First Look at Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby Vehicles at Universal Kids Resort

Another ride vehicle has revealed itself in the Universal Kids Resort staging yard, and it was worth the wait. After a week of miserable weather and lingering ice, I finally managed to walk the perimeter of the Frisco, Texas, park. I wasn’t expecting much, but crews left a surprise sitting out in the staging lot: Minions-themed golf carts.

These vehicles will soon be installed at the Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby in the center of the park. While the Zamperla Demolition Derby hardware has been onsite for months, the golf carts themselves have mostly been safely tucked away.

Of the three vehicles visible in the lot, only one was facing my camera head-on. A smiling yellow Minion stared back from the hood. The other two revealed golf bags mounted on their rear bumpers, one with yellow and orange gear, the other with purple and green. If I had to guess, the latter’s color combo means an unhinged purple Minion is on its hood.

Like every other ride vehicle we’ve seen so far, Universal Creative is nailing the theming. Yes, these are off-the-shelf attractions, but their custom ride vehicles make them feel unique.

Technical details

The Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby uses Zamperla’s two-turntable Demolition Derby system, a gentler cousin to Alien Swirling Saucers in Hollywood Studios and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in California Adventure. Here, the cars don’t have the whipping action found on Disney’s rides.

Each golf cart can accommodate two adults and two children, for a total of 24 seats. Theoretical hourly capacity is 480 riders. The ride’s minimum height is 36”, or 92 cm. Children under 48″ must be accompanied by a supervising companion.

Waiting guests will have spectacular views of the Bello Bay Cruise, whose river wraps around the Derby. The Cretaceous Coaster is just across the water.

Each new reveal makes it clearer that Universal Creative has a vision for this park. The ride systems may be familiar, but the theming and layout are doing the heavy lifting. And it’s working.

The Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby debuts in late spring or early summer at Universal Kids Resort.

Read more: Universal Kids Resort Rides: Height Requirements for Every Attraction