Epic Universe construction update: Bowser’s final form takes shape in Super Nintendo World
At the Epic Universe construction site, Bowser’s monstrous form now waits to welcome guests to his castle for the Mario Kart ride in Super Nintendo World.
Updated Nov. 11, 2024; original version published Nov. 4, 2024.
From high in the sky, bioreconstruct captured aerial photos of Universal Epic Universe construction throughout October and early November 2024, showing the progression of Bowser in Super Nintendo World from framing to plaster to finished look.
(New to Epic Universe? Check out our beginner’s guide. The new theme park will open May 22, 2025 in Orlando, Fla. )
Super Nintendo World refresher
Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World will be comprised of two distinct areas. Super Mario Land will contain the indoor Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride and the indoor/outdoor Yoshi’s Adventure ride. Next door, Donkey Kong Country will feature the indoor/outdoor Mine-Cart Madness roller coaster.
Super Nintendo World is one of Epic Universe’s five worlds. The others are Celestial Park, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
Bowser arrives at Epic Universe
In recent weeks, construction workers shaped the plaster forming Bowser’s distinct face at the future entrance of Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge in Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World. Taking place inside Bowser’s castle, the ride will utilize augmented reality (AR) effects as guests compete in a classic Mario Kart race. (Incidentally, the video game is currently spotlighted in a new collection of McDonald’s Happy Meal toys.)
Early October 2024:
Oct. 24, 2024:
Mid-November 2024:
Peach’s castle
Switching back to late October, other Bowser-esque ornamentation can be spotted in the surrounding plaza. Construction workers also continue to make progress on Peach’s castle.
Water in Donkey Kong Country
Over in Super Nintendo World’s Donkey Kong Country, utilities teams added H2O to a water feature along the ride path of Mine-Cart Madness, the Donkey Kong roller coaster.
Who’s ready to “jump the track”?! (Do you have your Epic Universe tickets yet?)
Teams continue to add details and landscaping to the hut labeled “Kong” and the jungle surrounding the roller coaster.
The two areas of Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe will be connected via a warp pipe (on the Super Mario Land side) and a jungle-themed archway (on the Donkey Kong Country side). Artisans have sculpted details into the latter. Nearby, they’ve begun the paint job for Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy, a retail location at Funky Kong’s plane.
Epic Universe rides testing
Glancing at still photography of Super Nintendo World, it’s easy to forget that components of Epic Universe are in motion, literally. Many of the new theme park’s rides are currently in test cycles, complete with various props and character elements. In the photos below of Yoshi’s Adventure, notice the different position of the bird figure and the different Yoshi ride vehicles passing by.
For even more in-motion Epic Universe construction of Super Nintendo World, check out this video version of bioreconstruct’s recent flight adventures:
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