Super Nintendo World is coming to Universal Studios Orlando

On the same day that Universal Studios Hollywood was rejoicing over the opening of its Mario-themed park, it was announced that a similar version would be opening in Orlando.

“Soon, we’re going to add another Super Nintendo World to Universal Orlando Resort,” revealed Universal Parks & Resorts Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Woodbury. “The worst kept secret in history.” With the first two being in Japan and California, the Orlando location will be the third worldwide.

Travel + Leisure previously referred to Universal Studios Hollywood’s Super Nintendo World as an “innovative, immersive, and highly-anticipated themed land.” Visitors enter the lively world of the iconic characters through the brand’s trademark green pipe entranceway and are immediately immersed in the colorful, 360-degree environment.

The land’s main draw is Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, an attraction based on the popular video game collection. This inventive ride combines projection mapping technology with augmented reality (AR) set pieces and a moving ride track to create a completely new experience. The famous “?” blocks, in which visitors are encouraged to punch in exchange for digital golden coins and a chance to compete with other park goers, are a central feature of the land’s interactive gameplay features.

Real-time rankings are shown on screens throughout the theme park, similar to the video games. The experience is completed by additional interactive games and grabbing a great bite at the Toadstool Café, which is the signature restaurant on the land.

Although it has not been confirmed whether attractions from the Hollywood or Japan versions will be recreated in Orlando, T+L notes that many are expected given the available land space. Super Nintendo World is scheduled to debut in Florida in 2025 as a part of the much-anticipated Epic Universe theme park, according to Deadline.

This announcement comes at a time of great growth for the company, which includes the opening of Minion Land in the summer of 2023 at Universal Orlando Resort, the development of a new theme park in Texas, and the opening of an imaginative horror attraction in Las Vegas that will be open 365 days a year.

Evie Blanco is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience who was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Queens, New York. She is extremely well-versed in hip-hop music and culture and is always aware of any developments within it. Whether it’s the latest in pop culture, a fascinating foreign destination, a truly amazing new restaurant, or breaking news, she loves to write about it all.

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This story was originally published February 27, 2023 at 10:20 AM.