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Mario rides and attractions we expect to see in Epic Universe

While Super Nintendo World has been officially confirmed by Universal, not many of the rides have been. However, it appears that the plan is for the Orlando Super Nintendo World to open with at least three rides for guests. This is significantly different than the Hollywood park which opened with one, the augmented reality-enhanced Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. Here’s what we can expect to see in Orlando:

Super Nintendo World is a confirmed land that is coming to Epic Universe Orlando in 2025. Though not many of the rides have been confirmed, we will more than likely see Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, Donkey Kong Mine Coaster as well as interactive mini games throughout the park.

IN THIS ARTICLE

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Yoshi’s Adventure
Donkey Kong Mine Coaster
Toadstool Cafe (dining)
Interactive mini-games
1-UP Factory (retail)

Universal hollywood's mario kart ride — Orlando is expected to have a Mario Kart ride like the one in Hollywood (pictured) (photo by Morgan Overholt/HeyOrlando.com)

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

This ride was featured in a recent video released by Universal. Assuming this attraction is similar to the one in Hollywood, in the entry queue of Super Nintendo World’s signature ride, you’ll tour Bowser’s Castle. As guests navigate the winding corridors, they will pass through the hall of medallions and trophies of the ominous castle to the coveted Golden Cup. Finally, from there, you prepare to face off on the track. Projection mapping technology is used to create a towering landmark of the theme park ride experience.

Guests will likely have the option to purchase state-of-the-art wristbands known as power-up bands. The bands keep track of the points – coins – acquired throughout the day. The interactive elements of the attraction are meant to make guests feel that they are inside a gaming experience.

Yoshi Statues Nintendo World Universal Studios Japan — Above, a look at Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan (photo by Hannari_eli/shutterstock.com)

Yoshi’s Adventure

Again, there’s a version of this out there in the world, so we have a pretty good idea of what’s coming. For example, the ride vehicles come equipped with three colored eggs for interactive gameplay. Guests who spot the hidden eggs and hit the button at the right time on the moving ride track collect extra points. This is certainly a fun ride without the high stakes of battling Bowser on the race track.

aerial view of mario kart world at universal — Above is an aerial view of the Donkey Kong coaster in Orlando as of December 2022. The Mario Kart show building is on the top right (photo shared with permission via @bioreconstruct)

Donkey Kong Mine Coaster

We do not know as much about this one since we don’t have a living, breathing example of it yet. Still, we do know that Donkey Kong will have its mini-land within the Super Nintendo World. We also know the ride will utilize Universal’s patented boom track technology. In other words, the ride vehicle – a four-person mine kart – will appear to be riding along a horizontal track within the attraction.

It will, however, actually ride on a hidden track under the floor which is connected to the four-seat vehicles via a beam. This will allow for the ride to give the appearance of a torn-out track going off the rails. It’s a unique feature that will provide a better way for guests to feel part of the experience of battling Donkey Kong.

toadstool cafe in universal hollywood — If the Toadstool Cafe in Orlando is anything like the one in Hollywood, expect reservations to fill up within minutes of opening (photo by Morgan Overholt/HeyOrlando.com)

Toadstool Cafe (dining)

I’m going into the realm of educated guesses here, but you can’t have an immersive world without themed dining. In Orlando, we believe the land’s signature restaurant will be Hollywood Toadstool Cafe, which is like the one in the Hollywood Super Nintendo Land.

Hollywood Toadstool Cafe serves a gourmet menu perfected by Chef Toad who greets guests upon entry. Menu items are prepared fresh daily. Items include Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger, Block Tiramisu and Princess Peach Cupcake. My guess is that the Orlando experience will likely be very similar.

guests at universal hollywood playing mini games with their powerup bands — Super Nintendo Land pro tip: You only need one power-up band per party to enjoy the park’s mini-games. Groups are allowed to join the primary band-owner as they collect special “keys” throughout the Mushroom Kingdom (photo by Morgan Overholt/HeyOrlando.com)

Interactive mini-games

Again, based on what we see in Southern California, we can surely assume a certain level of interactive gameplay. Guests in Hollywood, using their powerbands, engage in real-life gameplay throughout the land. This includes punching blocks to collect digital coins and a variety of interactives. There are also four key challenges where guests collect “guarded” keys from Goomba, Koopa Troopa, Piranha Plant and Thwomp. These interactive activities will ultimately allow access to the culminating boss battle with Bowser Jr.

So, the premise is that fun interactive games will further enhance the entire kinetic experience within the land. Also, it’s supposed to immerse guests in the unique world of Super Mario Bros.

the 1-up factory in universal hollywood — We expect there to be a 1-UP Factory in Orlando, similar to the one currently in Hollywood (photo by Morgan Overholt/HeyOrlando.com)

1-UP Factory (retail)

Finally, at the Hollywood location, the 1-UP Factory allows guests to purchase collectible memorabilia. The store also offers an extensive selection of merchandise from Mario and Luigi-themed apparel to iconic character hats and an array of plush characters. Characters include Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and Bowser.

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