Where Is Super Mario World?

Like many kids, I grew up following Super Mario World and participating in the Adventures of Mario and Luigi, Daisy, Peach, Bowser, and so many more characters from the Nintendo Universe.

I still remember the Christmas I got my Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Mario Bros.

Super Nintendo soon followed, with Super Mario World as my video game of choice. In college, you were much more likely to find me playing Mario Kart 64 with my dorm mates than you were to find me hanging out in some bar.

And even to this day, I can’t seem to pick up my phone without playing a few rounds of Super Mario Run or Mario Kart Tour. So it goes without saying that I was thrilled in 2015 when Universal announced a new partnership that would bring Nintendo-themed lands to its theme parks.

What is Super Mario World?

Let’s start with a bit of clarification. There technically isn’t a land or theme park called Super Mario World. But, there will soon be a Super Nintendo World section in several Universal theme parks all around the world. Each of those Super Nintendo Worlds includes a Super Mario Land with an extensive set of rides, shops, and dining themed to the Mario franchise (plus areas for other Nintendo franchises).

We’ll talk more about the attractions, restaurants, and stores later in this article. But first, let’s look at the land as a whole.

You can tell from the moment you walk into the land that you’re in the world of Nintendo. In the Mushroom Kingdom, you’ll see Thwomps, Koopas, and Goombas in the distance; coins dance overhead; and, of course, Bowser’s castle looms large. Elsewhere in the land, you’ll be transported to the lush tropical forests of Donkey Kong Country.

Of course, this is all just concept art and renderings. Let’s see what this looks like in real life. And who better to lead us on a tour of Japan’s version of the land — already in operation — than Nintendo legend (and Mario’s “Dad”) Shigeru Miyamoto?

As you might have noticed in the above video, Super Nintendo World makes heavy use of interactive technology via so-called Power-Up Bands. Like Disney’s MagicBand+ or Universal’s Harry Potter wands, these wristbands allow Nintendo fans to interact with parts of the park scenery and trigger special effects such as collecting coins from Question Blocks.

Super Nintendo World – Power-Up Bands and App

You can also link the bands to a smartphone app to track your progress. Complete enough special tasks, and you can battle Bowser Jr. as part of the Power-Up Band Challenge activity!

Which Parks Have a Super Nintendo World?

You’ll find Super Mario World / Super Nintendo World in four Universal theme parks:

• Universal Studios Japan (Osaka, Japan) — Opened March 18, 2021
• Universal Studios Hollywood (Universal City, California) — Opened February 17, 2023
• Universal Epic Universe (Orlando, Florida) — Opening 2025
• Universal Studios Singapore (Sentosa, Singapore) — Opening 2025

As you can see, only two of the locations — Japan & Hollywood — are currently open to the public. So, for now, you’ll need a plane ticket (and perhaps a passport) to jump through the warp pipe and visit the Mushroom Kingdom. Orlando’s version opens in 2025 as part of the brand new Universal Epic Universe theme park. Singapore’s version is also expected to open in 2025.

Is There a Super Mario World at Disney?

You won’t find Super Mario World at Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland in California, or Walt Disney World in Florida. Instead, the Mario-themed rides and attractions are only at Universal theme parks — currently only in Japan but eventually in California, Florida, and Singapore.

The closest thing you’ll find at Disney is some merchandise inside the Mistukoshi Department Store inside the Japan pavilion at EPCOT’s World Showcase. Unfortunately, there are no Mario-themed rides or dining. Still, you’ll usually find a nice selection of Nintendo-themed merchandise in the store’s modern pop culture section.

Rides in Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood is somewhat scaled down as compared to Japan. Universal Epic Universe in Orlando is expected to have an experience more in line with the full-fledged land in Japan. Here’s what to expect in Orlando based on what’s already operating in Hollywod & Japan’s versions, along with recent announcements from Unviersal.

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

One of the most popular rides at Universal Studios Japan is Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge. We know the Koopa King as Bowser here in the States; the ride’s name will has been changed accordingly upon opening in Hollywood and in Florida.

