Universal Orlando Resort just announced a lot of new details about Super Nintendo World coming to Epic Universe when the new theme park opens in 2025.
Not only is Super Mario Land coming to the park, we’re also getting Donkey Kong Country. This would be the first in the United States — Universal Studios Hollywood in California has Super Mario but not Donkey Kong in their theme park. The only other Donkey Kong Country is currently being built in Universal Studios Japan and scheduled to open later this year.
You’re going to enter through that iconic green pipe Mario uses in the games, go up an escalator and come out to the second floor of the land.
You have Peach’s castle, Bowser’s castle, and Toadstool Cafe (more on that later)!
Super Mario Land
This land is going to be immersive and interactive. There will be games and hidden items for you to discover and play against your friends. Punch blocks to collect coins and increase your score. There’s gonna be Leaderboard screens across the land so you can see how well you’re doing compared to everyone else in the park.
But you are gonna need buy one of these special Power Up bands to play. They currently go for $42 plus tax (no discounts apply) at Universal Studios Hollywood in California.
Rides
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
The main ride in the super Mario area is gonna be Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. The queue takes you through Bowser’s castle where he has challenged Mario to race and we’re joining Team Mario!
Each kart is shown to seat 4 guests but each person will be able to steer independently as they play wearing augmented reality headsets. You’ll be able to throw shells and other objects at Team Bowser, collect coins, and dodge obstacles. Even though you’re wearing a headset, you will be in an elaborate environment which will also use projection mapping to make you feel like the game has come alive.
- Height requirement: 42 inches with a supervising companion or 48 inches to ride alone.
Yoshi’s Adventure
This family-friendly ride takes you on a scenic ride through the mushroom kingdom. Think of the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride or like the PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom. But this ride has buttons and you’re on a mission to find glowing eggs!
- Height requirement: 36 inches with a supervising companion or 48 inches to ride alone.
Character Meet and Greets
Universal confirmed you will be able to meet and greet with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad.
Dining
Your main dining location is gonna be Toadstool Cafe where you’ll find things like: Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs. And it seems there will be screens in there that will let you see the toads whipping up your dishes!
The 2 snack locations will be Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats.
Shopping
You’re souvenir shops will be the 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors. There is sure to be toys and apparel for all ages.
Donkey Kong Country
Now to Donkey Kong Country where you’ll step into a tropical landscape with tall trees, waterfalls and see The Golden Temple.
Rides
Mine-Cart Madness
This is the only confirmed rollercoaster attraction for Super Nintendo World and a family-friendly one at that (see height requirements below). It uses brand-new technology to make it look and feel like you’re jumping the track and getting blasted out of a barrel.
And a very important note: this one has no screens at all — which is so nice to hear after riding so many Universal rides that have screens.
- Height Requirement: 36 inches to ride with a supervising companion or 48 inches to ride alone.
Universal Orlando says they’ll release more details about Donkey Kong Country in the future.
Are you excited for Super Nintendo World? Let us know in the comments and share this article with your friends!
Check out the other Universal Orlando Resort announcements this week: the opening date of DreamWorks Land, new nighttime Hogwarts Always Harry Potter castle show, new nighttime lagoon show with drones, and a new Universal Mega Movie Parade coming this summer.
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All photos are copyright of Epic Universe/Universal Orlando Resort.