Epic Universe construction update: Super Nintendo World portal bursts with color
The Super Nintendo World portal at Epic Universe is nearly complete as construction for the new theme park in Orlando continues.
Aerial photographer bioreconstruct flew over the construction site of Universal Epic Universe on Dec. 25, 2024, capturing progress of Super Nintendo World. Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025 at Universal Orlando in Florida. (New to Epic Universe? Check out our beginners guide.)
At the entrance portal leading into Super Nintendo World from Epic Universe’s central hub, construction workers wrapped several tall beams (installed months ago) with theming resembling warp pipes from the Nintendo video games.
The portal archway now bears Mario’s likeness, too, as the plumber welcomes visitors to the Mushroom Kingdom.
Inside Super Mario Land (one of the two mini-lands within Super Nintendo World), painters coated the turrets of Princess Peach’s castle with pops of pink.
Throughout the area, workers continue to make progress upon various props and thematic elements.
The ride vehicles of Yoshi’s Adventure — which arrived onsite about a year ago — are almost ready to bring aboard their first riders. The egg-shaped ride vehicle in the photos is the attraction’s accessibility-friendly seat.
Donkey Kong Country (the second mini-land within Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe) is separated from Super Mario Land by a portal of its own, themed to match the Mushroom Kingdom or DK’s jungle, depending on which direction guests walk.
bioreconstruct’s photos reveal a first look at an indoor component of the Mine-Cart Madness roller coaster. The “track-jumping” attraction will traverse both indoors and outdoors.
Nearby, construction workers finish up the theming for a snack stand and Donkey Kong’s house. At Universal Studios Japan, this house is where guests can meet Donkey Kong in person.
See more from bioreconstruct’s Christmas Day flight above the Epic Universe construction site — featuring the Super Nintendo World portal + progress from the park’s other worlds — in this video:
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