Epic Universe reveals Super Nintendo World Orlando, opens 2025

Welcome to Epic Universe

The new Universal Epic Universe theme park will debut at Universal Orlando Resort sometime in 2025 (opening date TBA). Five worlds will comprise the park:

• Super Nintendo World
• How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
• Dark Universe, based on Universal Classic Monsters
• Celestial Park, an interplanetary central plaza not based on any existing movie franchise

Universal revealed today what to expect from the Floridian counterpart of Super Nintendo World, which will follow the openings of similar worlds at Universal parks in Japan (2021) and California (2023).

Super Nintendo World in Orlando will be divided into two areas: Super Mario Land (depicting Mushroom Kingdom) and Donkey Kong Country.

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

Anchoring the Super Mario Land area of Super Nintendo World, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge will be a dark ride attraction in which guests board their own karts for a race with Mario and friends (and foes). Riders will don goggles to see augmented reality special effects, like banana peels, blue shells, and the like.

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.

Universal Orlando

A version of Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is already open at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Mine-Cart Madness, The Donkey Kong Roller Coaster

The Mine-Cart Madness roller coaster in Donkey Kong Country will weave indoors and outside, appearing to “jump the track” over broken pieces, just like DK in his video games.

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.

Universal Orlando

A version of Mine-Cart Madness will also open late 2024 at Universal Studios Japan.

Yoshi’s Adventure

In Yoshi’s Adventure, guests will ride on Yoshi himself for a slow-moving tour of Super Nintendo World from above.

On this family-friendly ride, guests of all ages will enjoy breathtaking views of Super Mario Land as they join Yoshis and travel through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs — encountering many familiar characters along the way.

Universal Orlando

A version of Yoshi’s Adventure is already open at Universal Studios Japan.

Power-Up Bands and Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown

Visitors at Super Nintendo World in Orlando will be able to purchase Power-Up Band wearables to interact with unique elements and special effects 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. 

Universal Orlando

Using their Power-Up Band, visitors can play several “mini-games” throughout Super Nintendo World. Players who complete three of the interactive games can participate in Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown, located inside the young villain’s lair.

Dining in Super Nintendo World

Über-themed dining locations will serve unique food and drinks inspired by Nintendo games and characters.

Toadstool Café will be a quick-service restaurant in Super Mario Land. Menu items will include Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, and Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs. Universal teases, “Guests will also get glimpses of several Toads cooking up culinary creations through various virtual windows as they dine inside the restaurant.”

Walk-up food and drinks will be available at Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats. Universal will announce additional dining for Donkey Kong Country later.

Characters in Super Nintendo World

Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad will greet their fans in Super Nintendo World’s Super Mario Land.

Nintendo Merchandise

Super Nintendo World’s retail locations will include 1-Up Factory and Mario Motors.

Guests will also be able to find Mario merch at the Nintendo Super Star Store, located just outside of the Super Nintendo World portal in Celestial Park, as previously revealed.

Universal will announce details about a Donkey Kong Country retail location later.

In the meantime, Universal’s online shop also sells a wide variety of items from the Hollywood’s Super Nintendo World.

Super Nintendo World Videos

Get a sneak peek at Orlando’s Super Nintendo World by exploring Japan and California’s versions of the land with our Attractions Magazine YouTube archives:

Explore More of Epic Universe

Universal previously unveiled details about two of the other worlds of Epic Universe: Celestial Park and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Details are still to come for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe.

Universal will also open three new hotels as part of the expansion: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort, and Universal Terra Luna Resort.

Get caught up on all things Epic Universe in our recent construction update, featuring overviews of all five worlds: