Get Ready to Throw Some Shells!
Start your engines, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is racing into Epic Universe on May 22nd 2025! That’s right, the Mushroom Kingdom is expanding, and Universal Orlando is bringing Super Nintendo World to its biggest and boldest park yet. If you’ve ever dreamed of throwing a Red Shell at your friends (without causing actual injuries), now’s your chance.
This high-speed attraction has already been making waves at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood, and now it’s heading to Florida. But before you go power drifting into the queue, let’s break down everything you need to know about Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge—including how this isn’t your ordinary theme park ride.
Welcome to Bowser’s Castle
It’s time to buckle up, but before you even get the chance, you must first step into Bowser’s lair. This dark, imposing fortress is filled with ominous statues, fiery torches, and trophies celebrating his past victories. He’s been training his army for the ultimate race against Mario an his friends, and he’s not planning on losing.
As you make your way through the castle, you’ll get close up looks at Bowser’s devious plans, his intimidating throne, and of course, the coveted Golden Cup the grand prize of Mario Kart racing. The whole queue experience is packed with Easter eggs from the Mario universe, so keep your eyes peeled for nods to classic games. (And maybe say a silent prayer for the poor Koopas working in Bowser’s sweatshop of doom.)
The Ride Experience – It’s-a Me, Augmented Reality!
This isn’t your typical kart race on track where you just sit back and enjoy the ride. This is a state of the art Augmented Reality (AR) adventure that puts you in the driver’s seat with real steering, real competition, and real bragging rights at stake.
You will be given a special Mario styled headset that syncs with the AR goggles. These aren’t your everyday fashion piece however, they are the high tech gear that lets the wearer see the virtual racers, obstacles, and pick up items as if they’re right in front of you. Imagine dodging Piranha Plants, speeding through Rainbow Road like tracks, and launching shells at Bowser’s team, while actually moving through a impressively scaled physical track.
How It Works:
- You’ll be seated in a Mario Kart vehicle seating unto 4. Each seat has a steering wheel, but remember, this is a team-based ride, so everyone has to work together in securing the victory.
- The AR headset projects game characters and track elements directly into your view, blending the real world sets with digital animations.
- Throughout the race, you’ll aim and fire shells at Bower’s racers and other elements using a button on the wheel. If you’ve ever wanted to make Bowser eat a Green Shell, here’s your shot.
- The ride uses projection mapping, animatronics, and screens to recreate iconic Mario Kart tracks, so expect to see everything from lava-filled Bowser’s Castle to underwater sections and neon-lit Rainbow Road twists.
- You’ll earn points based on how well you hit targets and how well your team works together. (So maybe don’t go full Waluigi and sabotage your own side.)
The goal is beat Bowser and his minions! Your final score determines if Team Mario wins, so precision driving and quick reflexes are key.
How Does It Compare to the Other Versions?
If you’ve been lucky enough to ride Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge in Japan or Mario Kart: Bower’s Challenge in Hollywood, you’ll find that Epic Universe’s take is similar but could have a few surprises.
What We Know:
- The core experience AR racing, interactive steering, and shell throwing chaos will remain the same.
- Universal has tweaked the ride layout or adding exclusive elements to the Florida version, but full details are still under wraps.
- Given that Epic Universe will be Universal’s most advanced park to date, expect this version to be the most polished and immersive yet.
One thing’s for sure, the competition will be just as fierce. Whether you’re in Florida, California, or Japan, Bowser never plays fair.
What You Need to Know Before You Race
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge will officially open with the rest of Epic Universe on May 22nd 2025 as part of Super Nintendo World.
Ride Requirements
- Minimum Height: 40 inches (102 cm)
- Under 48 inches (122 cm) will need a supervising adult to ride with them.
- Accessibility: The ride accommodates most guests, but check with Universal for specific accessibility options.
Single Rider Line
If you don’t mind ditching your Mushroom Kingdom squad for a quicker wait time, there will be a Single Rider queue.
Power-Up Bands, Track Your Wins Like a True Champion
One of the coolest parts of Super Nintendo World is the Power-Up Band, a wearable wristband that syncs with your Universal app.
With this, you can:
Track your race results from Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
Earn digital coins and unlock achievements across the land.
Trigger interactive elements around Super Nintendo World (like punching ? Blocks for coins like Mario himself).
The Power-Up Bands come in various character designs (Mario, Luigi, Peach, etc.), so pick your favourite and let the rivalry begin.
How to Win: Tips to be a Mario Kart Master
If you want to dominate the track (and rub it in your friends’ faces), here are some pro tips:
1. Aim for the Weak Spots
Certain enemies will have weak points so aim carefully to maximise your score. Don’t waste shells on minor obstacles when Bowser is right there asking for a hit.
2. Work With Your Team
You can’t win this race alone. Coordinate with your fellow kart-mates to cover all angles and take down enemies faster.
3. Don’t Get Distracted by the Scenery
Yes, the tracks going to look amazing, but if you’re staring at the glowing neon roads instead of throwing shells, you’re gonna lose.
4. Power-Up Bands = More Fun
Tracking your scores and seeing how you rank against others is a great way to get competitive outside the ride.
Plan Your Visit to Epic Universe
Want to experience Super Nintendo World and Mario Kart: Bower’s Challenge like you just scored a Star Power-Up? Here are some tips:
- Stay at a Universal hotel, resorts like Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific, and Portofino Bay offer Express Pass benefits for the other Universal parks.
- Be Close to Universals Epic Universe, resorts like the new signature Helios Grand Hotel (opening May 22nd 2025), Stella Nova and Terra Luna are the closest resorts to Epic Universe and will have transportation available to get you to the park.
- Rope drop strategy, Arriving before the park opens can help you hit the biggest rides first.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Ultimate Mario Kart Ride
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge isn’t just a ride it’s an immersive Mario Kart battle that blends physical and digital worlds unlike any other theme park attraction before.
If you’ve ever dreamed of racing through Bowser’s Castle, dodging Bullet Bills, and hitting your rival with a perfectly timed shell, this is your chance. And with Epic Universe shaping up to be Universal’s most ambitious park, you can bet this ride will be one of the biggest must dos in Orlando.
So get ready, racers it’s almost time to hit the track! And remember there’s no ‘I’ in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge (oh wait yes there is…Mama Mia!)