Get ready for a power-up in the theme park world—Super Nintendo World officially opens on May 22, 2025, as part of Universal’s ambitious new park: Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. This is more than just an expansion—it’s a full-on invitation to step inside the beloved worlds of Mario, Donkey Kong, and the entire Mushroom Kingdom, all reimagined in vivid, interactive detail. Whether you’re a lifelong Nintendo fan or just someone looking for a new kind of immersive experience, this park is designed to feel like you’ve jumped straight into a video game.
What’s in Super Nintendo World?
Super Nintendo World will be one of five themed lands inside Epic Universe and is divided into two key zones:
Super Mario Land
This area brings the classic charm of the Super Mario franchise to life with interactive elements, themed dining, and next-gen attractions:
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: A high-tech AR-powered ride that combines real sets with digital racing chaos. Riders wear AR visors and compete in a kart battle against Team Bowser.
- Toadstool Café: A whimsical, mushroom-themed eatery with dishes inspired by the characters. Expect options like “Super Mushroom Soup” and “Luigi’s Pesto Chicken.”
- Power-Up Band Activities: Guests can buy Power-Up Bands that track their scores and unlock hidden secrets throughout the park—think real-life achievements in a theme park setting.
- Interactive Blocks & Challenges: Punch ?-blocks, collect digital coins, and challenge Koopa Troopas in interactive games built into the environment.
Donkey Kong Country
New for Florida’s version is an entire Donkey Kong-themed jungle expansion that introduces a totally unique ride system:
- Mine-Cart Madness: This roller coaster uses Universal’s “Boom Coaster” tech, which simulates jumping across broken tracks—just like in the classic Donkey Kong games.
- Tropical Jungle Setting: Expect lush theming with tiki elements, banana crates, and animatronic wildlife.
- Meet & Greets: Characters like Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong will roam the area for photos and interactions.
What Is Epic Universe?
Epic Universe is Universal Orlando’s first new park in 25 years, and it’s being built with cutting-edge tech and immersive storytelling at its core. The five lands are connected via Celestial Park, a central hub filled with fountains, gardens, and nighttime spectaculars.
The five themed lands include:
- Celestial Park (central hub)
- Super Nintendo World
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
- Dark Universe (Universal Monsters horror-themed world)
Each land will offer its own lineup of rides, restaurants, and shows. Advanced technologies like augmented reality, facial recognition for entry, and next-gen animatronics will play major roles across the entire park.
Ticket Prices & Tips
- Single-Day Tickets: Expected to range from $139 to $199, depending on demand and time of year.
- Power-Up Bands: These are sold separately and enhance the Super Nintendo World experience.
- Reservation Strongly Recommended: Due to high demand, especially in the opening weeks, Universal suggests booking ahead—expect crowds.
Why This Opening Is a Big Deal
This isn’t just a ride or a themed gift shop—Super Nintendo World is one of the most immersive theme park lands ever created. After successful launches in Japan and Hollywood, the Florida version is poised to be the biggest and most interactive yet, featuring content exclusive to this park. For Nintendo lovers and theme park fans alike, it’s the ultimate crossover event.
May 22, 2025, is more than just an opening date—it’s the beginning of a whole new level in the evolution of theme park entertainment.
Key Takeaways
- Super Nintendo World opens on May 22, 2025, as part of Universal Epic Universe’s grand opening in Orlando.
- Visitors will be able to explore five immersive worlds within the new theme park, with Nintendo’s universe being a major highlight.
- Universal Orlando Resort is expanding its offerings to create a more comprehensive vacation destination for families and gaming enthusiasts.
Overview of Universal Orlando Resort Expansion
Universal Orlando Resort is growing with its largest expansion ever. The new Epic Universe theme park and Super Nintendo World attraction will open on May 22, 2025, adding significant entertainment options to the resort’s existing lineup.
Epic Universe: The Vision and Scope
Epic Universe represents Universal’s most ambitious theme park project to date. It will serve as Universal Orlando’s third major theme park, joining Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The park is designed around five distinct worlds that visitors can explore.
At the heart of Epic Universe lies Celestial Park, which will connect to various themed lands. Universal officially announced the May 22, 2025 opening date in October 2024, giving fans a concrete timeline after years of development and anticipation.
The new park aims to create immersive experiences where guests can step between different worlds of entertainment. Universal designed Epic Universe to expand their footprint in Orlando’s competitive theme park market and provide new reasons for tourists to extend their stays.
Super Nintendo World’s Role in the Expansion
Super Nintendo World stands as one of the signature attractions within Epic Universe. This themed land brings beloved Nintendo characters and games to life, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad. For the first time in the United States, Donkey Kong will also be featured in the Orlando version.
The Nintendo-themed area will include interactive experiences like Mario Kart rides and adventures through Donkey Kong Country. These attractions use cutting-edge technology to immerse visitors in video game worlds they previously could only experience on screens.
