A NEW theme park is opening in Orlando, Florida in 2025: Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe!
In January 2024, Universal Orlando revealed details about the five themed lands that will make up Epic Universe: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and the land we’re discussing here: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD!
Having made its debut at Universal Studios Japan followed by Universal Hollywood, Super Nintendo World is coming to Orlando, too!
Universal shares that “Guests will enter the iconic green pipe and discover a new way to play as they step into the worlds of beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong.”
It’s also been stated that in Super Nintendo World, “you’ll experience a new way to play, from challenging Bowser on the Mario Kart™ ride to venturing through Donkey Kong Country™ and so much more.” Mark Woodbury, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, calls Super Nintendo World “the most interactive, colorful world we’ve ever created.”
So let’s DIVE IN, shall we?!
Entering the Green Pipe
Like the other lands at Epic Universe, you’ll enter through the “portal” — in this case, the iconic green pipe from Super Mario World! Super Nintendo World is actually divided into two areas — Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Universal promises “vibrant scenery and exciting kinetic energy surround them as they are greeted by the familiar sights and sounds that they’ve experienced on their Nintendo game consoles – from the towering Mt. Beanpole and majestic Peach’s Castle to swaying Piranha Plants, pacing Goombas, spinning coins, ? Blocks and more.”
There will be two distinct areas within Super Nintendo World: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Super Mario Land will present adventures alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and other characters; and Donkey Kong Country is where you can encounter thrills featuring Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and other members of the Kong family.
Super Mario Land will be home to two attractions, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventure. While Donkey Kong Country will have one attraction, Mine-Cart Madness.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Attractions
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
We’ve already seen a version of this ride in both existing Super Nintendo World lands in Universal Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood and now it’s time for Orlando to join in on the fun! You will be able to find this ride inside of Super Mario Land in Super Nintendo World.
This ride combines practical sets and decoration along with virtual reality using special glasses to put you right in the driver’s seat of the popular video game series. You will enter through Bowser’s Castle and then hop into your kart as part of Team Mario. Just like in the Mario Kart video games, you will be collecting coins and items, driving through obstacles, and tossing items at Team Bowser.
Since this is already in existence at other Universal Studios theme parks around the world, it makes sense that Universal Orlando would want to keep the ride similar to what folks already know (and apparently love)! We’ve already taken a spin on this ride at Universal Studios Hollywood so be sure to check it out at the link below!
Want to know more about what it’s like to ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge? See it HERE!
The Minimum Height requirement for this ride is 42” (107 cm).
Yoshi’s Adventure
Along with some fun new Yoshi merchandise, it appears Epic Universe will also be getting a Yoshi-themed ride!
You will be able to join the Yoshis on a search for glowing eggs throughout Mushroom Kingdom. Don’t worry — Yoshi’s not going to take you out for a speed lap around Super Nintendo World. The brightly colored Yoshi ride vehicles will move at a slow-moving pace making this a great option for the whole family. You will encounter lots of familiar characters and enjoy views of Super Mario Land.
The Minimum Height for this ride is 36″ (92 cm).
Mine-Cart Madness
This next ride announced was one we’ve been keeping a watch over for some time already and now we FINALLY have its official name (and details)! This ride will be located inside of Donkey Kong Country.
On this attraction you will hop into a mine cart and help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the golden banana. This ride will send us on a thrilling adventure with lots of jaw-dropping maneuvers like getting shot out of a barrel, jumping over gaps, and more. This “boom coaster” style ride will feature the illusion of jumping over sections of missing and broken tracks.
If you just can’t wait to take a ride along with Donkey and Diddy Kong, you might not have to wait too long if you’re willing to travel! A Donkey Kong roller coaster is being built in Universal Studios Japan called Mine-Cart Madness and is expected to open soon.
The Minimum Height for this ride is 36″ (92 cm).
After all those rides, you’ll probably have worked up an appetite!
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Dining
The Epic Universe version of Super Nintendo World will be bringing similar food options and themed dining experiences that have wowed guests at the Hollywood and Japanese versions to Universal Orlando, including specialized themed meals, snacks, and desserts.
Toadstool Cafe
Like its counterpart lands, the main culinary draw for Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World will be the Toadstool Cafe, located in the Super Mario Land section. According to Universal, the restaurant allows diners to “enjoy a variety of tasty dishes inspired by the world of Super Mario and its characters, including Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs and so much more. “
Also like its sister locations, Universal promises that guests “get glimpses of several Toads cooking up culinary creations through various virtual windows as they dine inside the restaurant.”
The land will also feature two walk-up dining locations…
Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats
Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats will each offer “delicious treats, snacks and beverages.”
Shopping
At Super Nintendo World, you’ll be able to shop to your heart’s content for all kinds of Nintendo merchandise at two different stores. 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors will both carry souvenirs, apparel, toys, and more inspired by iconic Super Mario characters and adventures within these retail locations.
Universal also announced, “A selection of tropical menu and merchandise offerings in the middle of the jungle – all inspired by the Donkey Kong Country video game franchise and its characters. More details will be shared in the coming months.” Stay tuned for more news on that!
More SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Fun
But wait, there’s more! Super Nintendo World will be a truly immersive land with interactive games along with meet and greets!
- Power-Up Bands: Guests can level up their fun in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with the purchase of a Power-Up Band, a wearable for their wrist that allows them to enhance their play throughout Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. With the Power-Up Band, guests can collect digital coins by punching ? Blocks and playing interactive activities; collect digital stamps on attractions; earn digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr.; and discover other hidden surprises. Guests can also access Leaderboard screens in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to see where they rank amongst fellow guests.
- Meet and Greets: Guests can meet, greet, and interact with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad throughout various areas in Super Mario Land.
By the way, Epic Universe WILL have a Nintendo Super Star Store; however, it will be located in Celestial Park, the first land guests will enter when stepping into the park!
Stay tuned for more information about Super Nintendo World in ORLANDO!