‘Exceed their expectations’: The making of Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe | Exclusive interview
In this exclusive interview, we peel back the layers of Mario’s mushrooms and Donkey Kong’s bananas to discover how Universal created Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe.
Super Nintendo World at the new Universal Epic Universe theme park brings beloved video games to life at Universal Orlando, following previous versions opening at Universal parks in Japan and California.
Susan Cummings, executive producer of Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe, spoke with Attractions Magazine about what makes Orlando’s version different from the others and the pressure to deliver on guests’ expectations for stepping into such iconic stories.
What does the artistic collaboration look like between Universal Creative and Nintendo in developing Nintendo attractions for the parks?
During my time on the project, it was very clear that Nintendo trusted the Universal team to deliver their characters, environments, and interactives in the real world after working for many years and with many of the same people. Nintendo obviously understands video games and their own properties, and Universal understands theme parks, and the space in between was where the partnership was forged in terms of what we all could accomplish.
Photo by Blake Taylor
In contrast to watching a two-hour movie, by the time you complete a video game, you’ve spent hours and hours in that story world. Fans know and love these characters because they’ve spent so much time with them. How did guests’ connections with Mario, Donkey Kong, and company inform what we find in Super Nintendo World?
Guests’ expectations of Super Nintendo World were a driving force in what we included in Super Nintendo World. The degree to which we were able to deliver will exceed their expectations! We knew guests expected to meet Mario, Princess Peach, and Luigi, but maybe they weren’t expecting to have these beloved characters react to them so specifically. Guests expect to visit certain locations and see specific places, and we all know intuitively how to interact with this environment, so we really had to make sure we delivered on that as well.
The premise of “track-jumping” in Mine-Cart Madness is such a cool thesis for a coaster. What was the creative process like in developing that technology? Were there other versions of the ride system you previously considered?
The technology that makes this ride possible is super fun, even for those not on the actual ride. Guests in the plaza in Donkey Kong Country will see what looks like runaway mine carts and that, along with the screams and laughter of the guests, all work together to bring the land to life.
If you are on the ride, your time inside the Golden Temple will not disappoint. All the things you can imagine would happen if your mine cart misses the track will all come true! Plus, the soundtrack of the land and the attraction is really fun!
What challenges and opportunities presented themselves with adapting Super Nintendo World for Universal Orlando after other versions previously opened in Japan and California?
Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando is larger than the other locations and is the only location where all attractions are available on opening day. Plus, as with all things involving technology, there are always continuous improvements. We have a wider field of view in our goggles for the “Mario Kart” attraction, and we have some lessons learned we have incorporated as guests in Japan and Hollywood have shown how they interact with the park.
There were rumors Super Nintendo World was initially slated to replace Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone at Universal Studios Florida. Was that ever the plan, and if so, what drove the decision to place Nintendo in Epic Universe instead?
I cannot speak to that as I was not part of the early days of development.
As a world inspired by video games, Super Nintendo World very much invites visitors to be active participants — players — within its attractions. As guests “play,” is there any particular detail you’re fond of that might be easy to miss?
There are a couple of things. I would make sure you get a Power-Up Band and wear it everywhere in Super Nintendo World and make sure you hit every tap-point interactive and ride all the attractions. And then let Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach know how you did.
And keep an eye out for any Easter eggs. The long-standing Nintendo fan will appreciate the winks to the history of this legendary company.
For more Super Nintendo World tips — and an exclusive interview about Dark Universe — check out our 64-page Epic Universe souvenir magazine, now available. It makes the perfect Epic Universe souvenir, whether you’re planning a visit or reminiscing on a recent trip.
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