The wait is over—Super Nintendo World has officially powered up at Universal Epic Universe, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more bananas than any version before. While the park has been in soft preview since April, the official grand opening on May 22, 2025, marks the start of a whole new level of theme park gameplay.
Among Epic Universe’s five immersive lands, Super Nintendo World is expected to be the biggest draw—and it’s easy to see why. This isn’t just a copy/paste of Hollywood’s compact land. Here, you’ll find not one but two fully realized Nintendo-themed areas: the colorful two-story Mushroom Kingdom and the lush, track-jumping chaos of Donkey Kong Country.
Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Donkey Kong rolled out the red carpet for our trip through the warp pipe and into Super Nintendo World.
From new attractions to interactive secrets to exclusive merch and Mario-themed meals, here’s everything you need to know to conquer Super Nintendo World like a pro—and maybe even score that elusive Golden Banana.
Super Nintendo World
After entering the iconic green pipe, guests are transported up an escalator into the colorful and kinetic two-level Mushroom Kingdom, complete with sights and sounds from favorite Nintendo games and beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and Yoshi.
Super Nintendo World is just as fun as the land in Hollywood, but it’s much bigger! It’s also expected to be the most popular of Epic Universe’s immersive worlds— and it’s the one onsite hotel guests will be able to access with their early park admission benefit. If it’s at the top of your wish list, be sure to pack your patience (at least until the initial excitement subsides).
Keep in mind that if you have a stroller or any other wheeled vehicle, you’ll require the elevator. Everything is spread out between two floors, including the exit on the first floor.
If you plan to stick around after dark, the land glows with superstar energy when the sun goes down.
Donkey Kong Country is especially gorgeous as the Golden Temple sparkles under the lights.
Super Nintendo World Attractions
Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe features three attractions, two in Super Mario Land and one in Donkey Kong Country.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge (Height Requirement – 40″)
The land’s signature attraction allows Mario Kart fans to join Team Mario in a race against Team Bowser for the Golden Cup— and just like in Hollywood, racers enter through Bowser’s Castle.
The groundbreaking attraction combines augmented reality, projection mapping technology, and physical environments to bring the video game series to life. Riders steer through a variety of Mario Kart courses, collecting coins, tossing shells, and dodging obstacles. If everyone in the vehicle scores 100 coins, Team Mario wins.
The queue is significantly larger and expanded with different scenes and props compared to the Hollywood version.
This is a great family ride, smooth and easy— everyone can ride (and play) together.
Yoshi’s Adventure (Height Requirement – 34″)
Making its U.S. debut, this family-friendly ride welcomes guests to take in breathtaking views as they travel along the second floor of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Riders search for three colored eggs and encounter other Yoshi along the way.
This high-capacity attraction will be a great escape on busy days when the big rides are packed… be sure to push the buttons on your vehicle when you see the eggs!
Mine-Cart Madness (Height Requirement – 40″)
At the edge of Super Nintendo World is an entrance to Donkey Kong Country, a lush, tropical landscape. The furthest edge of that land houses the Golden Temple, complete with a runaway minecart twisting through its structure.
Riders careen through the temple to help Donkey, Diddy, and Dixie Kong protect the coveted golden banana. This first-of-its-kind family coaster uses a unique, innovative ride system to recreate the thrilling minecart section of the video games. Riders blast out of a barrel, seemingly jump gaps, and careen down rickety tracks.
This family-friendly coaster is a lot of fun, but it’s a bit of a rough ride (a la the Matterhorn). Keep that in mind if you decide to accept the responsibility of protecting the golden banana.
Super Nintendo World Dining
Toadstool Cafe – Enjoy a variety of tasty dishes inspired by the world of Super Mario and its characters, including Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs, and so much more. You’ll also spot several Toad chefs cooking up culinary creations through virtual windows as you dine inside the restaurant.
- Yoshi’s Snack Island – This walk-up dining location at the base of Mount Beanpole is the perfect spot for fruit-based specialty beverages.
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Turbo Boost Treats – Stock up on Mario Kart race day snacks at this counter-service location.
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The Bubbly Barrel – The specialty at this Donkey Kong Country hot spot is an incredible soft serve float! The float is made with pineapple Fanta, swirled pineapple and banana Dole whip in a waffle cone, and topped with caramel popcorn. It can even be ordered in a cute Donkey Kong barrel souvenir mug.
Super Nintendo World Shopping
The Mushroom Kingdom has two shops, 1-Up Factory and Mario Motors, offering souvenirs, hats, character headbands, clothing, plushies, and other items themed to Nintendo characters like Toad, Bowser Jr., Princess Peach, and more.
Food and beverage locations inside Super Mario Land will sell food-related souvenirs like light-up popcorn buckets and mushroom sippers.
Additionally, inside Funky Kong’s plane is Funky’s Fly n Buy, carrying a variety of Donkey Kong merchandise.
Character Meet and Greets
Meet, greet, and interact with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad at various photo spots in Super Mario Land.
Additionally, Donkey Kong appears in Donkey Kong Country.
Power-Up Bands
Guests can level up their fun with Power-Up Bands, wrist wearables that enhance experiences in Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Collect digital coins by punching blocks, discovering hidden secrets, and collecting digital stamps on attractions.
Playing interactive activities earns you digital keys. An exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr unlocks after collecting three keys.
At Epic Universe, Power-Up Bands are available in eight designs themed to Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, Yoshi, plus exclusive Donkey and Diddy Kong designs.
For everything you need to know about Universal Epic Universe, check out our guide:
Universal’s EPIC UNIVERSE: The Ultimate Guide (Rides, Lands, & More!)
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Let’s-a Hear From You!
Will Super Nintendo World be your first stop when you visit Universal Epic Universe? Have you been to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, and if so, what do you think about the addition of Yoshi’s Adventure and Mine-Cart Madness in Orlando? And which Power-Up Band will you choose? Let us know in the comments!
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