Walking through that signature green warp pipe was surreal. After a ride up an escalator and emerge into a colorful, moving world where animatronic Piranha Plants snap, Goombas spin, and the music makes you want to dance. I was genuinely overwhelmed in the best way. (I hear it's even more magical at night time but I went over to Dark Universe at night!)
Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge
Race through iconic tracks wearing AR goggles as you help Mario defeat Team Bowser. Collect digital coins and throw shells. It's a tech-packed, immersive ride. It's a mix of physical sets and augmented reality. You wear a headset that feels like a Mario Kart visor, and suddenly you're IN the game. It’s chaotic and takes a few minutes to get used to, but it's a lot of fun. The queue is very detailed, and fun to look through. You'll see Bowsers lair, and Mario Kart trophies, and much more. The queue is wheelchair accessible, but tight as it's a winding zigzag line, and has at least 1 drinking fountain. If you’ve got a Power-Up Band, you’ll collect coins here, too! There is a short pre-show room where you will get directions on how to wear and use your visors and buttons. If you don’t mind splitting up from your group, the single rider line can save a ton of time.
Yoshi's Adventure
A gentle, scenic ride. Great for little ones and anyone wanting a break from thrills. This was such an adorable queue. Lots to look at liek Yoshi eggs in all the colors. You hop on Yoshi's back and go on a gentle outdoor journey above the land. The views are neat, and I loved seeing the whole land from this perspective. It was extremely short, and moves very slowly, partially in the sun. I wouldn't wait more than 10 minutes to ride this again. The queue has a lot of stairs, but also has an elevator for those in a wheelchair.
Donkey Kong: Mine-Cart Madness
This is the "thrill ride" of the land. It mimics the "track jumping" from the classic Donkey Kong Country games, and you really do feel like you're about to launch over gaps. It was super cute, has fun music, and I was grinning the whole time. It's clever, fast, and so different from anything I've ridden before. It was a very short ride. The queue starts outside, and even with a drinking fountain and misting fans, it was hot. Once the queue gets inside it's boring and plain until you round the corner to the final stretch and see a Cranky Kong animatronic.
Character Meet-and-Greets
Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and sometimes Toad meet throughout the day. Lines move quickly, and the interactive backgrounds make for great photos.
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| Toadstool Cafe |
Toadstool Café
Guests can catch glimpses of Chef Toad and his kitchen staff through digital screens as they prepare the themed dishes. Expect themed dishes like Bowser's Fireball Challenge and Mario burgers. There is mobile ordering, so head there and scan the QR code outside the restaurant or use the Universal app.
The Bubbly Barrel
Treat yourself to a refreshing tropical drink beneath the thatched roof of The Bubbly Barrel in the heart of Donkey Kong Country. DK Crush Float with Mug is a Banana Pineapple soft serve float in a waffle cone, with caramel popcorn on tip.
Yoshi's Snack Island
At the base of Mount Beanpole is this cozy burrow where you can enjoy a variety of juices and fruit based specialty beverages.
Turbo Boost Treats
Tap the brakes and stop at Turbo Boost Treats, a food counter where you can rev up with a variety of snacks.
Level Up with a Power-Up Band
These wristbands unlock interactive features across the land:
Collect coins and stamps
Play Key Challenges to unlock the final Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown
Compete with your family and friends
Choose from some favorite characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Yoshi, or Toad. You can link the band to the app to track progress all day long. Buy your band ahead of time or at the park entrance to save time.
Tips for Small Kids
Yoshi’s Adventure is perfect for toddlers.
Use Rider Switch if your little one can’t ride Mario Kart or Donkey Kong.
Bring noise-canceling headphones if your child is sensitive to sound.
Interactive Punch Blocks and characters make for great low-stress fun!
Accessibility Tips
The land and its shops are wheelchair and ECV accessible.
There is a separate ramp on the bottom level to bypass the escalator, and there are eleveators for the 2nd level within the portal entrance.
Apply for Universal’s Attraction Assistance Pass for help with wait times for those with cognitive disabilities, which must be registered for before visiting through IBCCES.
Many Key Challenges are adaptable or team members can assist.
Mario Kart and Minecart Madness require a transfer.
Manual wheelchairs are available at the queue entrances, and elevators are available in the attractions and entrance to the portal.
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| Bowser's Castle (Mario Kart Queue) |
More Tips
Arrive early or use Early Park Admission (available to Universal hotel guests) or stay in the new Helios Grand Hotel which is a 2 minute walk into the park, with a separate security entrance to be the first into the World.
Bring a portable phone charger—you’ll use the app a lot.
Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Much of the land is outdoors and shade is limited.
The queues have refillable water bottle stations
If you're there on a rainy day, be careful, the ground is slippery.
Spot Easter Eggs Like Pikmin & Bob-ombs
Super Nintendo World is rich with hidden details like 30+ Pikmin scattered around the land, a “shrinking hallway” with a mischievous Bob-omb, and even an autographed portrait of Bowser by Shigeru Miyamoto in the Mario Kart queue.
From high-tech rides to interactive fun, it’s a land designed for all ages and all abilities. Whether you’re racing Bowser, collecting coins, or snacking on a cute dessert, you're sure to have an unforgettable adventure.
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| Agent Betsy, Agency Owner Pam, and I on Mario Kart! |
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| I loved this photo op! |
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