Super Nintendo World represents a strategic partnership between Universal and Nintendo. The area’s success in Universal Studios Japan helped build excitement for its Florida debut. The themed land appeals to multiple generations of Nintendo fans and aims to attract visitors who grew up playing these iconic games.
Super Nintendo World Introduction
Super Nintendo World brings the beloved gaming universe to life with interactive attractions and cutting-edge technology. Guests will be able to meet characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad in this immersive land.
Attractions and Experiences
Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe will transport visitors directly into the colorful world of Nintendo games. The land will feature highly themed environments that recreate iconic locations from the Super Mario franchise.
Guests can look forward to interactive meet and greet opportunities with beloved characters throughout various areas in Super Mario Land. Character encounters will allow fans to interact with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad.
The land is designed to make visitors feel as if they’ve stepped inside a video game. Guests will be able to collect digital coins, hit question blocks, and engage with the environment just like in the games.
Families can enjoy attractions suitable for all ages, creating memorable experiences for Nintendo fans of all generations.
Innovations and Technologies
Super Nintendo World represents a significant technological achievement in theme park design. The land incorporates advanced interactive elements that respond to visitor movements and actions.
Visitors may use specialized wristbands that connect to an app, allowing them to track their progress and achievements throughout the land. This gamification of the guest experience creates a unique blend of physical and digital entertainment.
The attractions utilize state-of-the-art ride systems and projection mapping to create immersive experiences. These technologies help bring video game mechanics into the real world in ways never before seen in theme parks.
Universal Creative teams have worked closely with Nintendo designers to ensure authentic representation of the games that fans know and love.
Detailed Look at Epic Universe
Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe promises to revolutionize theme park experiences when it opens on May 22, 2025. This massive expansion will feature multiple immersive worlds, innovative attractions, and unprecedented levels of guest immersion.
Themed Lands and Settings
Epic Universe will feature five distinct themed lands, each offering unique experiences. Super Nintendo World stands as one of the most anticipated areas, bringing beloved gaming characters and environments to life. Visitors can expect interactive elements and family-friendly attractions throughout this colorful realm.
Another confirmed area is Dark Universe, which will showcase Universal’s classic monsters in an atmospheric setting. The park will also include Celestial Park, serving as the central hub that connects the various worlds.
Each land will feature dedicated restaurants, shops, and attractions designed to maintain complete immersion. Universal has invested in cutting-edge technology to create realistic environments that respond to guest interactions.
Confirmed Lands:
- Super Nintendo World
- Dark Universe
- Celestial Park
- Two additional themed areas (details pending)
Integration with Existing Parks
Epic Universe will function as Universal Orlando’s third major theme park, complementing Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Located a few miles from the current resort complex, it will be connected via dedicated transportation systems.
Universal is planning new resort hotels adjacent to Epic Universe to accommodate increased visitor capacity. These accommodations will offer special benefits like early park access.
The new park integrates into Universal’s existing ticket structure, with multi-park passes available for guests wanting to experience all Universal Orlando has to offer. Early promotional materials suggest special package options for visitors wanting to explore all Universal properties.
Transportation between the main resort area and Epic Universe will include shuttle buses and potentially a dedicated rail system to ensure smooth park-to-park movement.
Attractions Beyond Super Nintendo World
Universal Epic Universe promises to deliver more than just the highly anticipated Super Nintendo World. The park will feature several immersive lands that bring beloved franchises to life through cutting-edge technology and innovative design.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Expansion
The newest addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will transport guests to a different era of magical history. This expansion is set to include the British Ministry of Magic, a vast underground complex where witches and wizards govern magical Britain.
Visitors can expect to see the iconic Atrium with its peacock-blue ceiling and golden symbols moving across it. The expansion will feature at least one major ride, rumored to be a thrilling experience that takes guests through various Ministry departments.
Interactive elements will allow guests to participate in magical activities throughout the area. Specialty shops will offer unique merchandise not available in the existing Wizarding World areas at Universal’s other parks.
Fantastic Beasts and Ministry of Magic Inclusion
The Fantastic Beasts area will bring 1920s New York City to life, drawing inspiration from the film series starring Eddie Redmayne. This section connects to the broader Wizarding World while creating its own distinct identity.
Guests can explore period-accurate streets filled with magical storefronts and hidden secrets. A major attraction is expected to focus on magical creatures, possibly letting visitors help Newt Scamander wrangle escaped fantastic beasts.
The area will include MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), the American counterpart to the Ministry of Magic. Themed dining options will offer 1920s-inspired magical food and drink selections, including new butterbeer variations.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk Experience
The Isle of Berk will bring DreamWorks’ popular How to Train Your Dragon franchise to life for the first time in a major theme park. This land recreates the Viking village and dramatic landscapes from the beloved animated films.
Visitors can expect to “fly” on dragons through at least one major ride using advanced simulation technology. The area will feature Hiccup’s Dragon Flying School, where guests can learn about different dragon species.
