As the week leading up to the official opening of Epic Universe continues, jam packed with media events and sneak peeks at some of the most astounding rides, foods, shows, and more at Universal’s newest theme park, Theme Park Shark is covering each of the brand-new lands at Orlando’s hottest new theme park. As we venture into these incredible lands that transport us into some of our favorite worlds, Theme Park Shark is kicking off this event with the Super Nintendo World land at Epic Universe. Covering all of the rides, shows, attractions, and details of this land, our very own Dustin Sparage is bringing fans the Epic Experience this week from inside Epic Universe.
Theme Park Shark previously covered the Helios Grand Hotel – everything from booking information to the restaurant menus. But check-in is officially over, and we’re all eager to get into the park itself!
Let’s-a-go!
After covering the Isle of Berk at Epic Universe, Theme Park Shark wants to welcome you to the Mushroom Kingdom, the fantastical world of Nintendo featuring all of your favorite Nintendo characters, like the Mario Brothers, Princess Peach, Bowser, and Toadstool, as well as some tropical faves like Donkey Kong and friends over at the Donkey Kong Country land. Super Nintendo World is an interactive land that immerses guests right into the video games that they grew up playing, with a gamified environment that pairs with the land’s unique Power-Up bands and Universal Play, allowing guests to game the day away while at the theme park.
Attractions in Super Nintendo World
Featuring three rides and four meet-and-greet attractions, guests can collect coins, keys, and stamps around the land all while fighting Goombas, riding Yoshi, and meeting some of their favorite Nintendo characters in this immersive, high-energy land.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
One of the headliner attractions at Super Nintendo World, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is an augmented reality ride that drops you right onto your favorite Mario Kart tracks as you steer, swerve, and drift your way to first place. Use power ups and compete against friends, family, and other guests to take home the coveted Mario Kart Cup. This attraction is a 3D/4D experience and while it may not be suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, it can be enjoyed by the whole family, with its minimum height requirement starting at 40” (with under 48” being requiring a supervising companion).
This ride, which was manufactured by the MTS Systems Corporation, is a tracked dark ride that seats two per car for a fast and fun Mario Kart simulation experience.
“On Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, you’ll put on special goggles and steer through iconic courses alongside Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. In this interactive ride, you’ll collect digital coins and throw shells to try to defeat Team Bowser and win the Golden Cup. With multiple outcomes, it’s a different experience each time you ride.”
This ride does accept Universal Express Pass, but so far no Single-Rider line has been specified. This is the third incarnation of this attraction, which has previously been debuted at the Super Nintendo Worlds at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan.
Mine-Cart Madness
Located in the Donkey Kong Country portion of the land, this ride is a unique coaster that allows guests to ride the mine tracks of the Golden Temple the same way that Donkey Kong does in the games – by jumping over busted tracks! This unique ride system was manufactured by JR Automation, and while it has elements of an steel coaster is considered a dark ride for its indoor show scenes and unique track setup.
“It’s up to you to help Donkey Kong protect the Golden Banana on Mine-Cart Madness™. Enter the majestic Golden Temple, board your mine cart and take off in this thrilling family coaster. Speeding through the mine, you’ll appear to jump across gaps in the track and perform other eye-popping feats from the Donkey Kong Country video games.”
Guests looking to ride Mine-Cart Madness will need to be at least 40” in height, as this is a thrill ride that takes guests through the Golden Temple. As of right now, there is no indication that Mine-Cart Madness offers Universal Express Pass access or a single-rider line, though this may change in the future.
While this is still considered a thrill ride, Donkey Kong Country – along with the vast majority of Super Nintendo World – is designed to be family-friendly, with enclosed cars and cartoon depictions.
Yoshi’s Adventure
Manufactured by Sansei Technology, this track ride is a slow-moving, interactive stroll through Super Nintendo World that allows guests to bask in some of the most stunning views of the land while engaging in a charming, interactive adventure that encourages audience participation in a gamified experience.
Similar in nature to the traditional People Movie attraction at Walt Disney World, this is a mild ride suitable for all ages, with a minimum height requirement of 34” (with children under 48” requiring a supervising companion).
