Universal Orlando Drops Details of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe
by Daniel McCarthy /Area-by-area, Universal Resorts continues to tease details of Universal Orlando’s third theme park, and fourth gate with the Volcano Bay water park, Epic Universe.
On Thursday, Universal dropped details of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, one of the five worlds planned for Epic Universe, and the third to be showcased joining the Mythical Isle of Berk and Celestial Park.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is already open at a couple of other Universal Park locations—Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan—and will now be one of the highlights of Epic Universe when it opens in 2025.
From the start, guests will be greeted by some essential Nintendo imagery, starting with the iconic green pipe that will mark the entrance to the world. From there, Universal says it will immerse guests in all things Super Mario and Nintendo in two areas—Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country.
Both areas will allow guests to use Power-Up Bands, a wrist wearable, that guests can purchase, that will allow them to interact with their surroundings just like Nintendo characters, including collecting coins by punching ? Blocks.
Here’s what’s planned for attractions in both areas:
Super Mario Land
One of two main areas in the world, Super Mario Land will feature two attractions, along with a couple of eateries and character encounter areas.
The first attraction planned is Mario Kart; Bowser’s Challenge, an interactive ride that will essentially bring Mario Kart to life. Guests, part of Team Mario will be able to drive their own car through Mario Kart courses, toss shells at Team Bowser, dodge obstacles, and more.
The second is Yoshi’s Adventure. The first U.S. version of the Yoshi ride will be a “family-friendly” attraction that will take guests through the Mushroom Kingdom in search of eggs.
Food options in Super Mario Land will include Toadstool Café, which will offer Mario-themed dishes such as Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, and Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong Country is the second main area of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and will feature one main attraction called Mine-Cart Madness, a family roller coaster. Universal says that the ride will include some major essential Nintendo details from the Donkey Kong video game like getting “getting blasted out of a barrel, seemingly jumping over gaps as they speed along a rickety track.”
Outside of Mine-Cart Madness, Donkey Kong Country will also include some food and merchandise options that Universal has yet to reveal.