Universal Orlando Resort Lifts the Lid on Its Super Nintendo World
Things are about to get powered up: today, Universal Orlando Resort revealed more details about theSuper Nintendo World coming to its new Epic Universe theme park, hot on the heels of revealing more about one of the other portals,How to Train Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk. And yes, it’s better than the one at Universal Studios Hollywood, with more attractions and offerings including the same Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness coaster that just opened at Universal Studios Japan.
Read through this gallery of images for a preview and the scoop on what Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World will have to offer in Orlando, Florida.
Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe
Finally, a bigger land than the one at Universal Studios Hollywood, which only has room for the Mario Kart ride and a few experiences—Epic Universe will contain the full deal, just like the version in Japan.
According to a release from Universal Orlando resorts, “It all begins the moment guests enter the portal to Super Nintendo World, which will transport them through the iconic green pipe into the immersive land. As guests emerge from the pipe, vibrant scenery and exciting kinetic energy surround them as they are greeted by the familiar sights and sounds that they’ve experienced on their Nintendo game consoles—from the towering Mt. Beanpole and majestic Peach’s Castle to swaying Piranha Plants, pacing Goombas, spinning coins, ? Blocks, and more. Guests will be able to explore Super Mario Land—where they’ll enjoy adventures alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and other characters; and Donkey Kong Country—where they’ll encounter thrills featuring Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and other members of the Kong family.”
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
With the extra room allotted we hope this means there’s more space for improved guest flow; the ride itself is a joy despite going “slow” to allow for the story beats. Here, “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.” On the ride, “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
One of the attractions we were bummed didn’t get featured at Super Nintendo World in Hollywood is Yoshi’s Adventure. Good news: it “will make its U.S. debut when Super Nintendo 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 Yoshi and travel through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs—encountering many familiar characters along the way.” Count us ready to be seated in the realm of Mushroom Kingdom cute vibes.
Donkey Kong Country
“At the edge of Super Mario Land, guests will discover an entrance that leads them to Donkey Kong Country, where they’ll explore the lush, tropical landscape from the video game series, complete with tall trees, waterfalls, landmarks such as the Golden Temple, and more.” Obviously, this is where the Donkey Kong coaster will be found—more on that on the next slide—and will include 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.”
Mine Cart Madness
Get ready to go off the rails (so to speak) on a new adventure roller coaster inspired by the Donkey Kong Country games. With 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.”
Interactive Game Zones
Like the other Super Nintendo World locations, Epic Universe will also feature Power-Up band challenges to play along with on your phone. By purchasing a Power-Up band guests will “enhance their play throughout Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. With the Power-Up Band, guests can collect digital coins by punching ? Blocks and playing interactive activities, collect digital stamps on attractions, earn digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr., and discover other hidden surprises.”
Meet and Greets with the Super Mario Bros. and More
“Guests can meet, greet and interact with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad throughout various areas in Super Mario Land.” And we hope to be able to meet more characters from Donkey Kong too—give us Diddy Kong!
Super Nintendo Eats and Merch
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.”
Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe will open with the new Universal Orlando Resort theme park in 2025. For more information visit Epic Universe’s official website.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