“Take a ride with Yoshis and search for the glowing eggs in this enchanting, family-friendly attraction. On Yoshi’s Adventure™ you’ll weave your way through iconic Mushroom Kingdom landscapes, encountering many familiar characters and spotting hidden colored eggs along your journey.”
Billed as “a colorful adventure the little ones will love,” this attraction does accept Universal Express Pass, though no indication of a Single-Ride line was made. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the view as you help Yoshi search for the glowing eggs.
Super Nintendo World Meet and Greets
Guests can meet Mario and Friends at Super Nintendo World, too! From the iconic Mario Brothers to fan favorites like Princess Peach, Toad, and Donkey Kong himself, Super Nintendo World has all your favorite Nintendo Characters out to spend an epic day in the park!
Of course, it’s important to remember that the cast of characters may not always be at the same times – or even every day! – at Super Nintendo World. For the most updated information about which characters will appear at what times during your Epic Universe trip, it’s best to consult the official Universal Orlando Resort app. And if you happen to miss your favorite characters, don’t worry! There’s always next time!
Retail and Dining in Super Nintendo World
Theme Park Shark has previously debuted the menus for major restaurants, quick-service food counters, and snack carts throughout Epic Universe with out Shark Bites guide to Epic Universe. Check out full menus with details, info, and pictures for all the restaurants of Epic Universe in our official Shark Bites directory.
As for retail, guests can find their favorite Nintendo characters on all kinds of apparel, accessories, home goods, and theme park merch at Super Nintendo World. Check out the 1-UP Factory for a wide variety of character hats (you know you want a plumber’s cap or a Princess crown!), plush toys, apparel, and more.
Also available for that theme park retail therapy is Mario Motors, where guests can find apparel, sundries, toys, souvenirs, collectibles, and gifts of all sorts right outside the exit of the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge attraction. Or, if you’re not looking for anything in particular, snap a picture with the famed Golden Cup located within this shop, to show everyone who really won that round of Mario Kart you’ve been arguing about for years.
The final retail location in Super Nintendo World is Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy, where you can fly in and buy all sorts of bananas merch, including apparel, sundries, souvenirs, collectibles, and gift at this Donkey Kong Country gift store.
Can’t make it to Universal’s Epic Universe just yet, but want to hit your next big vacation ready-to-go and showing off your favorite Nintendo apparel the second you step foot on property? Universal’s got you covered! Check out the Universal Orlando Resort online storefront to shop some of the most popular Super Nintendo World items.
Plus, for a limited time, shoppers on the Universal Orlando Resort web store can get free shipping on orders of 100+ by using the code SHIP100 at checkout. This offer does only apply to domestic shipping, is only valid for purchases made online, and excludes tax and additional discounts.
Shark Favorites
As a Hollywood Native, one of Dustin’s favorite parts of visiting Epic Universe was getting to see the Donkey Kong Country section of this land – a unique portion Super Nintendo World that our West Coast siblings over at Universal Studios Hollywood haven’t gotten the opportunity to experience yet.
With so much interactivity, it might be hard to chose a favorite aspect of this immersive land, but Theme Park Shark has to say it’s definitely the bongos minigame, where your musical rhythm is put to the test! In addition to the exciting new Donkey Kong Country area, there are plenty of Power-Up Band activations around the park, making the entire experience an immersive game that keeps you on your feet throughout the day. Be sure to keep an eye out for the cave area featuring the Bob-omb mini-game – that’s a Shark Favorite!
Check Back for More from Inside Epic Universe
Check back soon, as Theme Park Shark will continue to bring you exclusive views from inside Epic Universe, as well as food reviews, ride reviews, and everything you need to know about the new theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. In the meantime, check out Theme Park Shark on your favorite social media platform, like Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. As Universal’s Media Preview gets under way, expect to see plenty of exclusive footage from Theme Park Shark as we tackle everything Epic, as well as theme park news from Disney, Universal, and theme parks from all across the world!
