AmericaJR.com [ THEME PARK NEWS: "Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem" is now open at Universal Studios Hollywood ]

by Jason Rzucidlo

americajr@americajr.com

WATCH: A Tour of the "Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem" ride with interviews

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- "Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem" is a new attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood that brings the popular movie franchise to life. The 4-D simulator ride was built by Intamin and designed by Universal Creative, Illumination Entertainment and Reel FX. Each vehicle holds eight riders, four in each row. The new "Minion Mayhem" attraction lasts eight minutes long.

"It is an ultra HD, 3-D experience that's fun for the whole family," said Trana Pittam, Senior Publicity Manager at Universal Studios Hollywood. "You go with Gru and his daughters on an exciting adventure and everyone's sure to enjoy it. We like to base all of our attractions based on blockbusters. All of the characters that you recognize in the movie, you'll recognize in the ride--Gru, Agnes, Edith, Margo, they're all there, as well as the Minions, of course."

The ride begins in Gru’s home, where you’re recruited for his latest scheme – one where you’ll become an actual Minion. After making it through “Minion training” things don’t go as planned! Within moments, you’re launched into an unforgettable trip through his super-villain laboratory. The laughs keep coming after the ride with an interactive, Minion-inspired dance party.

"I really loved it," said Zane Stribley of Phoenix. "I've been on some other rides like that--'Simpsons,' 'Transformers.' That was my favorite one. I like the part where you're in the anti-gravity room. It's about my fourth time here. I'm thinking of going on the 'Jurassic Park' ride, maybe 'Transformers' next."

His father, Howard Gentry, added: "It was really good. I like how you got to be entertained in the waiting area. That was a nice touch. Not too much jumping around so it didn't make you dizzy so it was enjoyable. We're going to take some time and go over to the water park here and get wet a little bit, cool off and try to do some 'Transformers' and maybe see the Universal museum there."

The wait time was listed as 45 minutes when I arrived at noon. However, the line moved fast and I was able to get on the ride in just 30 minutes.

"It was really fun," said Roxie Larson, a visitor from Lancaster, Calif. "I liked it at the end when it was kind of like a roller coaster. That was fun. Usually, I come here twice a year. I'm looking forward to seeing all of the other rides. 'Jurassic Park' I like that one."

It is part of the new Super Silly Fun Land on the upper lot at the southern California theme park. That area features a wet and dry play area, the "Super Silly Space Killer" arcade game and the "Silly Swirly Fun Ride," which offers a 360-degree view of the Fun Land.

"That's a place that's perfect for kids of all ages," the senior publicity manager added. "Maybe those that aren't quite tall enough to ride 'Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem.' So it's a great place for the toddlers and the younger kids to enjoy the afternoon while the older brother or younger brother rides the ride. The older kids will also enjoy Super Silly Fun Land. There's a great ride right there in the center for everyone."

Visitors can also get photos with the Minions and other characters from "Despicable Me" before or after the ride.

"I think it was very funny," said Klaus Jacobsen of Denmark. "The best part was going up and down and side to side. I think that's great. It is my first time at the park. I'm interested in seeing a lot of movie stuff, see how they are doing the movies and some more great rides."

Minion Mayhem replaced the "Terminator 2 3-D: Battle Across Time" attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood.

"I thought it was fun," said Gabby Thomas from southern California. "The best part was when Gru got his present. It is my first time at the park. I want to go on the studio tour next."

I really enjoyed the new Minion Mayhem attraction. It definitely lived up to the hype. I also tried "Silly Swirly Fun Ride," which is a helicopter-style ride that allows visitors to go up and down with the touch of a button.

For more information about "Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem," visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.