The Ultimate Epic Universe Guide: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
It's A Me, Mario! This portal contains a familiar green pipe that will transport you to the wonderful world of NINTENDO.
THE BLUE-SUSPENDERED PLUMBER HIMSELF HAS LANDED IN ORLANDO.
This world encompasses two distinct areas: Super Mario Land™, the main multi-level interactive world with thrilling rides like Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge and the adorable journey through colorful landscapes on Yoshi’s Adventure™ (a slow ride fit for all ages). The other world-within-a-world is Donkey Kong Country™.
Guests can discover the action and fun as they help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the Golden Banana in Mine-Cart Madness™. Another popular ride at Epic, it’s also often the first ride to open for early entry. You should expect to wait, but it’s time well spent. “In SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, you’ll jump into the action, and discover a new way to play,” says Molly Murphy, president, Universal Creative.
Earn all three keys with your Power-Up Band and unlock the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown at Universal Epic Universe.
One of the coolest features in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ is the Power-up Band. It allows you to play the games, keep score, find hidden elements and even see how you’re doing compared to other guests in the park. WOOHOO!
“I’m a lifelong fan of NINTENDO™ and have grown up with these characters. I still remember opening up my NES system in ‘85 or ‘86. This world just invites you to just come in and play.”—Chris Bromby, director, immersive experiences, Universal Creative
Power-Up Bands
Guests purchase a collectible Power‑Up Band—available in themed designs like Mario or Peach—and link it to the Universal Orlando app via a QR code. Wearing the band enables interactive gameplay throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: punching blocks, games, and challenges earn digital coins, stamps, and keys.
Completing any three of five Key Challenges (Goomba Crank, POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap, Bob‑omb Kaboom, Thwomp Panel Panic) grants digital keys.
Once three keys are collected, band wearers can access Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown, a virtual boss battle where players physically duck, jump, and swat to defeat Bowser Jr. and reclaim the Golden Mushroom, earning more coins and leaderboard bragging rights.
What to Ride in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
A view of Yoshi’s Adventure.
This world offers three fantastic rides, from an easy-going slow ride to an almost off-the-rails race to get the Golden Banana. Let’s review each one, their themes, and our overall thoughts.
The entrance to Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge. ©Universal Orlando Resort
Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge
Start big with Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge, where 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. Goggles aren’t necessarily required, but they do enhance the game play.
The queue’s theming is spectacular, as you walk through room after room in Bowser’s Castle.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™. View From Yoshi’s Adventure.
Yoshi’s Adventure™
Looking for a more leisurely ride? Try Yoshi’s Adventure™. Take a ride with Yoshi 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 all while spotting hidden colored eggs along your journey.
A must for every park-goer, this ride is slow-moving, bright and friendly.
Orlando is the first of the Universal Parks worldwide to have Donkey Kong Country™.
Mine-Cart Madness™
Take a Wild Ride Through Donkey Kong Country™ on Mine-Cart Madness™. Those who brave this ride must help Donkey Kong protect the Golden Banana.
You’ll 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.
The most intense ride in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, it’s a bit rougher than you may expect. Check our Ride-O-Meter for more information.
What to Eat in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
Toadstool Café™. ©Universal Orlando Resort
Pull Up a Toadstool
This world offers one quick service restaurant, Toadstool Café™, and three counter-service options, The Bubbly Barrel, Yoshi’s Snack Island™ and Turbo Boost Treats.
Although you can’t get a reservation at Toadstool Café, you can order right from any open table.
All quick-service restaurants inside Epic Universe have QR codes and table numbers fixed to the middle of the tables. Simply find an open table, scan the QR code, pick your food options and place your order. You’ll have an assigned table number, and a server will happily bring you your meal.
At Toadstool Café™ you can watch Chef Toad cooking up some of his favorite recipes and see playful scenes of the Mushroom Kingdom through the windows. Enjoy tasty heavily themed creations prepared daily, including soups like Super Mushroom Soup, the Mario Burger (complete with a little hat) and the new Yoshi Mushroom Alfredo, featuring a mushroom alfredo sauce, grilled chicken and broccoli topped with egg shaped bread. And don’t skip out on dessert. The ? Block Tiramisu is both Instagrammable and deliciously cute.
Save room for The Bubbly Barrel. This thatched roof stand inside Donkey Kong Country™ is known for one thing: the DK Crush Float. They offer a version with a collectible mug, which works best if you’re trying to get the perfect shot. This banana pineapple soft-serve float is delicious and a must-try.
Another counter option is Yoshi’s Snack Island™. Nestled into the base of Mount Beanpole is this cozy burrow where you can enjoy a Koopa Troopa Calzone and two smoothies (mango and apple melon).
For popcorn, water and soda fountain beverages, Turbo Boost Treats might be your best option.
Where to shop in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
A look up at the ceiling of the Nintendo Super Star Store reveals all your favorite characters. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez.
Store Interior SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™. Photo by Omag Staff
Colorful Keepsakes Galore
There are plenty of unique retail options to stock up on souvenirs through Celestial Park, including the Nintendo Super Star Store. Located just outside the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ portal, this store is filled with colorful keepsakes themed around NINTENDO’s™ beloved characters. The walls are covered in tapestries and accented with stained-glass windows and detailed murals.
