Super Nintendo World Confirmed for Universal Orlando Resort, Called “History’s Worst Kept Secret”
“Soon, we’re going to add another Super Nintendo World to Universal Orlando Resort,” Universal Parks & Resorts Chairman and CEO Mark Woodbury announced Wednesday night at the grand opening ceremony for the attraction of the same name at Universal Studios Hollywood. He then admitted that the news could be the “worst kept secret in history”. You can watch the moment below.
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood officially opens Friday, roughly coinciding with Universal and Illumination’s April 7, 2023 release. SUPER MARIO BROS The movie — the voice of Mario himself, Chris Pratt, was at the grand opening Wednesday night. A larger Super Nintendo World opened last year at Universal’s Japan Park with its own Mario Kart attraction, one is planned for Singapore and now, officially, Orlando is confirmed to get a version of the attraction as well.
The Orlando build will be part of the resort’s larger, much-anticipated Epic Universe Park, which is expected to open in 2025.
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts announced Epic Universe in 2019, calling it the “single-largest investment Comcast NBCUniversal has made in its theme park business.” Then-Universal Parks and Resorts head Tom Williams described Epic Universe’s “vision” as “historic”. The new park will be “the most immersive and innovative theme park we’ve ever created,” he said.
Concept Art for Epic Universe (Public)
Universal Orlando
Given those adjectives, anticipation among fans was intense, with some combing through building permits for the 750-acre site and others sending drones to survey the build for aerial attractions based on photos.
It’s part of Universal’s aggressive expansion that includes recently announced regional parks and attractions in Texas and Las Vegas, as well as large, new attractions at its existing properties.
Late last year, Universal Orlando Resort announced the closure of at least five attractions for what it called “new family entertainment.” Fievel’s Playland, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, DreamWorks Destinations and Shrek & Donkey’s Meet & Greet will close permanently at the end of the day on January 15, 2023.
While not Mario related, some educated guesses about what will fill the space include a possible Pokemon attraction or ideas based on DreamWorks or Illumination IPs such as troll or The Secret Life of Pets — Illumination Minions are already coming to their own zone next year. Universal promised more details “in the coming months.”
Check out the countdown to the West Coast debut of Super Nintendo World at last night’s grand opening event from legendary Mario franchise creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Universal Parks boss Woodbury.
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