Super Nintendo World, the theme park collaboration between Nintendo and Universal Studios, is well on the way to becoming reality, with the attraction’s first phase scheduled to open at Universal Studios Japan later this year. But now, we’ve first solid information about Super Nintendo World’s move west, with Universal sharing more of its plans for an Orlando version.
Although versions of Super Nintendo World were previously confirmed for Orlando, Hollywood, and Singapore, little had been shared in the way of specifics. Now, though, Universal’s parent company Comcast has revealed during a recent earnings call (thanks Theme Park Insider) that the highly anticipated Nintendo attraction will feature as part of Universal’s new Florida theme park, Epic Universe – making it the first land to be officially unveiled.
Epic Universe will be the fourth park join the Universal Orlando Resort (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and its Volcano Bay water park are the others), and it’s currently scheduled to open to guests some time in 2023. While not official, it’s seems likely that Universal intends for Super Nintendo World to be there on launch day.
According to previous word from the company, each Super Nintendo World will feature its own layout and selection of rides – but we can look to the Osaka, Japan, park for at least some idea of what Epic Universe might have in store.
The centrepiece in Osaka, we know, will be an area themed around Super Mario World 3D, featuring an omnimover-style Yoshi’s Adventures ride – said to consist of both indoor and outdoor scenes – and a still-mysterious Mario Kart ride. Guests will be given special Power Up wristbands, enabling them to fight boss battles, collect digital coins, and compete with each other as they explore the park. A new Donkey Kong area is due to expand the land in 2021.
It remains to be seen whether any or all of this will make the cut for Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World, but hopefully it won’t be too long before Universal is ready to share more.
