Super Nintendo World is the one land in Universal Epic Universe that is not unique to the park. The land debuted at Universal Studios Japan in 2021, with a smaller version opening at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023.
But that has not dampened enthusiasm for this Orlando installation. Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, and millions of fans who come here for the parks - and not to Japan or California - have been waiting for their chance to play.
Here was this afternoon's opening moment for Epic Universe's Super Nintendo World.
I covered Super Nintendo World extensively when it opened at Universal Studios Hollywood. To learn more about its main ride, Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, and its Key Challenge in-land gameplay, please see my coverage and review of Super Nintendo World from Hollywood. The Mario Kart ride is identical here, but there's one difference in the Key challenges between Hollywood and Orlando.
So what are the differences between these lands? The Orlando version is almost identical to the original in Japan. It has a full second level in its Mushroom Kingdom section, as well as the Donkey Kong Country expansion that Hollywood lacks. To get into this Super Nintendo World, you must ride an escalator up the warp pipe from the Epic Universe portal, unlike in Hollywood, which offers just a short walk through the warp pipe into its version of the land.
The Toadstool Cafes are almost identical, though we will have to wait to see how Orlando's normal operation might differ from Hollywood's, which has been tricky to get into with its reservation system. There is more retail in Orlando, but I found better gameplay opportunities in Hollywood.
Remember, visitors must buy an upcharge Power-Up Band in order to play the Key challenges, which are practical games modeled after Super Mario-style video game challenges. Complete three of the Key challenges and you are allowed to unlock access to battle Bowser Jr. to reclaim the Golden Mushroom that he has stolen from Princess Peach. Connect your Power-Up Band to the official Universal Orlando mobile app to collect virtual stamps for your gameplay and Mario Kart accomplishments and to track your scores versus other visitors. (There's a QR code on the back of the band to do this.)
Orlando also includes the Yoshi’s Adventure track ride from Japan that Hollywood skipped. It's a thoughtfully decorated kiddie ride, with the slightest gameplay feature. If you do not have a toddler in your party, however, this is one you likely can skip with no great loss, unless you are determined to experience every last possible thing there is to do in this land.
Beyond Yoshi's, the big difference here versus Hollywood is that Donkey Kong expansion. That's where you will find another collection of gameplay interactions - ones that you will not find in Hollywood. It's also the home of the U.S. debut of Universal’s “boom coaster,” Mine Cart Madness.
I swear that this ride is rougher than it was when I first rode it last month. But my advice remains to hold out for a front-row seat for the best views of the "track jumping" illusions that Universal has designed into this ride.
Super Nintendo World brings video games to real life with multiple practical experiences to engage any Mario or Donkey Kong fan.
Let's continue our tour of Epic Universe with my reviews of its other lands:
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I think Toadstool Cafe will benefit from opening in a park with a bunch of new restaurants to try. Two years later, it's still the "new eatery" at USH, which is what makes it so popular (and slow operating).
It’s a shame that I was right about thinking Minecart Madness would be best experienced in the front. Without that illusion, it seems like you’re just riding an average, yet still rough, family coaster. This one had so much potential to be a game changer, as well.
@80sman: I agree with you on the game changer wish. My hope was that Mario Kart would’ve been the all-ages e-ticket and that this would’ve been the next-level (all of these gaming puns are just writing themselves) preteen / adult oriented coaster attraction. I guess the park needs some balance at this nascent stage but with a concept as forward thinking as the “jump coaster” I’d hoped for something more spectacular.
Looking at some Vlogs since opening, it appears that several effects in Super Nintendo World are not working.
Thwomp not moving during Yoshi.
Portal Medallion not spinning.
Donkey/Diddy on Mine Cart (if that effect ever was functioning at Epic?)
This along with possible broken effects in Curse of the Werewolf, I wonder Universal’s commitment to ensure that all of these effects continue to work and not letting the quality of experience slip.
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I enjoyed Super Nintendo Land, but I think it's best enjoyed with a Power-Up Band or else you're missing out on a key element of the enjoyment...and to do that you're better off going when it's cooler outside and less crowded. In observing Thrill-Data, the crowds drop in the late afternoon/early evening. Most people hit up Nintendo Land at Early Entry and Rope Drop.
So, here are my thoughts on the rides: Mario Kart would be very disappointing if you only rode it once, because it does take some getting used to the sensory overload. The gameplay is intuitive enough. I went on Mother's Day and I got on three times with about a 15 - 20 minute wait.
Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness is really not great and honestly really not worth more than a 15-20 minute wait. The queue is extremely boring except for the cool Cranky Kong animatronic figure. Also the jumping mechanic was headache-inducing, particularly the scene where the cart does two jumps almost consecutively. Honestly the whole DKC area feels tiny and underbaked. DKC has five mainline entries and they gave it an 80-second coaster. I really wish they would have given us a Mario Galaxy area and essentially cloned USJ's Space Fantasy the Ride with onboard audio featuring the Gusty Garden theme.
As for Yoshi's Adventure, everybody is harping on it needlessly. Yes, it is too short (I'd say it could use an extra indoor scene), but It's worth a five minute wait for its unique view of the land's kinetic energy. Add a point if you love Baby Mario, Poochy or Captain Toad!