SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal’s Epic Universe – What to Know About this New Interactive Experience
We’ve been lucky enough to already experience the new worlds in Epic Universe park , and we are SO excited! SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is one of five worlds opening the new park this May, where you’ll have the chance to jump into action along with the iconic characters from the beloved video game for Universal’s most elaborate and interactive world ever created.
Keep reading to learn what you can enjoy there and how Universal is bringing the gaming world and the real world together for this ultimate experience.
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If you want to plan your visit to Epic Universe, here’s what you should pack for your visit.
What is SUPER NINTENDO WORLD?
The new SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Orlando is the third installment of the immersive land, following Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan. It features attractions, dining, shopping, and interactive experiences.
You’ll have the chance to race your own Mario Kart, search for glowing eggs with Yoshi, jump the track with Donkey Kong, and meet some of your favorite characters. The new area also has a special enhancement that will allow you to “power up” and test your skills against others around the park.
What are the Different Areas of SUPER MARIO WORLD?
The Iconic Green Pipe
You’ll enter the portal to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD through the iconic green pipe, hearing the familiar pipe sound effect, and into the immersive land where you’ll feel like you’ve been transported right into the video game.
Vibrant scenery and energy will surround you, along with familiar sounds from the game. As you look around you, you’ll spot the towering Mt. Beanpole, the majestic Peach’s Castle, the swaying Piranha Plants, pacing Goombas, spinning coins, and more.
Once inside, you can explore Super Mario Land and enjoy adventures alongside familiar characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and more! Head over to Donkey Kong Country, where you can encounter thrills with Donkey Kong himself, Diddy Kong, and other members of the Kong family.
Super Mario Land
Step into the colorful landscapes of the Mushroom Kingdom! This interactive world features two exciting rides along with dining and shopping experiences. PLUS, there are special meet-and-greets where you can interact with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad!
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Join Team Mario and battle Team Bowser for the Golden Cup. This groundbreaking attraction fuses together augmented reality, projection mapping technology, and elaborate environments to bring the popular video game series to life in a compelling ride-through experience.
Enter through Bowser’s Castle and wind through the corridors as you catch a glimpse of Bowser’s deceptive plans. You’ll see hundreds of his books, including Camera in the Clouds by Lakitu and A Tanooki Tale, as well as Mario Kart memorabilia, such as the Cup trophies.
Ready to ride? With a Mario Kart visor, you’ll board your kart, connect goggles to your visor, and make your way to the starting line. I found the visor and the googles to be a little heavy, but worthy it. You can easily pull the goggles off if they get to be too much, especially if overwhelming for any young kids in your party.
From there, you’ll steer through a variety of Mario Kart courses and collect coins, toss shells at Team Bowser, dodge obstacles, and more as you compete to win the race.
Yoshi’s Adventure
This family-friendly ride allows guests of all ages to enjoy breathtaking views of Super Mario Land while traveling through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs. While you’re there, you’ll encounter some familiar faces from some of your favorite Super Mario characters.
Plus, you can play along by hitting the buttons on your ride vehicle when you find the glowing Yoshi eggs.
Dining and Shopping at Super Mario World
Nosh on a variety of tasty dishes inspired by the world of Super Mario and its characters at the Toadstool Cafe. Menu items include Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs, and more.
Two walk-up locations – Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats – feature delicious treats, snacks, and beverages.
Some food highlights of the Super Nintendo World:
- Mario Burger (Bacon, Mushroom & Cheese) (Toadstool Cafe) – power up with this all-beef patty, topped with savory mushrooms, fresh lettuce, tomato and melted American cheese, served on a brioche bun with a side of truffle French fries
- Luigi Burger (Pesto Grilled Chicken) (Toadstool Cafe) – this flavorful dish features grilled chicken topped with basil pesto, melted Swiss cheese, green peppers, and fresh spinach, all served on a soft brioche bun with a side of Truffle French fries
- Bowser’s Fireball Challenge (Toadstool Cafe) – step up to this challenge featuring a towering one-pound meatball topped with gooey mozzarella cheese in rich mushroom marinara sauce and fresh parsley, served with a Bowser-inspired puff pastry and a side of hot sauce
- Yoshi’s Smoothie (Apple Melon) (Yoshi’s Snack Island) – cool off with a refreshing blend of tart Granny Smith apple and sweet honeydew syrup, frozen to creamy perfection with milk and topped with whipped cream and green apple bursting boba
The area also has two shops – the 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors. Both spots include souvenirs, apparel, toys, and more inspired by your favorite Super Mario characters and adventures.
Donkey Kong Country
Right at the edge of Super Mario Land, you’ll discover an entrance that will lead you to Donkey Kong Country. Explore the lush, tropical landscape from the video game series, from its tall trees and waterfalls to iconic landmarks like The Golden Temple.
A selection of tropical menu and merchandise offerings – all inspired by the Donkey Kong Country video game franchise and its characters are also available. The Power-Up Bands at a lot to this area. If you’re not going on Mine-Cart Madness there isn’t a lot for kids to do in Donkey Kong Country.
Mine-Cart Madness
Hop into a mine cart and careen through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted gold banana. This first of its kind family coaster features an unprecedented ride system, innovative technology, and unique coaster design. Go on a thrilling adventure where you’ll experience jaw-dropping maneuvers just like Donkey Kong does in the video game. Get blasted out of a barrel, jump over gaps, speed along a rickety track, and more!
With jumps, turns, leaps, dips, and dives, you’ll actually feel like you’re jumping the tracks in this runaway cart!
Enhance your Experience with Power-Up Bands
Level up your fun in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with Power-Up Bands. These wearable bands allow you to enhance your play throughout Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Pick your favorite character band: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Toad, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, or Diddy Kong, and snap on your band!
Collect digital coins by punching Blocks, including POW, Yoshi Egg, and “?” Blocks and playing interactive activities. You can collect digital stamps on attractions, earn digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr., and discover other amazing hidden surprises. You’ll also be able to access Leaderboard screens in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to see where you rank amongst fellow guests.
Be sure to scan the QR code on your band to sync the band in the Universal FL app and track your character’s progress and digital coins. Outside of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, you can also use the band as an amiibo with Nintendo Switch systems.
Power-Up Bands are sold separately and are not included with admission, and cost around $40. If you are on a budget, like so many of us are, try to convince your kiddo to allow the family to have one shared Power-Up Band.
There is another souvenir in another area of the park you may want to budget for as well, more on that at a later date.
Important note: There is only one restroom is Super Nintendo World, it is on the ground level near the 1Up Store and the entrance to Donkey Kong Land. Thankfully, there are family-friendly features like family restrooms and water bottle refill stations there.
When will SUPER MARIO WORLD open?
The park is expected to open May 22, 2025. Universal Epic Universe includes five new immersive worlds:
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
- How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
- Celestial Park
- Dark Universe
More Exciting Fun Coming to Universal Orlando
Until then, there is some fun summer entertainment heading to Universal Orlando Resort and we still love the relatively new Dream Works Land.
We also love exploring Universal’s CityWalk with kids. It’s loaded with great, family-friendly restaurants, shops, and experiences such as a thrilling escape room.
All images courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort unless otherwise noted.