A live show is planned to showcase trained “dragons” performing spectacular stunts and demonstrations. Interactive play areas will allow younger guests to climb and explore Viking structures.
Themed dining options will include a Great Hall restaurant serving Nordic-inspired cuisine. Meet-and-greet opportunities with Hiccup, Astrid, and possibly an animatronic Toothless will delight fans of all ages.
Visitor Information
Planning your visit to Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe requires knowing about tickets and timing. These details will help you make the most of your Nintendo adventure when it opens on May 22, 2025.
Ticket Pricing and Options
Universal Orlando Resort has not yet released official ticket prices for Epic Universe or Super Nintendo World. Based on current Universal Orlando pricing patterns, visitors can expect single-day tickets to start around $109-139 for adults, with variations based on season and demand.
Multi-day tickets will likely offer better value for those wanting to explore all areas of Epic Universe, including Super Nintendo World. Universal will probably offer park-to-park tickets allowing guests to visit other Universal Orlando parks on the same day.
Annual passes will almost certainly include Epic Universe access at higher tiers. Vacation packages bundling hotel stays with park tickets may provide special benefits like early park admission to Super Nintendo World.
Pre-sales for tickets will likely begin 3-6 months before the May 22, 2025 opening date.
Best Times to Visit
The opening weeks of Super Nintendo World will likely see extremely high crowds as Nintendo fans rush to experience the new attraction. For shorter wait times, consider visiting after the initial opening surge subsides.
Weekdays generally offer lower crowd levels than weekends. Early mornings and late evenings typically have shorter lines for attractions, making them ideal times to experience popular Nintendo rides.
Florida’s hurricane season (June-November) often sees lower park attendance, but weather disruptions are possible. January and February (excluding holiday periods) typically have the shortest wait times at Universal parks.
Consider the Florida climate when planning your visit. Summer months bring heat and afternoon thunderstorms, while winter offers milder temperatures ideal for theme park exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
As Universal’s Epic Universe prepares for its grand opening on May 22, 2025, visitors have many questions about what to expect at Super Nintendo World and the larger resort complex. Here are answers to some common inquiries.
What attractions will be available at Super Nintendo World in Orlando?
Super Nintendo World in Orlando will feature several interactive attractions based on popular Nintendo characters. The land will include a Mario Kart ride where guests can race through courses inspired by the video game.
Visitors can also explore areas themed around Donkey Kong Country, which is a unique addition to the Orlando location. The land will feature environments with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad.
Interactive elements throughout the area will allow guests to collect coins and compete in challenges, similar to playing a real-life video game.
How can guests purchase tickets for Universal’s Epic Universe?
Tickets for Universal’s Epic Universe will be available through Universal Orlando Resort’s official website. Visitors can also purchase tickets at the park entrance or through authorized travel partners.
Universal will likely offer various ticket packages including single-day passes and multi-day options that combine access to their other parks. Annual pass options may include Epic Universe in premium tiers.
Pre-opening ticket sales will probably begin a few months before the May 2025 grand opening.
Are there any exclusive features at Super Nintendo World Orlando compared to other locations?
The Orlando version of Super Nintendo World will include a Donkey Kong Country area not found in all other Nintendo World locations. This expansion gives the Orlando park unique attractions and experiences.
The overall land in Orlando is expected to be larger than the Japan version, allowing for more immersive environments and possibly additional rides or interactive elements.
Universal has suggested the Orlando location will feature enhanced technology and interactive experiences specifically designed for this newest version of the themed land.
What are the ticket price ranges for Universal’s Epic Universe?
Specific ticket prices for Universal’s Epic Universe have not yet been announced. Based on current Universal Orlando pricing, single-day tickets will likely range from $109-189 depending on the season and day of visit.
Multi-park tickets that include Epic Universe will probably be priced higher than current Universal Orlando packages. Premium options like Express Passes for shortened wait times will be available at additional costs.
Special opening promotions or Florida resident discounts may be offered initially to attract visitors.
Could you provide the official opening date for Super Nintendo World in Orlando?
Super Nintendo World will open on May 22, 2025, as part of the grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe. This date has been officially confirmed by Universal Orlando Resort.
The opening coincides with the debut of the entire Epic Universe theme park, which will feature five immersive worlds including Super Nintendo World. All attractions within Super Nintendo World are scheduled to be operational on opening day.
What amenities and services will Universal Epic Universe offer visitors?
Universal Epic Universe will feature a variety of dining options ranging from quick-service restaurants to themed dining experiences within each land. Some restaurants will likely offer Nintendo-themed food and beverages within Super Nintendo World.
The park will include numerous retail locations where guests can purchase exclusive merchandise related to Nintendo characters and other themed areas within Epic Universe.
Rest areas, family services, and accessibility accommodations will be available throughout the park to ensure all guests have a comfortable experience.
