Universal Epic Universe‘s Super Nintendo World is the initial theme park representation of the Mushroom Kingdom, opening to fans post-2023 following the release of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” However, unlike the blockbuster success of the Nintendo film, this gaming haven has chosen a distinct emphasis instead.
On May 22nd, Universal Orlando unveiled the entrance to Universal Epic Universe, a cutting-edge, 21st-century amusement park made up of five engaging lands. One of these lands is Super Nintendo World, which is unique as it’s the only non-original land within Epic Universe and marks the third iteration since its debut at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood.
In this setting, visitors enter the land as if they were Mario, utilizing a vibrant green tunnel (complete with sound effects) resembling a warp pipe. This magical entryway transports them straight into Princess Peach’s Castle and the bustling, animated Mushroom Kingdom, where Yoshis, Goombas, Piranha plants, and even Pikmin dwell on various floors.
In Super Nintendo World, you’ll find three exciting attractions:
1. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, an augmented reality experience set within Bowser’s Castle.
2. Yoshi’s Adventure, a leisurely ride that takes you above and through the beautiful landscape.
3. Donkey Kong Country’s Mine-Cart Madness, a thrilling coaster ride.
Enjoy these attractions at Super Nintendo World!
In 2023, Chris Pratt’s portrayal of the red-capped plumber ignited the box office, while Epic Universe was still working on their rendition of Super Nintendo World. However, when asked about the impact of the upcoming “Super Mario Bros. Movie” and its sequels on this land, Steve Tatham, Executive Creative Director at Epic Universe, revealed to TopMob what the team truly prioritized and what they deliberately avoided:
We’re thrilled about the recent success, but when it comes to games like Donkey Kong Country, which have been cherished for four decades, there’s a certain image already etched in the minds of fans. Our goal is to connect with these passionate players by tapping into the essence of these characters, stories, and settings where they reside. Therefore, we’re not fixated on any specific game or movie; instead, our focus lies on the beloved characters, their tales, and the worlds they inhabit.
In contrast to the Mushroom Kingdom, Donkey Kong Country is set in a dense jungle backdrop with Mine-Cart Madness, often referred to as a “Boom Coaster,” offering an exciting experience that mimics jumping over unseen track sections. This roller coaster adventure takes place within ruined temples, replicating the game’s instability and incorporating watery escapades while chasing after the Golden Banana. Besides the thrilling coaster ride, players in Donkey Kong Country can interact with Donkey Kong under his treehouse, shop at Funky Kong’s aircraft, or indulge in a tropical treat at The Bubbly Barrel.
As a passionate follower, I believe that, following Tatham’s insights, the emphasis for Epic Universe was on crafting those captivating video game-like settings and “our role within the narrative“, rather than recreating a specific moment from a movie.
As I delved into reviewing this latest game adaptation, I found myself pondering, ‘How can we make Donkey Kong’s jungle environment distinct from Super Mario Land’s Mount Beanpole?’ To achieve this, we crafted a unique jungle ambiance that immerses players in an entirely new experience. Pondering the narrative, our team asked, ‘What part do the players play in this story?’ Instead of recreating specific cinematic moments, we aimed to evoke an emotional connection with the players, ensuring they become an integral part of the tale unfolding before them.
Check out what impressed me most about Universal Epic Universe here!
Future Impacts Coming to Super Nintendo World
As a dedicated fan of Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World, I can’t help but anticipate the influence of Nintendo’s blockbuster films on this magical land. While they’ve chosen to focus on recreating immersive environments that resonate with us, I find it hard not to envision how their cinematic successes will eventually enrich and amplify our experience in the park.
If the next installment of The Super Mario Bros. Movie turns out to be another blockbuster success, viewers will undoubtedly yearn to explore that cinematic universe firsthand. Lucky for them, such an experience can now be had at Universal’s theme park realms. Moreover, a subtle nod to Zelda hidden within Epic Universe has sparked fan theories about a potential expansion of this Nintendo series in the future (read what Epic Universe’s director has to say about Zelda here!). The prospect of an upcoming Zelda expansion could be strengthened by the announcement of a live-action Legend of Zelda film set for release in 2026.
In essence, even though Super Mario and Donkey Kong are longstanding franchises dating back several decades, their continued appearance in modern platforms like theme parks and movies plays a crucial role in preserving the brand’s cultural significance and attracting new enthusiasts.
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2025-06-16 03:34