Universal Studios Orlando Reveals New Rides, Donkey Kong Country Planned For Super Nintendo World At Epic Universe – See Images & Video
Universal Orlando revealed new details about one of the most highly-anticipated lands in its upcoming Epic Universe expansion park: its very own Super Nintendo World.
Orlando’s Super Nintendo World will be the company’s second such attraction in the U.S., after the Universal Studios Hollywood attraction of the same name that opened early last year and has become wildly popular. The Orlando attraction’s Super Mario Land will have some of the same features as the Hollywood attraction, including a real-life Green Pipe, Mt. Beanpole, Peach’s Castle, Piranha Plants, Goombas, spinning coins, ? Blocks and Bowser’s Castle, where guests can take a spin on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
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One key difference: The Orlando version looks bigger, a benefit for guests not only in the fact that it has additional features, but because one drawback of the fan-favorite Universal Hollywood attraction has been that it’s fairly small and gets crowded quickly.
Among the new features is Yoshi’s Adventure, which will make its U.S. debut at Epic Universe. Universal promises the family-friendly ride will provide guests of all ages with “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.”
At the edge of Super Mario Land, guests will discover an entrance to the second part of Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World: Donkey Kong Country. Promised is a “lush, tropical landscape from the video game series, complete with tall trees, waterfalls and landmarks such as The Golden Temple.”
The chief attraction of Donkey Kong Country will be a first-of-its-kind family coaster called Mine-Cart Madness. In it, guests will hop into a mine cart and careen through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted golden banana.
Universal says the attraction will utilize “an unprecedented ride system, innovative technology and a unique coaster design” to “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.” Those include getting blasted out of a barrel and jumping over gaps while speeding along a rickety track.
Set to open in 2025, the Epic Universe “invites guests to explore vibrant worlds filled with extraordinary adventures that go beyond their wildest imaginations,” per Universal Orlando. Specifically, five immersive worlds with 50 dining, shopping and entertainment experiences.
See below for a video introducing Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe.
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