Tech
Nintendo’s Orlando theme park will have Yoshi and Donkey Kong rides
The Super Nintendo World area opening at Universal Studios in Orlando next year will include every attraction from the existing theme parks in Hollywood and Japan — including the first Donkey Kong Country realm in the US. That’s according to Universal’s latest teaser for its fourth Orlando-based park, Epic Universe, which provides some clarity over what guests can expect on opening day in 2025.
Universal Orlando will also host the first Yoshi’s Adventure ride outside of Japan, an interactive family-focused experience that combines ridable Yoshi-shaped buggies with a treasure hunt for glowing eggs. Other interactive attractions, called “Key Challenges,” will also be dotted around the Nintendo-themed land. These mini-game challenges award guests with digital keys that can be used to play Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown, where Universal says “you’ll battle to win the Golden Mushroom back from Bowser Jr.”
Mario-themed food will be available to purchase via the Toadstool Cafe. A menu isn’t available to browse yet, but it seems the offerings will be similar to what Toad is already cooking up over at the Hollywood park. And in typical theme-park tradition, character meet-and-greets can be located throughout the day to grab selfies with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad.
Super Nintendo World is technically one land with two areas. Donkey Kong Country — separated from Super Mario Land by an iconic green “pipe” tunnel — is described as having “a more tropical vibe.” Universal hasn’t provided any further details regarding what attractions this section of the park will contain besides its flagship Mine-Cart Madness ride but says it’ll share more details “in the coming months.”