Super Nintendo World Orlando Opening Has Been Officially Delayed
Although we're all ready to jump down the warp pipe in our plumber's overalls for Super Nintendo World Orlando, theme park fans are warned they might have a bit of a wait on their hands. Following in the footsteps of Super Nintendo World Japan being delayed due to COVID-19, it sounds like plans to roll out the idea across the globe have been hit by similar setbacks. Our topsy-turvy trip to the Mushroom Kingdom was supposed to open the doors in 2024 (having already been delayed), but now, we're told the schedule has been pushed back a year.
While Universal Studios Orlando has lands based on everything from The Simpsons to Marvel Comics, Jurassic World to Harry Potter, things are expected to boom with the introduction of Universal's Epic Universe. The supersized addition is set a few miles south of the existing resort and is billed as being "the largest investment" Comcast has ever made. As well as lands honouring How to Train Your Dragon and the introduction of the Fantastic Beasts series, a big draw is Super Nintendo World.
When is Super Nintendo World Orlando opening?
According to the Orlando Informer, Super Nintendo World Orlando will now open in 2025. After construction on the project was put on hold by COVID-19, it's finally restarted. Unfortunately, the extended period of absence means the planned opening has also slipped. It's good news that the wheels are back in motion, however, the site warned it will "take several months before reaching full-speed, as [it] re-staffs for the project and reassembles its vendor and contractor teams".
If the latest reports are to be believed, it means Super Nintendo World Orlando will now open two years later than originally planned. The Orlando Sentinel (via IGN) had further details from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who assured fans 2025 is looking promising. Demings told the press Universal is aiming for an "early 2025" opening. Looking at the bigger picture, it looks increasingly likely Super Nintendo World California will be the first of the parks to open in the USA. Work is well underway on the Hollywood attraction, with construction looking promising as Bowser's Castle and the Mario Kart ride rise from the ground.
What else do we know about Super Nintendo World Orlando?
It's baffling that it's been six (yes, six) years since Super Nintendo World Japan was first announced. The park is nearly ready to open its doors, while plans continue to evolve on the proposed Super Nintendo World California, Orlando, and Singapore. Given the massive scale of Super Nintendo World Orland - and its ties to the larger Epic Universe - it was always going to be a tight schedule to reach the original opening date. At least Universal Studios is keeping us informed and delivered the disappointing news now.
Epic Universe will be Universal Studios Orlando's third park and will cover a 750-acre site with shopping, restaurants, and hotels alongside the attractions. Like the Super Nintendo World in Japan and California, we're expecting there will at least be Bowser's Castle and a Mario Kart ride, while the usual merchandise and Mario-themed food will tie the whole thing together. In terms of Super Nintendo World Orlando, the world should (hopefully) be back to normal by 2025, and we've got something to pencil in our diaries with the Super Nintendo World Orlando opening. It looks like Princess Peach will be left trapped in the castle for a little longer.
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