Universal Orlando has big things ahead with the opening of Epic Universe in 2025. The new theme park will bring some beloved worlds to life, including the Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon, and Super Nintendo World. In its latest round of reveals, Universal has pulled back the curtain on Super Nintendo World to share details about the attractions and shopping. Both Universal Studios Japan and Hollywood have Super Nintendo Worlds, but Orlando’s Epic Universe will see the US debuts of a couple attractions.
It all begins with going through the green pipe portal to Super Nintendo World. Like in other parks, Super Nintendo World in Epic Universe will have an immersive design that brings in elements from the games. Peach’s Castle, Mr. Beanpole, Piranha Plants—they’re all here alongside Goombas and spinning coins.
Super Mario Land’s Rides and Food
In the Super Mario Land portion of Super Nintendo World, here’s what visitors can enjoy:
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: Guests are invited to join Team Mario and battle Team Bowser for the Golden Cup in this groundbreaking attraction that fuses augmented reality, projection mapping technology and elaborate environments to bring the fun of the Mario Kart video game series to life in a compelling ride-through experience.
Guests up for the challenge will enter through Bowser’s Castle – where they’ll wind its corridors and get a glimpse of Bowser’s deceptive plans to stack the odds in his favor – before boarding their kart and heading to the starting line. Then, guests steer through a variety of Mario Kart courses – collecting coins, tossing shells at Team Bowser, dodging obstacles, and more – as they join their favorite characters and compete to help Team Mario win the race. - Yoshi’s Adventure: The delightful Yoshi’s Adventure attraction will make its US. debut when Super Nintendo World opens at Universal Epic Universe. On this family-friendly ride, guests of all ages will enjoy breathtaking views of Super Mario Land as they join Yoshis and travel through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs – encountering many familiar characters along the way.
- Toadstool Cafe: At Toadstool Cafe, guests can 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. Guests will also get glimpses of several Toads cooking up culinary creations through various virtual windows as they dine inside the restaurant.
- Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats: Guests can also pick up delicious treats, snacks and beverages at these walk-up dining locations.
- 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors: Guests can shop for souvenirs, apparel, toys and more inspired by their favorite Super Mario characters and adventures within these retail locations.
- Meet and Greets: Guests can meet, greet and interact with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad throughout various areas in Super Mario Land.
Donkey Kong Country
An entrance at the edge of Super Mario Land will lead guests to Donkey Kong Country. It’s a tropical landscape with waterfalls and lush trees with landmarks such as The Golden Temple. Here’s what Universal has announced for Donkey Kong Country so far:
- Mine-Cart Madness: Guests will hop into a mine cart and careen through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted golden banana on this first-of-its-kind family coaster. Utilizing an unprecedented ride system, innovative technology and a unique coaster design, Mine-Cart Madness will send riders on a thrilling adventure where they will experience the jaw-dropping maneuvers that they’ve seen Donkey Kong and the mine carts perform in the video games – including getting blasted out of a barrel, seemingly jumping over gaps as they speed along a rickety track, and so much more.
Visitors can also expect 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.
Epic Universe‘s 2025 opening can’t come soon enough.
