Epic Deep Dive: Enter the Mushroom Kingdom at Super Nintendo World – Epic Universe
Ready, Player One? The next level in our Epic Universe walkthrough series is here, and we’re jumping headfirst into a land where warp pipes are real, bananas are golden, and Mario Kart comes with bragging rights. Welcome to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal’s Epic Universe, officially opening May 22, 2025!
Related: Universal Updates Epic Universe Theme Park Hours for Opening Week
Following in the power-up-packed footsteps of its sister lands in Japan and Hollywood, this vibrant expansion isn’t just nostalgia-fueled fan service—it’s a fully immersive world where you become part of the game. Having experienced the land firsthand during previews, we can confirm: this is one game you’ll want to play on hard mode.
Warp Into a World of Wonder
Guests enter Super Nintendo World via the now-iconic green warp pipe. Inside? It’s Princess Peach’s Castle straight out of Super Mario 64, complete with those familiar chimes and colorful murals. From the castle balcony, you’ll overlook a jaw-dropping three-level land that brings the Mushroom Kingdom to life—Mount Beanpole looms in one direction, Bowser’s menacing fortress in another, and off to the side, the lush jungles of Donkey Kong Country beckon.
It’s not just a themed land—it’s the theme park level-up of your dreams.
Let’s-a-Go! Attractions in Super Nintendo World
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
🍌 Put on your AR goggles, grab the wheel, and race through lava, underwater tunnels, and even Rainbow Road in this interactive, 4D ride. You’ll compete with your teammates to rack up coins, launch shells, and defeat Team Bowser. Every seat is part of the action, and the theming inside Bowser’s Castle? Chef’s kiss. - Mine-Cart Madness (Donkey Kong Country)
🍌 Inspired by the classic Donkey Kong Country games, this fast-paced family coaster has you leaping tracks, dodging hazards, and protecting the Golden Banana. The illusion of jumping gaps in the mine cart is incredibly well executed—Donkey Kong and Diddy are along for the ride! - Yoshi’s Adventure
🦖 A slower-paced, family-friendly ride that takes you on an egg hunt through the Mushroom Kingdom, with Captain Toad as your guide. Mount Beanpole offers fantastic views, and the animatronic Yoshis are too cute to handle. - Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown (Bonus Game)
🧢 Unlock this hidden boss battle by completing at least 3 Key Challenges using your Power-Up Band. This interactive group experience has you physically dodging, jumping, and battling Bowser Jr. in a high-energy finale. Think of it as the land’s secret level—hidden, earned, and totally worth it.
Power-Up Band Interactivity: Be the Hero
Wearing a Power-Up Band (sold separately), you’re no longer just a visitor—you’re a player. Scan your band to:
- Collect digital coins by punching question-mark blocks
- Complete five Key Challenges, including:
- Goomba Crazy Crank
- Koopa Troopa POWer Punch
- Piranha Plant Nap Mishap
- Bob-omb Kaboom Room
- Thwomp Panel Panic
Each challenge adds coins and unlocks digital keys, ultimately letting you face off in Bowser Jr.’s Shadow Showdown. Your progress is tracked in the Universal app, with rankings for Team, Daily, and All-Time scores. It’s the ultimate friendly competition (until your sibling beats your score and never lets you forget it).
Epic Eats: Fuel Up, Mario Style
- Toadstool Café
🍔 Watch Chef Toad in action while enjoying Mushroom Kingdom-inspired meals like:- Mario Burger – classic beef with mushrooms and cheese
- Luigi Burger – grilled chicken with pesto and Swiss
- Bowser’s Fireball Challenge – a massive meatball with puff pastry horns
- Don’t miss the adorable themed desserts and tiramisu Question Blocks!
- Yoshi’s Snack Island
🍓 Grab fruit-based drinks and light snacks from this Mount Beanpole burrow. - Turbo-Boost Treats
🍿 Mario Kart-style snacks and race-day fuel—popcorn, pretzels, and more. - The Bubbly Barrel (Donkey Kong Country)
🍹 Tropical sips under a thatched roof—perfect after racing through the jungle.
Level-Up Loot: Shopping in Super Nintendo World
- 1-UP Factory
🎁 Grab plush toys, apparel, collectibles, and more featuring your favorite characters. - Mario Motors
🏁 Exit through the gift shop after Mario Kart for racing merch and the Golden Cup on display. - Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy (Donkey Kong Country)
✈️ Funky Kong’s jungle airplane-turned-marketplace is packed with exclusive Kong gear. - Nintendo Super Star Store (in Celestial Park)
🌟 Located just outside the warp pipe entrance, this store is your one-stop shop for all things Nintendo.
Meet the Stars of the Show
- 🎮 Mario & Luigi – Pose with the brothers at the heart of the kingdom
- 👑 Princess Peach – Meet her in her gazebo near the castle
- 🍄 Toad – Always smiling and snack-sized
- 🦍 Donkey Kong – Debuting in his treehouse for the very first time at Epic Universe!
Related: In Depth Look at Epic Universe’s How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
Final Thoughts: A Playground for Every Generation
Whether you grew up blowing cartridges on the NES or just discovered Mario through The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Super Nintendo World delivers on every level. It’s visually spectacular, packed with interactivity, and layered with enough secrets to keep you exploring long after you’ve beaten the boss.
From the nostalgia of Peach’s Castle to the thrills of Mine-Cart Madness and the bragging rights of Bowser Jr.’s Showdown, this is a land you’ll want to explore again and again. It’s not just a theme park—it’s a game you live inside.
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