SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal's Epic Universe

UPDATED October 17, 2024

A brand NEW theme park is opening in Orlando, Florida on May 22, 2025: Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe!

©Universal

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

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.”

©Universal

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.”

©Universal

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 — Super Mario Land

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.

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ©Universal

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.

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge at Universal Studios Hollywood

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 40 inches.

Yoshi’s Adventure — Super Mario Land

Epic Universe will also be getting a Yoshi-themed ride: Yoshi’s Adventure!

Yoshi’s Adventure ©Universal

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 34 inches.

Mine-Cart Madness — Donkey Kong Country

We’ve been keeping a watch over Mine-Cart Madness for some time already…

Mine-Cart Madness ©Universal

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.

The Minimum Height for this ride is 36″ (92 cm).

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.

This cupcake!

Toadstool Cafe

Like its counterpart lands, the main culinary draw for Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World will be the Toadstool Cafe, located in Super Mario Land. 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. “

Toadstool Cafe

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.”

Don’t forget to look up

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.”

Snack Kiosk and Hollywood’s Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World Meet-and-Greets

Get ready meet, greet, and interact with characters throughout various areas in Super Mario Land!

©Universal

Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad will be among the characters you can meet in the land.

Shopping

At Super Nintendo World, you’ll be able to shop for all kinds of Nintendo merchandise at two different stores. 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors will carry souvenirs, apparel, toys, and more inspired by iconic Super Mario characters and adventures within these retail locations.

©Universal

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.”

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!

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!

©Universal

As you are completing all of these interactive activities, you will also be able to see where you rank amongst other guests in the area. There will be Leaderboard screen within Super Nintendo World that will let you see how you are doing.

Guests may opt to purchase a Power-Up Band that will enhance your experience in Super Nintendo World. These Power-Up Bands will allow you to interact with your surroundings. With a band, you can collect coins by punching “?” blocks, play interactive activities, collect digital stamps from attractions, earn digital keys, and discover more hidden surprises. Earning digital keys will also allow you to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr.!

You’ll be able to select from a variety of character inspired Power-Up Bands including Mario, Luigi, Toad, Donkey Kong, and more.

Epic Universe Preview Center

In June 2024,Universal unveiled a model of Epic Universe which is now on display at the Epic Universe Preview Center, which opened in June 2024 at Universal CityWalk.