Welcome to Donkey Kong Country: Details of Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World revealed

Eve Chen, USA TODAY

Let’s go! Super Nintendo World is finally coming to Universal Orlando Resort next year.

Fans have been waiting for this since 2016 when Universal first announced that its domestic parks would get Nintendo-themed areas after Universal Studios Japan.

Super Nintendo World will be one of five new worlds at Universal Epic Universe, the Florida resort’s highly anticipated new theme park.

The first U.S. Super Nintendo World opened at Universal Studios Hollywood last year, but don’t expect Epic Universe’s to be a carbon copy.

Universal described the new world as a “multi-sensory environment where guests can experience the fun and adventure of Nintendo games in a whole new way” in a press release Thursday. Here are the first details:

Where is Super Mario Land located?

Super Nintendo World is one of five new worlds coming to Epic Universe.
Super Nintendo World is one of five new worlds coming to Epic Universe.

Unlike at Universal Studios Hollywood, Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World will include Super Mario Land and, for the first time in the U.S., Donkey Kong Country.

Guests will travel through a larger-than-life green pipe, like in Hollywood and Super Mario video games.

“As guests emerge from the pipe, vibrant scenery and exciting kinetic energy surround them as they are greeted by the familiar sights and sounds that they’ve experienced on their Nintendo game consoles – from the towering Mt. Beanpole and majestic Peach’s Castle to swaying Piranha Plants, pacing Goombas, spinning coins, '?' Blocks and more,” according to Universal.

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What’s coming to Super Mario Land?

On Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, Universal says guests will "steer through a variety of Mario Kart courses – collecting coins, tossing shells at Team Bowser, dodging obstacles, and more – as they join their favorite characters and compete to help Team Mario win."
On Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, Universal says guests will "steer through a variety of Mario Kart courses – collecting coins, tossing shells at Team Bowser, dodging obstacles, and more – as they join their favorite characters and compete to help Team Mario win."

Super Mario Land will feature two rides.

  • Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge will feel like a real-life Mario Kart game with a mix of physical sets, projection mapping and augmented reality.

  • Yoshi Adventure will give guests “breathtaking views of Super Mario Land as they join Yoshis and travel through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs – encountering many familiar characters along the way,” according to Universal.

Toadstool Cafe will serve themed dishes like Super Mushroom Soup and Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Toadstool Cafe will serve themed dishes like Super Mushroom Soup and Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs.

Fans will find themed foods at Toadstool Cafe, like in Hollywood, and two different walk-up dining venues, Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats. 

There will also be souvenir shops and meet-and-greet opportunities with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad.

Is Yoshi's Adventure a kids ride?

Yoshi’s Adventure is described as a family-friendly ride for guests of all ages.

Yoshi's Adventure will give guests a different perspective of Super Mario Land.
Yoshi's Adventure will give guests a different perspective of Super Mario Land.

Is the Yoshi ride at Universal Studios Hollywood?

No. This will be the first Yoshi’s Adventure in the U.S.

There is a Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Is there a Donkey Kong ride?

"Guests will hop into a mine cart and careen through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted golden banana" on Mine-Cart Madness, which Universal describes as a "first-of-its-kind family coaster."
"Guests will hop into a mine cart and careen through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted golden banana" on Mine-Cart Madness, which Universal describes as a "first-of-its-kind family coaster."

Yes. Mine-Cart Madness will anchor Donkey Kong Country. “Utilizing an unprecedented ride system, innovative technology and a unique coaster design, Mine-Cart Madness will send riders on a thrilling adventure where they will experience the jaw-dropping maneuvers that they’ve seen Donkey Kong and the mine carts perform in the video games,” according to Universal.

Donkey Kong Country will also have food and merchandise offerings, but details haven’t been released on those.

How to get power ups in Super Nintendo World

Power-Up Bands will allow guests to keep track of how their score, engaging with various activities across Super Nintendo World.
Power-Up Bands will allow guests to keep track of how their score, engaging with various activities across Super Nintendo World.

Guests can purchase a wearable Power-Up Band for additional interactivity across Super Nintendo World.

“With the Power-Up Band, guests can collect digital coins by punching '?' Blocks and playing interactive activities; collect digital stamps on attractions; earn digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr.; and discover other hidden surprises,” according to Universal. “Guests can also access Leaderboard screens in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to see where they rank amongst fellow guests.”

When is Super Nintendo World opening at Epic Universe?

Guests will be able to meet Super Mario franchise favorites at various locations in Super Mario Land.
Guests will be able to meet Super Mario franchise favorites at various locations in Super Mario Land.

Universal has not yet revealed an exact opening date for the world being developed by Universal Creative and Nintendo, only that Epic Universe will open next year.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Super Nintendo World plans revealed: See what's new for Epic Universe

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