There is nothing quite like stepping through the portal at Super Nintendo World inside Epic Universe and going up the green tube to be dropped into the middle of a video game. My family got to visit Epic Universe last month and it was incredible….but Super Nintendo World was a whole other level of EPIC!
If you’ve ever dreamed of jumping into a video game, Super Nintendo World at Universal’s Epic Universe Orlando is your chance to live it out… pixel by pixel. This brand-new immersive land is a must-visit for families, gamers, and anyone looking to experience something truly unique on their Orlando vacation.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go, including why you have to stay for both day and night experiences, how to unlock interactive fun, and the one ride you absolutely cannot miss.
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🎮 Like Stepping Inside a Video Game
From the moment you walk through the iconic warp pipe entrance, you’re completely transported. The vibrant colors, oversized Piranha Plants, spinning coins, and familiar Mario-themed music immediately make you feel like you’re living inside your Nintendo console. Kids will be in awe and honestly, adults will be too.
The entire land is designed with incredible attention to detail, making every corner feel like an adventure. Whether you’re high-fiving costumed characters, exploring layered platforms, or snapping photos in front of Princess Peach’s Castle, every moment feels like part of a game.
🍄 Splurge on the Power-Up Band
At first I thought we would skip the Power-Up Band but boy was I wrong! The Power-Up Band unlocks so many fun activities and has you feeling like Mario himself! These wearable wristbands sync with the official Universal app and allow you to collect coins, unlock secrets, and interact with the land in fun and meaningful ways.
Kids love the challenge of completing tasks and racking up points and parents will appreciate how it adds purpose to exploring the land. It turns the visit into a hands-on, goal-driven adventure (and helps burn off some of that theme park energy!).
The Power-Up Bands even come with a little extra bonus for when you get home! It’s a keepsake that I’m so happy we decided to grab.
🚗 The ONE Ride You Don’t Want to Miss
This ride is the crown jewel of Super Nintendo World, and it’s a must for every visitor. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is a high-tech, augmented reality ride that puts you in the middle of a Mario Kart race against Bowser’s team.
Using AR goggles and steering controls, you’ll race through iconic tracks while tossing shells and collecting coins. The ride blends real sets with digital animation seamlessly, creating a thrilling experience that’s perfect for all ages. Even the queue is impressive… winding through Bowser’s Castle with rich theming and interactive displays.
And you’ll be happy you grabbed a Power-Up Band because it connects with the ride to gain you more points!
🌞 Explore By Day & ✨ Return at Night
Here’s one of the best hidden gems most guests miss: the land transforms at night. During the day, everything is bright, bold, and buzzing with excitement. But come back after dark, and the entire area glows—question blocks light up, mushrooms shimmer, and the whole land takes on a magical, dreamlike feel.
If your schedule allows, plan to visit twice in one day… once in the afternoon and again in the evening. It’s a completely different experience, and worth seeing both versions.
📸 Pro Tips for Visiting Super Nintendo World
- Don’t go here at opening unless you’re staying on Universal Resorts property and get early admission. This land will already be packed at opening, so go later in the day when the crowds disperse.
- I highly recommend Super Nintendo World at night! The lights are bright and fun, the crowds are lower, and the sun has set. There is very little shade in this land so keep that in mind.
- Buy Power-Up Bands in advance or as soon as you enter the land.
- Download the Universal Orlando app to track your scores and unlock achievements.
- Explore every corner…hidden blocks and mini games are tucked all over the land!
Don’t Miss these other Epic Universe Posts:
- The Ultimate Epic Universe Family Guide
- Hidden Gems at The Isle of Berk in Epic Universe
- Hidden Gems at The Ministry of Magic in Epic Universe
- Hidden Gems at Dark Universe in Epic Universe