Super Nintendo World is already open at Universal parks in Japan and Hollywood, and it was the first land confirmed for Universal Orlando’s newest theme park opening in 2025.
Universal revealed Thursday morning all the attractions coming to Florida’s gamified land, including three rides and the Donkey Kong Country expansion.
Through the warp pipe
The entrance to Super Nintendo World is the iconic green warp pipe outfitted as a portal to also stick to the celestial Chronos theming of Epic Universe.
Like other Super Nintendo Worlds — and Universal Orlando’s Diagon Alley — this land is highly immersive and constructed to block out other attractions and experiences that aren’t from the video game.
You’ll be surrounded by all the sights and sounds of Super Mario Land — from Mt. Beanpole and Peach’s Castle to Piranha Plants, Goombas and spinning gold coins.
Epic Universe will also have the popular Power-Up Bands that let guests become video game characters. The wristbands — themed to the characters — allow visitors to “punch up” blocks, collect digital stamps and coins and play interactive activities throughout Super Nintendo World.
Like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s interactive wands, the Power-Up Bands are a separate purchase. But they also unlock hidden surprises and leaderboards to compete with other Powered-Up guests.
Super Mario Land
The hub of Super Nintendo World belongs to Mario and his friends. Bowser’s there, too, and you can battle him alongside Team Mario in the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride.
The high-tech race for the Golden Cup features augmented reality, projection mapping and physical sets to immerse racers in the game. That includes a story queue where you’ll learn about Bowser’s plans to cheat, collecting coins and throwing Koopa Shells at Team Bowser.
The other attraction is the peaceful and adorable Yoshi’s Adventure. The family-friendly ride takes guests on a tour of the Mushroom Kingdom inside a colorful Yoshi dinosaur searching for glowing eggs.
Epic Universe’s Yoshi’s Adventure will be the first one in the U.S.
Dining and shopping
Toadstool Cafe: Dishes inspired by the games’ characters including Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Fire Flower Spaghetti and more. Virtual windows will also show Chef Toads cooking up new concoctions.
- Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats: Walk-up dining spots for snacks, treats and drinks.
- 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors: Retail locations with Super Nintendo World souvenirs, clothing, toys and more.
- Character meet and greets: Say hi to Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad in various locations throughout the land.
This area of Super Nintendo World is currently under construction in Japan but will expand the land at Epic Universe to include Donkey Kong’s tropical turf.
The lush, tree-filled landscape from the video game series comes to life in Donkey Kong Country, including The Golden Temple and the new Mine-Cart Madness coaster.
The family roller coaster puts guests into mine carts to race through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong save the golden banana. Universal dubs this ride the “first of its kind” with an “unprecedented ride system.”
The creatives behind the ride confirmed the coaster will have no screens, so it will feel like you’re really getting blasted out of a barrel and jumping over gaps in the rickety track, just like in the game.
Epic Universe is quickly springing to life down the road from Universal Orlando. The new theme park will have five themed worlds, three hotels and more experiences and attractions. So far, details about Celestial Park, The Isle of Berk — How to Train Your Dragon, Super Nintendo World and the Stella Nova and Terra Luna resorts have been revealed.
Next up: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe. More details about these lands, the Helios Grand Hotel and the rest of Epic Universe will arrive in the coming months.
In the meantime, Universal Orlando fans have the DreamWorks Land opening and new shows to look forward to over the summer.
