After witnessing Super Nintendo World make its debut at Universal Studios Japan, and later seeing Hollywood get to immerse its guests into their favorite video games, we can’t help but become more and more excited for what’s to come to Orlando. And luckily for us, the theme park is giving us a teaser of what to expect!
This week, Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled more details about its long-awaited Super Nintendo World, one of five imaginative “worlds” currently under construction at Epic Universe. It’s based on the beloved game franchise, which first launched in the ’80s, and will feature exciting interactive features.
Once guests make it through the iconic green pipe, they’ll be greeted by familiar landscapes and iconic characters, from both Peach’s and Bowser’s castles to swaying Piranha Plants and spinning coins.
Attractions
The attraction everyone’s waiting for is real-life Mario Kart, dubbed Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, which will take riders through a series of courses in a competitive race against Team Bowser. Augmented reality, projection mapping technology and elaborate environments fuse together to bring the indoor ride to life, allowing riders to join their favorite characters while collecting coins, tossing shells at Team Bowser, dodging obstacles and more.
The park will also feature rides like Yoshi’s Adventure and Donkey Kong’s Mine-Cart Madness. The ride themed around the adorable green dinosaur, Yoshi, will be the first one in the U.S., and will make its way around the park in a treasure hunt for glowing eggs.
Mine-Cart Madness, located in a section of Super Mario Land known as Donkey Kong Country, will take riders on a thrilling adventure as they help Donkey and Diddy Kong protect the coveted golden banana. Described as a “first-of-its-kind family coaster,” guests will be taken through the twists and turns of a mine, get blasted out of a barrel, seemingly jumping over gaps along a rickety track and more like in the games.
Other highlights
Of course, it’s not just about the rides at Super Nintendo World as there’s plenty else to see and do, such as character meet-and-greets and visit retail locations.
Much like the other parks in Japan and Hollywood, visitors will be equipped with “Power-Up Bands” that will enhance the play throughout the land. And yes, visitors can actually punch blocks! These wearable wristbands will keep score of virtual coins and keys, as well as discover hidden surprises. Guests can also access leaderboard screens to see where they rank amongst fellow guests.
There will also be the Toadstool Cafe, a restaurant serving up dishes inspired by the world and its characters. Diners can enjoy Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs cooked up by several Toads that can be seen through virtual windows.
We get that Super Nintendo World isn’t open yet, but we can’t wait any longer! Epic Universe is slated to open in 2025. You can find out more about it here.
Universal has also unveiled upcoming lands for Epic Universe, including How to Train Your Dragon, which you can read more about here.