unique to the different locations.

“The team considers factors including the layout of the land, park needs and demographics, new technologies and, most importantly, the stories that guests want to hear.”

In line with the Minions’ mischievous spirit, the colourful attractions and features are designed to encourage children and adults to embrace their playful side.

“We’ve seen from our other Universal parks that the Minions have this unique ability to make adults feel like kids again, while giving children their first taste of adventure,” says Mr Thompson.

“This multigenerational appeal is why we’re so excited to bring Minion Land to Universal Studios Singapore. We’re creating a place where families can experience the joy and laughter these beloved characters have been bringing to screens for the past 15 years.”

The opening of Minion Land, part of RWS’ revamp and expansion plans, marks the start of a series of transformations at the integrated resort, says its chief executive Tan Hee Teck.

Two celebrity chef-helmed dining concepts recently opened at RWS: Spanish-Australian chef Aitor Jeronimo Orive’s modern Basque restaurant Sugarra, and Japanese chef Hal Yamashita’s Japanese restaurant Ka-Mon.

USS is also set to add another attraction, Super Nintendo World.

“The opening of Illumination’s Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore marks an important milestone in Resorts World Sentosa’s comprehensive expansion strategy for 2025 and beyond,” says Mr Tan.

“This newest addition, developed through our partnership with Universal Creative and Illumination, demonstrates our ability to bring world-class entertainment experiences and brands to Singapore.”

Here are five highlights to look out for at Minion Land.

1. Buggie Boogie

A USS exclusive, this kid-friendly carousel lets visitors ride on bug-eyed creatures and a vintage car as it goes round and round to upbeat, dance-pop music.

The DJ helming the decks and spinning the tunes is none other than fun-loving, spiky-haired Minion Carl.

The songs include remixes of pop hits, such as American male R&B pop group All-4-One’s I Swear (1994), sung by the Minions themselves.

2. Super Hungry Food Stand

Styled after the waterfront snack stand in Despicable Me, the restaurant features local and regional fare found only in USS.

These include Chili Crab Minion Mantous, with buns shaped like the Minions; Stuart’s Japanese Curry Karaage, which has yellow rice shaped like the head of the one-eyed Minion; and, for dessert, Minion Lychee Roll.

There are items based on other characters from the franchise too. These include Tim Bear Mousse Cake, shaped like Minion Bob’s favourite toy, and Fluffy’s Rainbow Cheesecake, named after the unicorn toy owned by Agnes, one of the main characters of the series.

3. Singapore-exclusive merchandise

Minion Land has three retail outlets – candy-themed store Sweet Surrender, street art-inspired Pop Store and Fun Store.

Some items can be found only in Singapore. These include mystery boxes that contain the Minions dressed as animals from the Chinese zodiac, which will be a hit with toy and figurine collectors.

There are also plenty of Minion-themed plush toys, bags, homeware, and clothes and accessories for children and adults.

4. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

In this animated simulator ride, guests get zapped and turned into Minions, and go on a virtual high-speed aerial chase.

Characters from the series – Edith, Margo, Agnes and Gru – interact with you on a wild ride through Gru’s laboratory.

Look out for Dr Nefario’s Fart Gun and prepare to get a little wet, as you will be splashed with water.

If jerky and sudden movements are not for you, then hop onto Silly Swirly instead, a kid-friendly outdoor aerial carousel where riders can get a bird’s-eye view of Minion Land and USS’ other attractions.

There are also two game booths – Ba-Na-Na CaBaNa!, where guests flip bananas, the Minions’ favourite food; and the shooting game Space Killer, modelled after the carnival game Agnes plays in Despicable Me.

5. Dance with the Minions

It is not just the Minions that roam around throughout the day. Visitors will also get to interact and take photos and videos with other characters from the series.

The main characters from the various films – including sisters Margo, Edith and Agnes, as well as the couple Gru and Lucy – make appearances.

Look out also for Minute Of Minion Mayhem, a flash mob-style dance show, where visitors can dance along with the Minions.