Since 1985, Nintendo's Super Mario (and his friends) have captured millions of gamers' hearts worldwide. Dozens of games later, fans can enjoy the Super Mario universe without a controller! Super Nintendo World first opened its doors on March 2021 in Universal Studios, Japan. Fans finally have a way to interact with their favorite characters while immersing themselves in the Super Mario world, from meeting Yoshi up close to exploring Bowser's Lair. North American fans who love the video game series can rejoice as Universal plans to open a Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando Resort! Though it's still a couple of years away, fans are privy to the details (and some rumors) surrounding the park's construction.
10 It's Set To Launch In 2025
Though Universal had planned on opening Epic Universe and the Super Nintendo World earlier but was foiled due to the pandemic; However, fans will be happy to know that construction has since resumed, with reports that the park will open by summer 2025! Though it's still a few years away, coaster footings and building foundations are currently being built.
9 It Will Be One Of The Four "Lands" At Epic Universe
The Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando will be found as a "land" in Epic Universe, the park's newest attraction and theme park. With Universal promising an incredibly interactive experience, the location will feature a rainbow of restaurants, shops, hotels, and rides. Set to be located east on Universal Boulevard, Epic Universe will span 750 acres, which is double the current size of Universal! Besides featuring Super Nintendo World, there are tons of rumors surrounding which other attractions shall be built on the property, from Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic to a Star Trek-themed area.
8 The Area Will Be Closed Off To The Rest Of The Park
Much like Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando will be hidden away within Epic Universe, away from non-ticket holders. This means guests who bought tickets specifically for the park can enjoy an immersive experience away from prying eyes! From Peach's Castle to Bowser's Lair, visitors can enjoy the park with other avid Nintendo and Super Mario fans.
7 A Section Will Be Donkey Kong-Themed
Aside from walking through Peach's castle and visiting Bowser's fortress, parkgoers can also enjoy an immersive Donkey Kong-themed area. Lovers of the tie-wearing gorilla visiting this area can walk through a lush tropical garden resembling Donkey Kong's natural habitat, complete with its own experiences and rides. Perhaps that may include a couple of bananas and rolling barrels!
6 There Will Be Three Major Attractions
The Super Nintendo World is an attraction itself. Still, visitors will be bestowed upon three major attractions: Mario Kart (Koopa's Challenge), Donkey Kong (Mine Cart Madness), and Yoshi's Adventure. Japan's Universal Studios is also building a new attraction for 2024: the Donkey Kong Mine Cart Coaster. Thus, many fans hope to see it in the Orlando theme park as well!
5 Fans Can Purchase A "Power Up" Band
Much like the interactive wands used at Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests can purchase special wristbands that allow them to interact with objects around the park. The Power Up Band lets visitors explore the park with this device, play interactive games, and keep track of their scores! Visitors can nab question-mark blocks for points (or digital coins), play the virtual slot machines, or collect valuable keys from different challenges, from Koopa Troopa POWer Punch to Goomba Crazy Crank.
4 Get Ready For Nintendo-Themed Restaurants!
Fancy a green shell calzone or a juicy burger made by Mario himself? Once the park opens, hungry parkgoers who are fans of the iconic video game franchise can sink their teeth into Nintendo-themed delectables; perhaps identical (or at the very least, similar) to the delights served at Super Nintendo World in Japan! Prospective parkgoers hope to sample dishes like the piranha plant Caprese, the question block tiramisu, or Yoshi's cantaloupe-flavored lassi.
3 There Will Be Tons Of Nintendo-Themed Merch To Buy
This summer, the Universal Studio Store in Universal Studios Hollywood launched an array of Nintendo-themed merchandise, anticipating the park's future opening of Super Nintendo World. Park visitors got a taste for the memorabilia that is come with the park's launch, including items like Mario-themed shirts, Nintendo memorabilia, Mario (and Luigi) hats, and a collection of toys. Thus, fans waiting for Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando are hoping these items will also be available at the Orlando branch!
2 Fans Will Get To See What's Inside The Pipes!
Mario and his friends travel through green pipes to get from one level to the next. Varying in length yet uniform in color (and shine!), fans can finally walk through these iconic pipes. As seen in Osaka's Super Nintendo World, guests are greeted by the giant warp pipes, which transport them to Mario's universe. Plus, fans will also get their chance to encounter POW blocks, Koopa shells, and much more!
1 Super Nintendo World Will Open Up In Other Parks Too
North American fans are ecstatic that Super Nintendo World will finally open up in Orlando. However, international fans can rejoice because Universal plans on opening Super Nintendo Worlds in Singapore and Hollywood! The details are unclear, but Universal Studios Hollywood claims the park will be ready in early 2023. Furthermore, the park's layout will be different compared to that seen in Orlando and Japan, and it will be getting one (not three) major ride: Mario Kart.