What We Know About Super Nintendo World Coming to Universal Epic Universe

Epic Universe — Universal’s new high-tech theme park scheduled to open in Orlando in 2025 — is one of the most anticipated projects being worked on in the theme park world right now. For years, the company stayed tight-lipped about what was coming to the new park. However, they’ve recently begun divulging new and exciting details about Epic Universe and its lands – including Super Nintendo World – that have us even more excited!

Updated March 28, 2024.

.Details about new restaurants, the park’s themed lands, and more have been revealed. So now, let’s dive into one of the most anticipated elements for this brand-new park — Super Nintendo World.

Background

Universal and Nintendo first announced a working agreement in 2015, and many immediately began speculating on what kind of attractions the two entertainment titans could develop for theme parks.

Universal

After six years of waiting — exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic — that speculation was answered with the 2021 opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan. A somewhat incomplete (we’ll get to that) version of the land opened at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023.

While the Japan and Hollywood installations of Super Nintendo World were being planned and constructed, speculation ran rampant on when and where the property would be integrated into Universal Orlando. Initially, many theorized where a version of the land could fit into Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure.

However, that speculation fell by the wayside with the 2019 announcement of Epic Universe — with many assuming Nintendo would be the new park’s major draw.

While nothing was officially announced for several years, there was little doubt that Nintendo was coming to Epic Universe, to the point where even a few Comcast executives openly spoke about the land in the ensuing years. Finally, in February of 2023, Universal Destinations & Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury officially confirmed the land’s presence in the park, referring to it as the “worst-kept secret in history.”

Thus far, only a few details about Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World have been officially released, but we have a pretty good idea of what the land will be like thanks to the existing versions in Universal Studios Japan and Hollywood.

So, for now, let’s go over what’s been confirmed, what’s rumored to come, and ALL the details we have.

Entrance

Like the other lands at Epic Universe, the entrance to Super Mario World will be marked by a portal. The concept art of this portal appears to have various Nintendo icons like a Super Star, Fire Flower, Golden Coin, and more.

Attractions and More

Thus far, in describing the land, Universal representatives have noted that you’ll be able to experience one of the most “interactive, colorful” worlds they’ve ever created.

The land is expected to feature architecture straight out of the Super Mario games, just as it does in Japan and Hollywood.

Within Super Nintendo World you’ll be able to “experience a new way to play, from challenging Bowser on the Mario Kart™ ride to venturing through Donkey Kong Country™ and so much more.” Let’s break some of this down.

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

The Mario Kart ride referred to is likely similar to, if not identical to, the one that fans will be familiar with from Super Nintendo World in Japan and Hollywood.

The attraction uses practical sets and augmented reality images shown using special glasses to bring guests directly into the world of the popular spin-off video game series.

MarioKart: Bowser’s Challenge

To see photos and videos of what it’s like to ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, click HERE!

Donkey Kong Mine Cart Coaster

The Donkey Kong reference made by Universal appears to be a reference to a reported Donkey Kong coaster being built for the land, the construction of which we’ve been watching for quite some time.

Aerial look at theming in progress at the Donkey Kong roller coaster.
1 Staging for additional elements on the wall
2 Theming models for painting blue areas of the wall

In Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe. pic.twitter.com/5u9ddpefI4

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) January 27, 2024

A Donkey Kong coaster is being built for Universal Studios Japan and is being called Mine-Cart Madness. We expect the ride could be very similar in Orlando. The Japan version is set to open in the spring of 2024, so that could give us a much better idea of what to expect at Epic Universe.

This revolutionary “boom coaster” style ride will allegedly feature the illusion of jumping over sections of missing and broken tracks.

Interactive Elements

Universal’s constant mention of “playing” within the land seems to be a reference to the various interactive elements we’ve seen in other versions of the land.

These elements let guests collect coins, unlock special areas, and compete in various other mini-games featuring Nintendo and Mario characters including Koopa Troopa, a Piranha Plant, a Goomba, Thwomp, Bob-Omb, and Bowser Jr. All of this is accessible with the use of a Power-Up Band accessory.

Yoshi’s Adventure

Though Universal did not specifically mention this attraction in their reveal video or recent release of details, construction photos do seem to reveal that the Yoshi’s Adventure attraction is being constructed for Epic Universe.

Aerial overview of Yoshi's Adventure.
At left, 3 clouds have been installed near the top of Mount Beanpole.
In Epic Universe. pic.twitter.com/xB4cUAvBUh

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) January 28, 2024

This slow-moving family omnimover ride brings guests around the land’s second level in ride vehicles shaped like the iconic character Yoshi. This attraction is not present at Hollywood’s Super Nintendo World but is present in Japan.

More!

Universal has noted that guests will “step into the worlds of beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong.” In addition to the rides, the land will likely feature meet and greets with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach (and potentially other characters), a merchandise spot, and a restaurant (the Toadstool Cafe restaurant is the version we’ve seen in other Super Nintendo Worlds).

The Toadstool Cafe has proven particularly popular in both Japan and Hollywood thanks to its inventive Mario-themed dishes and presentation. Here’s our review of the Toadstool Cafe restaurant in Hollywood!

While it is not within Super Mario World in Epic Universe, we did want to mention that Celestial Park (the front area of Epic Universe) will have a Nintendo Super Star Store, “where guests can shop an assortment of merchandise themed to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.”