Level Up Your Vacation
It’s time to power-up your Orlando vacation. Grab your plumbing tools and overalls and warp into the vibrant realm of Super Nintendo World. Universal’s Epic Universe is opening on May 22nd 2025. Universal’s newest theme park is bringing this immersive land that promises to transport guests straight into the world of everyone’s favourite plumbing bros. After years of waiting, Super Nintendo World finally makes it to the East Coast! When Epic Universe opens, Orlando will become home to the biggest and most advanced version of the land yet.
If you’ve been envious of Universal Japan and Universal Hollywood versions, it’s time to celebrate because the version in Epic Universe is taking it from 16-bit to 64-bit to make this one the best of them all. Offering a life size pixel-perfect blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge attractions.
Exploring Super Nintendo World
Imagine it, you step straight into a video game and find yourself in the Mushroom Kingdom, surrounded by the bright, whimsical landscapes, towering blocks, and the iconic 8-bit sounds that instantly make you feel like you’ve just punched the “Star” power-up. This sounds like the adventure Nintendo fans have been waiting for. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you step foot into Super Nintendo World at Universal’s Epic Universe.
This land has been crafted to capture the feeling of this Nintendo franchise, bringing everything to life in this fully immersive world. As you enter, by warp pipe, where you will be transported accompanied by iconic sounds and high tech effects to immediately make you feel like you’re sucked into a world that’s beyond ours.
Vibrant and Interactive
The setting is nothing short of a Wonder. The land is designed with bold colours and familiar sights, to make it feel you’ve been pulled straight into the screen. From the green hills of the Mushroom Kingdom to Bowser’s Castle looming in the distance, every pixel is bursting with details. You’ll also notice the giant question ‘?’ blocks that float in air above you, waiting to be hit.
Unlike typical lands, Super Nintendo World makes you part of the game! Thanks to Power-Up Bands. These interactive bands turn this into a real-life video game, collect coins and stamps, unlock secrets throughout the Mushroom Kingdom, play mini games throughout the world and battle bosses.
Interacting with various elements around Super Nintendo World, triggering animations, sounds, and even earning points as you go. Whether you’re solving puzzles, hitting blocks, or collecting virtual coins, it’s a whole new level of immersion and guest experience. Making you a character in the game, completing challenges and earning rewards as you explore! FIND OUT MORE ABOUT POWER-UP BANDS HERE
Super Nintendo World stays true to the feel of the universe, bringing with it cutting-edge technology which will be seen in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge mixing life size sets with augmented reality to make you feel like you’re actually racing through the Mushroom Kingdom.
While on your odyssey, you’ll also see iconic elements and characters from the games, like Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and of course, the mushroom styled houses. The pathways are lined with whimsical structures that look straight out of the game’s. It’s like walking through a massive, open-world level where everything is larger than life.
This level of world building is further enriched with the playful soundtrack of classic Nintendo tunes, (did anyone else start humming the Super Mario Bros. theme), with ambient sounds that make you feel like you’re in the middle of a Donkey Kong Country. The music doesn’t just play in the background, it’s seamlessly used in the world and interacts with the environment. Filled with larger then life sights and sounds and hidden easter (or should we say Yoshi) eggs, this is a whole new way to experience theme parks.
A Whole New Level of Adventure
Super Nintendo World brings three new attractions to the park:
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: A high-speed real life Mario Kart race through iconic tracks, where augmented reality brings the Mushroom Kingdom to life. Team up with Mario, dodge those pesky banana peels as you aim for the finish line. Ride height requirement minimum 40 inches.
- Yoshi’s Adventure: A family friendly journey overlooking the Mushroom Kingdom. This ride offers a whimsical tour filled with delightful scenery and familiar characters. Ride height requirement minimum 34 inches.
- Donkey Kong Country: Mine-Cart Madness: Hold onto your barrels, bananas and of course hats! This thrilling coaster invites you to hop into a mine cart and experience the wild twists and turns of Donkey Kong’s world, making its US debut in Orlando. Ride height requirement minimum 40 inches.
Character Meet and Greets: It’s-a Me, Mario!
No trip to Super Nintendo World would be complete without meeting the stars themselves? Snap a selfie with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and of course everyones favourite fungi Toad as they roam the land, ready to share a high-five or a hearty “Let’s-a go!”
Dining: Feast Like a Super Star
A trip to the Mushroom Kingdom would need some refreshments so hit the pause button on your adventure and fuel up on Super Nintendo Worlds offerings.
- Toadstool Café: Indulge in a menu inspired by the Mushroom Kingdom. Highlights include the Mario Burger, a hearty sandwich sure to fill your health bar, and Bowser’s Fireball Challenge, a spicy delight for those daring enough to face the King of the Koopas’ culinary wrath.
- Yoshi’s Snack Island: serving up a quick power-up, grab a Green Shell Mochi or a Super Star Lemon Squash drink, perfect for keeping your energy levels at full.
- The Bubbly Barrel: If you’re swinging through Donkey Kong Country, make sure to stop by The Bubbly Barrel, a snack stand serving up tropical-inspired drinks and barrel-themed treats.
- Turbo Boost Treats: a quick-service snack stand designed for those who need a speedy recharge before taking on Bowser’s challenges.
Merchandise: Gear Up for the Adventure
No quest is complete without the right gear. Super Nintendo World offers an array of merchandise to commemorate your journey:
- Power-Up Bands: The interactive wristbands allowing you to collect virtual coins and stamps, enhancing your immersive experience.
- Apparel and Accessories: From character hats to themed apparel, dress the part as you explore.
- Collectibles: Limited-edition pins, plushies, and more await so you can bring a piece of the adventure home.
Tips for Experiencing Super Nintendo World Like a Pro
- Rope drop strategy: Arriving before the park opens can help you hit the biggest rides first, because let’s be real, this is going to be one of the must-do attractions.
- 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 Epic Universe: The new signature Helios Grand Hotel (opening May 22, 2025), Stella Nova, and Terra Luna are the closest resorts to Epic Universe and will have transportation available to get you there faster than a Warp Pipe.
Final Thoughts: A Hidden Level of Fun
Super Nintendo World is sure to be more than just another theme park land. It’s a completely new experience. It’s an immersive, interactive world where you get to play not with but alongside Mario and his pals. Whether you’re enjoying the attractions, solving puzzles, or collecting coins for the high score, every moment here feels like a power-up for your vacation.
The land isn’t just about nostalgia (although there’s plenty of that), this is a new chapter in Universal’s evolution of theme parks, bringing the spirit of Nintendo to life with a mix of cutting-edge tech and timeless gameplay. Super Nintendo World is an adventure you won’t want to miss!
Whether you’re a lifelong Nintendo fan or new to the games, Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe offers an adventure that’s sure to leave you breathless.
And of course, before you can jump into the action, be sure to grab your Universal and Epic Universe tickets from AttractionTickets.com, because every great game starts with the ticket!
