Mario, Yoshi and Donkey Kong take over Orlando in Universal's biggest new theme park land
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Early look at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe's SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Universal Orlando's Epic Universe park will include five new themed areas including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Here's an early look inside.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD includes themed lands, rides, dining, and interactive experiences based on popular Nintendo franchises.
The Orlando version is the third SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, larger than Hollywood's, and features unique attractions like Yoshi's Adventure.
Mamma Mia! Mario, Luigi and the entire crew arrived in Florida this week.
Universal Orlando's new theme park, Epic Universe, opened to the public on Thursday, May 22. It consists of five new lands for parkgoers to explore, including the highly anticipated SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
Epic Universe is located in Universal's new south campus, about 15 minutes away from its other parks. The official address is 4700 E. Sand Lake Road in Orlando.
Here's what theme park junkies and avid gamers need to know about SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal's Epic Universe.
What is SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe?
The new world features rides, dining and immersive attractions based on the Super Mario Bros, Mario Kart, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong franchises. It will feature two specific lands — Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country.
Universal described the new world as a 'multi-sensory environment where guests can experience the fun and adventure of Nintendo games in a whole new way" in a previous news release.
'As guests emerge from the pipe, vibrant scenery and exciting kinetic energy surround them as they are greeted by the familiar sights and sounds that they've experienced on their Nintendo game consoles – from the towering Mt. Beanpole and majestic Peach's Castle to swaying Piranha Plants, pacing Goombas, spinning coins, '?' Blocks and more,' according to Universal.
See map of Universal Orlando's Epic Universe
What is the difference between Hollywood and Orlando SUPER NINTENDO WORLD?
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD first opened at Universal Studios Japan in 2021, with Universal's Hollywood location getting its own in 2023. Orlando's land is the third in existence.
Orlando's version resembles Japan's land and will be larger than Hollywood's. It has the first Yoshi's Adventure and Donkey Kong Country in the U.S.
How many rides are in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Orlando?
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD has three rides for guests to experience.
Gamers can experience some of their favorite Mario Kart courses in real life on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. You will also throw shells and collect digital coins to beat Team Bowser.
Universal also shared that the ride has multiple different outcomes, meaning it will be different every time you ride it.
Over at Mine-Cart Madness, guests will enter the majestic Golden Temple and take off on the family coaster to help Donkey Kong protect the Golden Banana.
Yoshi's Adventure will give guests 'breathtaking views of Super Mario Land as they join Yoshis and travel through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs – encountering many familiar characters along the way,' according to Universal.
What are the restaurants at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe?
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD has four different eateries, allowing guests to dine like their favorite video game characters.
Its main quick-service restaurant is Toadstool Cafe, which is already a hit at other Nintendo parks worldwide.
"Fuel up at Toadstool Cafe, where you can watch Chef Toad cooking up some of his favorite recipes and see playful scenes of the Mushroom Kingdom through the windows," Universal writes online. "Enjoy tasty creations prepared daily, including soups, salads, and sandwiches, as well as delicious entrees and delectable desserts."
There are also three different snack and beverage kiosks in the themed world:
The Bubbly Barrel - Located in the heart of Donkey Kong Country, you'll find the perfect refreshment for your adventures in the jungle
- Located in the heart of Donkey Kong Country, you'll find the perfect refreshment for your adventures in the jungle Yoshi's Snack Island - Enjoy a variety of juices and fruit-based specialty beverages, inspired by Yoshi's favorite food: fruit!
Enjoy a variety of juices and fruit-based specialty beverages, inspired by Yoshi's favorite food: fruit! Turbo-Boost Treats - Guests can take a pit stop at Turbo-Boost Treats for some Mario Kart race day snacks.
First taste of Universal Epic Universe: Trying its highly themed food, drinks
Will there be shops at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe?
There are two souvenir shops — The 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors stores. Guests can also purchase a wearable Power-Up Band for additional interactivity across SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
'With the Power-Up Band, guests can collect digital coins by punching '?' Blocks and playing interactive activities; collect digital stamps on attractions; earn digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr.; and discover other hidden surprises,' Universal said last year.
'Guests can also access Leaderboard screens in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to see where they rank amongst fellow guests.'
Are there character meet-and-greets at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD?
Yes! Guests can say hello and pose for photos with some of their favorite characters, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad.
What are the other four portals at Universal's Epic Universe?
Celestial Park – The first world guests encounter when they arrive, features relaxing gardens, a 'wet play area,' a grand carousel, and a dual-launch racing roller coaster with 5,000 feet of track and speeds up to 62 mph. Celestial Park will also be the gateway to Epic Universe's four other worlds, accessed by themed portals.
The first world guests encounter when they arrive, features relaxing gardens, a 'wet play area,' a grand carousel, and a dual-launch racing roller coaster with 5,000 feet of track and speeds up to 62 mph. Celestial Park will also be the gateway to Epic Universe's four other worlds, accessed by themed portals. How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk gives fans of the 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise a chance to finally soar like Hiccup, Astrid and their fellow Dragon Riders do on screen.
gives fans of the 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise a chance to finally soar like Hiccup, Astrid and their fellow Dragon Riders do on screen. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic blends "1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures' 'Fantastic Beasts' films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series,' according to Universal Orlando, which is already home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
blends "1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures' 'Fantastic Beasts' films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series,' according to Universal Orlando, which is already home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley Dark Universe – Guests can expect to 'encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery," according to Universal.
Can I buy tickets to Epic Universe? How much are tickets to Epic Universe?
Yes. Guests can purchase single-day admission or multi-day ticket packages to Epic Universe.
Single-day tickets are available for visits starting Sunday, June 1. These tickets start at $139 and can go up to $199 during peak periods. Annual pass holders can purchase single-day tickets at a discounted price.
May dates are unavailable unless you choose the multi-day ticket packages announced last year. The packages include one or more days at Universal's other parks and a single-day admission to Epic Universe.
Universal has also announced other products guests can add onto their admission, including express passes, VIP Tours, photos and costume experiences.
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