The innovative ride system uses Augmented Reality to add 3D characters and elements to the real-life scenery you pass in your kart — you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of a MarioKart race, steering your kart, throwing (and dodging) shells, all while jockeying for position to help Team Mario win the race!

For a full look at the ride and iconic Mario Kart courses (including lots of spoilers), check out this video from Japan’s version:

If you only want a small preview that doesn’t reveal too many secrets, you might find this short video from Hollywood more to your liking:

Height requirements vary depending on which park you’re visiting. Orlando’s version has published a 42″ height requirement (107 cm), with a supervising companion required for Guests under 48″ (122 cm). Each ride vehicle holds four people (two rows of two people each). The ride is about five minutes long.

We expect that it will quickly join the ranks of the best Universal rides when it opens here in the States.

Yoshi’s Adventure

Yoshi’s Adventure (Concept Art) | Image © Universal

If you have kids in tow or just want something that’s not quite so frantic, then Yoshi’s Adventure is for you. It’s a slow-moving family-friendly ride that uses the Omnimover ride system (meaning the vehicles never really stop moving, similar to Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion or EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth).

Based on what’s already been revealed in Japan, we expect that during the ride, you’ll hop on Yoshi’s back and set out on an adventure; along the way, you’ll try to spot eggs of different colors as part of a fun treasure hunt while seeking out Captain Toad. As a bonus, you get a spectacular view of the Mushroom Kingdom from Mount Beanpole.

There’s a 36″ height requirement (92 cm), with supervising companion required for Guests under 48″ (122 cm). Each ride vehicle holds two people (one row of two people). The ride lasts about five minutes.

A thrill ride, it is not. But for younger kids — or those of us who grew up with the young dinosaur named Yoshi in the Mario game — it’s a really kawaii (cute) addition to the land.

Note that we do not expect the Yoshi ride to be included in the Hollywood version of this land anytime soon, if at all. So for now, you’ll need to either head to Japan or wait for Florida to open.

Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness

Mine Cart Madness (Concept Art) | Image © Universal

While technically not directly part of the Mushroom Kingdom, a separate area of Super Nintendo World will feature Donkey Kong Country and a new roller coaster. Mine Cart Madness is based on the Donkey Kong video games. It’s not yet operating at any of the parks, but is under construction in at least two. Of all the attractions at Super Nintendo World, details on this one are the most speculative because we’re just starting to get verified information.

Donkey Kong Country (Concept Art) | Image © Universal

That said, the fan community has been sleuthing around for years now, and we think we have a good idea of what this attraction will look like. We expect you’ll board an individual mine cart with a unique roller coaster-style track system, giving you the sensation of jumping gaps in the track (while remaining safely attached).

Here’s a good rumor roundup assembled by Orlando Park Stop; again, we caution that not all of this is verified information (and it’s also chock full of spoilers).

Universal has announced that Florida’s version will have a 36″ height requirement (92 cm), with supervising companion required for Guests under 48″ (122 cm).

Dining at Super Nintendo World

Mario-themed dining options will be included in the Florida version of the land, with offerings such as themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Fire Flower Spaghetti & Meatballs, and more. Here are some photos of what’s offered in the Japan version to help you get an idea of how the offerings in Florida might look.

Note: there’s a strong possibility that the Universal Orlando food offerings and menu items will be significantly different than those in Japan, owing to cultural differences in cuisine. But we hope that at least some of the existing offerings make the trip across the Pacific because they look amazing!

 Toadstool Café (AKA Kinopio’s Café)

The house of Kinopio (better known to Americans as Toad) has been transformed into a restaurant, and the menu features items that are truly fit for the Mushroom Kingdom. In Japan, it’s called Kinopio’s Café, but here in the States, it is known as Toadstool Cafe.

Here, you’ll find menu selections that are a sort of fusion between U.S., Italian, and Japanese cuisine — and are frankly pretty heavy on mushrooms. This is the primary dining location at Super Nintendo World and features counter-service meals.

Japan offers a Super Mushroom Pizza Bowl, featuring tomato Sauce, bacon, and mushrooms, capped with a crispy mushroom pizza crust that makes for an adorable presentation.

