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Have you ever fantasized about jumping into a Donkey Kong or Super Mario video game? At Super Nintendo World, you’ll feel as if you’ve done just that! And in this complete guide to Super Nintendo World in Orlando, we’ll share what to expect when it comes to attractions, dining and theming.
Until last year, you’d have to travel to Universal Studios Japan or Universal Studios Hollywood for a chance to visit Super Nintendo World. But thanks to Epic Universe, the newest theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, there’s now a Super Nintendo World on the East Coast of the United States. There’s even an area you won’t find at Universal Hollywood, Donkey Kong Country.
But first, let’s start at the very beginning, and that’s the entrance to Super Nintendo World!
Super Mario Land
To get to Super Nintendo World, you’ll first enter Epic Universe through a section known as Celestial Park. From there, you can walk through one of four portals into the different sections: Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and, of course, Super Nintendo World.
The portal to Super Nintendo World will take you through a green pipe to Super Mario Land. In this colorful area full of movement, you’ll see Peach’s Castle – and so much more!
Let’s take a look at the different things to do and where to eat in Super Mario Land.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
This ride is your chance to experience Mario Kart in a brand new way! (Well, unless you’ve already ridden the versions of the attraction at Universal Studios Japan or Universal Studios Hollywood.)
On this interactive ride with special goggles and 3D and 4D effects, you’ll race on courses in the clouds and underwater. Throw shells, collect coins, and try to win the Golden Cup. As there are multiple outcomes, it’s definitely an attraction you can ride again and again.
The minimum height requirement for the Mario Kart ride is 42” (107 cm). And anyone at least 42″ but less than 48″ (122 cm) in height will need to ride with a supervising companion.
Yoshi’s Adventure
This family- and child-friendly ride is the first version in North America. (You can also ride it in Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan.) It’s an Omnimover-type ride (like the Haunted Mansion rides at Disney World and Disneyland or Boo Blasters on Boo Hill at Kings Island), which means it has continuously moving ride vehicles that can turn in different directions.
On Yoshi’s Adventure, you’ll see familiar Mario franchise characters and Mushroom Kingdom landscapes. During the ride, see if you can spot the hidden eggs in red, blue and green.
The minimum height for riders of Yoshi’s Adventure is 36″ (92 cm). And guests who are under 48” (122 cm) in height require a supervising companion.
Key Challenges
If you purchase Power-Up Band, you can take part in special Key Challenges. Play the following interactive games, and if you win, you’ll get a digital key.
- Piranha Plant Nap Mishap
- Put the large Piranha Plant back to sleep by tapping multiple alarm clocks.
- Goomba Crazy Crank
- Turning the crank makes the ground spin. Can you make it spin fast enough to knock a Goomba backward?
- Thwomp Panel Panic
- Flip every tile on the wall to the same color – but you won’t have much time!
- Koopa Troopa POWer Punch
- Knock over the Koopa Troopa by hitting a POW Block to send a Koopa Shell up the pipe at just the right time.
- Bob-Omb Kaboom Room
- Can you assemble the scattered fragments of a key before the Bob-omb goes kaboom?
Once you’ve earned at least 3 keys, you’ll be able to play Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown to recover the stolen Golden Mushroom. You can use your digital keys to unlock Bowser Jr.’s lair. (Please note the recommended age is 5 years old and up.)
Toadstool Cafe
Have all these challenges made you hungry? Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by Toadstool Cafe! At this quick service restaurant, you can enjoy salads, sandwiches, soups, desserts and more. And you can see Chef Toad at work and even Mushroom Kingdom scenes through the windows.
To find out more about Toadstool Cafe and the other places to eat in the park, make sure to check out our Epic Universe dining guide.
Turbo-Boost Treats
Need a quick snack or drink for a boost of energy? Stop by this quick service dining location.
Yoshi’s Snack Island
Another great place for a drink or snack.
Super Mario Character Meet & Greets
Have your picture taken with some of your favorite characters from Super Mario!
Depending on when you visit, you may be able to enjoy a character experience and photo with:
- Mario
- Luigi
- Toad
- Princess Peach
1-Up Factory
This store is a great place to buy Super Nintendo World merch, character hats and more.
Mario Motors
At this gift shop, located at the exit of the Mario Kart ride, you’ll see the famous Golden Cup on display. And, of course, you’ll be able to purchase fun souvenirs and themed gear.
Donkey Kong Country
Super Nintendo World is more than just Super Mario Land! Connected via tunnel to Super Mario Land is another amazing section, Donkey Kong Country. This land has a tropical jungle vibe to it, with flowers and rockwork.
Mine-Cart Madness
Help Donkey Kong protect the Golden Banana from the Tiki Tak Tribe!
The mine cart attraction utilizes a new ride system that was developed in-house by Universal Creative. You’ll feel like you’re experiencing some of the moves from the Donkey Kong Country video game series, such as jumping across gaps in the track!
This energetic coaster ride falls somewhere between family coaster and thrill coaster. The minimum height requirement for Mine-Cart Madness is 36″ (92 cm), and kids shorter than 48″ must have a supervising companion with them.
The Bubbly Barrel
You can cool off with a tropical drink from this Donkey Kong Country quick service window.
Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy
If you’d love merchandise specific to Donkey Kong Country, make sure you stop here! This airplane-turned-open air market is courtesy of Donkey Kong’s friend Funky Kong.
Super Nintendo World Tickets
In order to experience all of this fun, you’ll need admission to the park. Find out how to get discount tickets to Epic Universe here. You’ll also find out how to save money on the other Universal parks in Orlando: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay.
And if you’re looking for more Nintendo theme park fun, consider visiting Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Studios Japan.