Here are officially announced new attractions and projects debuting in 2023 and beyond at Universal Orlando Resort!

1️⃣ Illumination’s Villain-con Minion Blast

Family Friendly attraction that’s replacing Shrek 4D.

The attraction will be based around Villain-Con, the fictional supervillain convention first depicted in the 2015 animated film “Minions.” The story will have visitors at the convention to take part in a competition to join the ranks of The Vicious 6, a group of supervillains featured in “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”

After grabbing an interactive blaster, visitors will step onto a moving pathway that will take them around different scenes. They will earn points (and cause mayhem) by blasting a variety of objects.

Per Universal Orlando Resort, The attraction will combine screen technology, gaming interactivity and physical sets to create “a one-of-a-kind, game-based adventure where guests encounter immersive environments, nefarious villains and tons of mischievous Minions.”

Villain-Con Minion Blast will be part of a expanding Minion Land, which will include the OG Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, and a new Minion Cafe.

2️⃣ Minion Cafe

This will be a family friendly, quick service food spot replacing Monsters Cafe.

Both are slated to open Summer 2023.

3️⃣ Portions of The KidZone Area is Closing

To make way for new family entertainment and attractions, Universal Orlando is permanently closing. Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, Fievel’s Playland, DreamWorks Destination, and Shrek & Donkey’s Meet & Greet close January 16th 2023.

Universal Orlando hasn’t revealed what new attractions will replace the KidZone area of the park. E.T. Adventure, Animal Actors on Location!, SpongeBob StorePants & KidZone Pizza Company will remain open.

4️⃣ Universal Orlando Tribute Store is Moving

Universal’s fan favorite seasonal shopping store is likely to be moved into a section of storefronts located in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida, near Mel’s Drive-In.

5️⃣ Universal Orlando Annual Passholder Lounge Moving

The Betty Boop Store in Toon Lagoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure will become a new Universal Orlando Annual Passholder lounge.

The current UOAP lounge in Universal Studios Florida is a place for Passholders to rest, get out of the heat, relax, hide from the rain, and purchase exclusive AP merchandise. It’s also a place to pick up any current complimentary passholder freebies.

(Note— The UOAP lounge in Universal Studios Florida closed on December 31, 2022.)

Historically, passholders also have been able to pick up their complimentary UOAP magnets, buttons, and lanyards  from Toon Extra in Toon Lagoon, but there hasn’t been an actual lounge area in Islands of Adventure. 

What's Coming to Universal Orlando Beyond 2023:

Universal's Epic Universe is slated to open summer 2025

Universal Orlando Resort has been building a brand-new theme park called Universal's Epic Universe. In addition to the lands, Epic Universe will have shops, restaurants, an entertainment center, hotels, and more.

Epic Univere is located roughly 10-15 minutes away from Universal Studios Florida and Island’s of Adventure.

Click here to learn more on what's coming to ALL the Orlando Theme Parks in 2023 via UnderCover Tourist!

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