April 12, 2014 – After nearly 16 months of construction, Universal Studios Hollywood officially opened Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem in a spectacular opening ceremony filled with balloons, confetti, food and minions!
Inside Universal was graciously invited to this celebration as Universal embarks in a radical transformation plan aimed at redeveloping the Upper Lot and the overall theme park property.
Come join us as we detail yesterday’s exciting event.
With the yellow carpet rolled out in front of the Globe Theater, photographers and members of the press straddled the barrier as actors, actresses and members from the NBCUniversal community walked past the fanciful neighborhood from Despicable Me.
Margo, Edith and Agnes along with a plethora of minions strutted the yellow carpet as they mingled and interacted with members of the media. Some even took a few selfies!
Tia Carrere from General Hospital was spotted.
Along with Lyndon Smith from Parenthood.
Larry Kurzweil, President and Chief Operating Officer of Universal Studios Hollywood walking beside Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman of NBCUniversal were also seen walking the yellow carpet.
…alongside Thomas Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Parks and Resorts, trailing behind.
Jon Corfino, Projector Director and Show Producer of Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem was also on hand to answer any questions.
Illumination’s Chris Meledandri, Larry Kurzweil, Tom Williams and Ron Meyer shaking hands with Eric Garcetti, mayor of Los Angeles.
Mario Lopez hosted the event, and the opening sequence included a song and dance number from Pharrell Williams’ infectious song “Happy.”
After a few speeches from the men on stage, Gru – along with some of the stars from despicable Me – appeared on stage to officially open the ride.
Fireworks, confetti and thousands of balloons filled the air as Universal officially opens Despicable Me!
Smiles all around as the team from Universal and the mayor introduce the press to Universal’s newest addition.
While Super Silly Fun Land was mostly open, portions of the wet playground still remained behind barriers as Universal works to add the land’s finishing touches. Regardless of its uncompleted state, Super Silly Fun Land still had its water effects on as the press funneled throughout Gru’s neighborhood.
Miranda Cosgrove, the voice of Margo from the films.
Chris Meledandri with
Elsie Fisher, Dana Gaier and Miranda Cosgrove.
Super Silly Fun Land’s carnival portion was also open, allowing guests the opportunity to get their own fluffy unicorn..
That does it for our initial coverage of Despicable Me’s opening ceremony. As always, Universal usually excels when it comes to special events and Despicable Me’s opening was no different. Positive vibes were shared all around as Universal marks its first foray into creating an immersive experience. Judging from the audience’s reaction, it appears as if that initial foray was a complete success.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned as we continue to review and detail the park’s recent additions in the coming days.
