Various Super Nintendo themed worlds exist around the world, including at Universal Studios Hollywood—so what makes the new land at the upcoming Universal’s Epic Universe so special? Let me explain.
Let’s get to the point: biggest draw of Super Nintendo World is Donkey Kong Country, a land within a land dedicated to Donkey Kong. Now, a version of Donkey Kong Country already exists at Universal Japan, but not Universal Studios Hollywood, making this area a draw for those visiting Orlando and Universal parks in America, generally.
Featuring lush trees and a dense jungle like environment, the Golden Temple welcomes you into a land with one attraction, Mine-Cart Madness, a family-style coaster that gives the effect that the track is broken, forcing the cart, like in the video games, to jump the track. On the ride, you will help Donkey and Diddy Kong protect the Golden Banana from the Tiki Tak Tribe. The height requirement is 40 inches and the ride is not part of the Express Pass. (Early word from ongoing previews is that this one is a bit rough—stay tuned.)
Other than Mine-Cart Madness, in Donkey Kong Country, there is a Rambi activity, Donkey Kong’s Treehouse where you can actually MEET Donkey Kong, a souvenir shop called Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy, and The Bubbly Barrel, which perhaps the most instagrammable treats at Epic Universe (see the Dole Whip in a barrel creation above).
Over to the main part of Super Nintendo World: you enter the portal via an escalator so it looks like the iconic green pipes before you emerge from Peach’s Castle and into the Mushroom Kingdom. There is so much color and movement and interactive elements that you feel as if you are really there, and to me, it this is one of the most eye-catching lands. That said, to me, it sort of lacks in the ride department—let me explain.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, set inside Bower’s Castler, is an interactive, visual effects-focused ride themed to Mario Kart that is less thrills and more game play—on brand for this land. You will be placed in a kart and will need to earn coins to throw shells to win the Golden Cup as you race through courses made famous by the video game. This looks fun and this is the same ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. I like that it’s family friendly. I guess I would have preferred more of a thrill (I expressed the same sentiment when the version at Universal Studios Hollywood opened). I will report back after I have actually rode it. The ride height is 40 inches and this ride is available for Express Pass.
The other ride is Yoshi’s Adventure, a cute people mover ride that takes you around the Mushroom Kingdom on a search for eggs. Again, I like a family friendly ride and it looks to offer unparalleled views of the land. However, note that it seats two—not the best option for families of five like mine, especially when the kids aren’t old enough to ride alone. Just something to consider! The height requirement is 34 inches and it is available for Express Pass.
In addition to the rides, you can meet Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and of course, Toad.
For food, you can try Toadstool Cafe, a quick service option offering themed treats and playful scenes in the windows of the Mushroom Kingdom. Other quick service options include Turbo-Boost Treats, and Yoshi’s Snack Island, tucked away in Mount Beanpole, for juices and fruit-based beverages.
For shopping, options include 1-Up Factory and Mario Motors. Also, just outside Super Nintendo World is Nintendo Super Star Store…another store dedicated to Nintendo. I have not seen much coverage of this store, so I will be keeping you updated when I go very soon!
Remember how I mentioned that the land is interactive? When you purchase a Power Up Band at the theme park, you can basically complete in challenges called Key Challenges and can collect digital coins and stamps around the land. Think of these like MagicBands at Disney’s with much less functionality and more focused on game play in this one land. This isn’t a requirement to enter the land or participate, but only with the band can you collect coins and see your score compared to others. I like this idea and I like the look of the power bands, I just don’t know how much time I will spend playing these games during my first visits, but I think it is a cool feature that complements the land.
Alright, that is all you need to know about Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe. My thoughts: watching the Super Mario Brothers movie last year reminded me how much I enjoy these characters and games. For certain generations, this land provides instant nostalgia, a seemingly well-executed chance to walk into your childhood. It also is one of the more striking lands, visually speaking. I have some concerns with all of the stairs and escalators from an accessibility and stroller-related standpoint, and I am not sure whether the attractions meet the standard set by the land’s themes.
Have you already visited Epic Universe? Tell me your thoughts in the comments!
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