Super Mushroom Pizza Bowl | Image © Universal/Nintendo

Looking for something a bit lighter? The Piranha Plant Caprese salad features tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil — but it looks just a bit more menacing than your typical salad. This offering has been confirmed for Florida as well, though presentation might varfy.

Piranha Plant Caprese | Image © Universal/Nintendo

For dessert, consider the Question Block Tiramisu, a rich truffle tiramisu in the iconic “?” A block design was made famous in the earliest Mario games. And just like the game, this one has an item inside (in this case, a sweet “mushroom”).

Question Block Tiramisu | Image © Universal/Nintendo

Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats

These locations include snack favorites inspired by Yoshi and friends. Here are some examples of Japan’s offerings, with the caveat that the Florida versions will likely differ.

Among the menu items in Japan is a calzone that looks like a Koopa shell, complete with tasty savory fillings such as yakisoba and cheese.

Green Shell Calzone with Yakisoba & Cheese filling | Image © Universal/Nintendo

You can also quench your thirst there with Yoshi’s Lassi, a yogurt-based drink with fruit such as cantaloupe or mango and topped with whipped cream.

Shopping at Super Nintendo World

Super Mario Bros and Friends Merch

Japan’s park has two stores inside Super Nintendo Land: 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors. Florida’s version will offer these stores, as well. In Japan, both sell a wide array of merchandise featuring Mario and friends, including themed shirts, hats, gloves, plushes, and even glasses with attached Mario/Luigi mustaches.

Merchandise includes shirts, hats, and novelty glasses | Image © Universal/Nintendo

You’ll also find a cart selling Power-Up bands, so you can quickly purchase one and start playing the interactive games in the land.

Universal Hollywood has already opened a Super Nintendo World store at its CityWalk and is selling Nintendo merchandise within the land, as well.

Florida’s Epic Universe will also feature Nintendo merchandise in its central hub area.

Can You Meet Mario and Other Characters at at Super Nintendo World?

It wouldn’t be a theme park experience without character greetings. You can meet and snap a picture with Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad during your visit. Be sure to wear your Power-Up band for an enhanced photo experience!

Will There Be a Hotel at Super Mario World?

While we don’t expect a Universal hotel to be located directly inside Super Nintendo World, we do know that Universal Epic Universe in Orlando will have one to three on-site hotels. So even though you won’t be able to stay in the Waldorf-Koopa, you should be able to get a room within walking distance of the land.

How Much Are Tickets to Super Nintendo World?

There is no separate admission charge to enter Super Nintendo World; it’s included in the cost of your Universal theme park ticket.

A one-day adult ticket to Universal Studios Japan starts at ¥8,600 (convert to U.S. dollars).

A day ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood was $109+ as of May 2024.

Universal Orlando Resort one-park tickets started at $119 as of May 2024, but we dare not predict what the ticket price will be once the resort area adds a third theme park in 2025.

A ticket to Universal Studios Singapore is currently around SGD 62 (convert to U.S. dollars). Still, it remains to be seen what pricing will be in 2025 when the new section opens.

Do You Need an Express Pass for Super Nintendo World?

With the same caveat that we’ve given before — we don’t know exactly how things will work once the Florida version of the land opens — we do know that Japan’s version of Super Nintendo World has used a timed entry system to manage demand during peak periods.

There, guests would obtain an Area Timed Entry Ticket: Advance Booking or purchase a Universal Express Pass with an Area Timed Entry Ticket: Advance Booking to arrange their visit ahead of time; otherwise, they had to use the official Universal Studios Japan app on the day of their visit to obtain an Area Timed Entry Ticket. Inside the land, the attractions themselves also honor Universal Express Passes.

Final Thoughts

Based on everything we’ve seen so far from Universal Studios Japan — and what’s opened in Hollywood — the new Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe will be a Mario-lover’s dream. It should bring the same level of “I can’t believe I’m actually standing here” awe that Harry Potter fans experienced when they were finally able to set foot in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley.

Everything about the land, from its attractions to its food to its scenery, places you right in the middle of Mario’s adventures. For those who grew up with these characters and Super Mario games, it’s a must-visit.

We can’t wait for it to open here in Orlando!