California vs. Florida: The Mario Fan's Guide to America's Two Super Nintendo Worlds
If you've been to Super Nintendo World in California, there's more to see at Epic Universe in Orlando.
Universal Orlando Resort is set to open its ambitious new park, Epic Universe, in just a few weeks. However, previews of the five immersive worlds have already begun, which include a look inside the highly anticipated Florida version of Super Nintendo World.
While the park is unique to Florida, it’s far from the first of its kind. There are currently operational Super Nintendo Worlds in both California and Japan. Many theme park and Nintendo enthusiasts have likely checked out the other stateside park at Universal Studios Hollywood and are wondering if there’s anything new in store for them if they travel to Orlando to check out Epic Universe’s take on the world of Mario, Peach, Bowser, and the entire Mushroom Kingdom.
Luckily for them, NBC Insider got a chance to tour the new theme World at Epic Universe, and we’ve got the scoop on the biggest differences you’ll notice between Hollywood and Orlando.
Is Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe different from Universal Studios Hollywood?
In short, yes, the park is different. While it has the same basic look and theme, there are some key differences between the two that make it a must-see destination for all Super Mario Bros. fans. That said, there are a lot of similarities too.
Those who attend both parks will experience the Mushroom Kingdom in all its glory, meet your favorite characters in person, enjoy some of the same dining options, utilize Power-Bands, and compete in the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride. This augmented reality ride brings the Mario Kart games fans know and love to life and literally puts travelers behind the wheel to help Mario and his buddies defeat the Koopas as they score points to compete with friends and family in the adjacent cars.
While that alone is more than enough to satisfy travelers, those who make the trip to Epic Universe are in for two additional treats.
The differences between Epic Universe's Super Nintendo World and Universal Studios Hollywood
Epic Universe offers two massive attractions within Super Nintendo World that aren’t available on the West Coast.
The first is the new Yoshi Adventure, a slower-paced but delightful ride where you’re tasked with helping many different Yoshis search for glowing eggs as you travel through the Mushroom Kingdom's landscapes, seeing all the sights, animatronics, and adorable Yoshi variants the park has to offer. It’s the best view of Super Nintendo World there is and, therefore, a can't-miss.
Additionally, Orlando is the exclusive U.S. home to Donkey Kong Country, a wing of the park that is so stunning in size, scope, and aesthetics that it may as well be billed as the sixth world within Epic Universe.
The area has its own food and drink options as well as some interactive areas that will work with your Power-Up Band. However, the biggest draw is the Mine-Cart Madness ride. Plucked straight out of the video games, you and your group will enter a mine cart that literally goes off the rails on a thrilling romp as it runs all throughout Donkey Kong Country, hopping the tracks left and right and even bringing you face-to-face with some iconic characters, including the big ape himself.
So, while there is nothing you can’t get in Hollywood that you can’t also get in Orlando, Epic Universe has some exclusive areas and attractions that make it worth the trip for the most die-hard Nintendo fan. Not to mention the fact that once you’re done experiencing everything there is to do in Super Nintendo World, you can step out into the awe-inspiring Celestial Park before hopping through portals to How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and Dark Universe.
Get your tickets not to Universal Epic Universe to see all the wonders that await through the portals including single-day passes and preview passes.
