***Contains Spoilers for the land and rides!***
First Impressions:
🎮 As you enter the green warp pipe, you’re immediately immersed in the world of Mario. The iconic sounds welcome you as you head up the escalator and step into Peach’s Castle. As an 80s kid, this hit me right in the feels. I teared up the first three times I walked through that portal — the nostalgia is real. Universal has truly outdone themselves.
✨ The Energy of the Land
When you exit Peach’s Castle into the heart of Super Nintendo World, it’s like stepping into the game itself. Everything is alive — from Piranha Plants to Goombas and Yoshis moving across the landscape. It genuinely feels like you’re in Mario’s universe.
🕹️ Interactivity
The land is packed with interactive games, enhanced with the optional Power-Up Bands (available in several styles). We didn’t have bands during our visit, but with the help of some amazing Team Members, we got to try out a few of the mini-games. Power-Up Bands let you collect coins by punching blocks and can also be linked to your score on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
🎭 Character Meet and Greets
Beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, and even Donkey Kong are available for photos and interactions throughout the land.
🍌 Donkey Kong Country
This feels like a land within a land! Home to the Mine-Cart Madness coaster, it also includes a snack stand, merch shop, mini-games, and a meet-and-greet with Donkey Kong himself.
Rides
Yoshi’s Adventure
- Type: Slow-moving family attraction
- Height Requirement: 34” (under 48” must ride with a companion)
This ride is adorable. If you’re like me and lowkey terrified of It’s a Small World, this is a far better experience. Super cute, not too long, and full of charm. The queue feels like it’s pulled straight out of Yoshi’s Story.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
- Type: 3D/4D Motion Simulator
- Height Requirement: 40” (under 48” with a companion)
Okay, confession time. It took us a couple of tries to really enjoy this one. At first, we expected it to be faster, and without seeing the pre-show, we had no idea how to “aim” (hint: use your head!). Add some visor glitches and mid-ride stops, and our first impressions were mixed. But once we got a clean ride and understood how it worked? It was incredible. The mix of physical sets and screens really pulls you into the action.
The queue is one of my all-time favorites — an epic journey through Bowser’s Castle, complete with floating Boos, funny books, and all the spooky, regal vibes.
Donkey Kong: Mine-Cart Madness
- Type: Mine-cart coaster – thrill
- Height Requirement: 40”
This ride is so fun. It’s intentionally jerky, giving you that authentic mine-cart feel. With clever misdirection and track “jumps,” it really sells the idea that you’re leaping over gaps.
The queue looks like a temple and includes some cute animatronics. It’s not the most exciting, and once you get close to boarding, the same lines play on a short loop — we definitely turned it into a joke. But hey, we got the message: it’s time to hop in those mine carts and recover that sacred golden banana!🍌
🍄Food & Snacks
- The Bubbly Barrel (Donkey Kong Country – quick service)
- Yoshi’s Snack Island (quick service)
- Toadstool Café (Nintendo – mobile order quick service)
- Turbo Boost Treats (Nintendo – snack stand)
🛍️ Merch & Power-Up Bands
- 1-Up Factory in Nintendo
- Funky’s Fly ‘n Buy in Donkey Kong Country (yes, it’s shaped like a little plane just like the game!)
Final Thoughts
💭 This land is a dream come true for Nintendo fans of all ages — especially those of us who grew up playing the classics. It’s bursting with color, energy, and pure nostalgia. Whether you’re here for the rides, games, food, or just the vibes — Super Nintendo World is not to be missed!
Queue Chronicles 
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