“Mario Kart” has stood the test of time as one of the world’s most beloved games for decades. Now, in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Epic Universe, you can hop into the driver’s seat and participate in a completely immersive ride experience while you battle Team Bowser for the Golden Cup.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge offers fun for the whole party, from racing rookies to seasoned pros who — like me — grew up with a controller in their hands. Trust me when I say that this ride is a must-do for your trip to Epic Universe.
Before we press start on this guide to Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, here is a quick rundown of what it covers:
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is an immersive 3D and 4D ride experience where riders wear special goggles and steer through iconic courses to try to defeat Team Bowser alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and more beloved characters.
- On Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, you can compete as an individual and as part of a team. Plus, multiple outcomes and the chance to earn a higher score means the experience is different each time you ride.
- If you have a Power-Up Band, it can be used to keep track of your high score and collect digital coins and stamps on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge!
Here we go!
Jump to:
THE STORY | THE QUEUE | THE RIDE
The Story of Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Everybody knows about the long-standing rivalry between Mario and Bowser. This time, Team Mario and Team Bowser are racing across some of the most famous courses in the Mushroom Kingdom, under the sea, and through the clouds.
But winning alongside Team Mario won’t be easy. The fire-breathing Bowser has been plotting the perfect plan to defeat Team Mario on the racetrack with Bob-ombs, Mechakoopas, and other mischievous tricks. For the adventure, you’ll get into a four-person kart and join Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, and Yoshi as Team Mario races for victory.
The Queue at Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
When you enter the queue for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, you’ll step right into Bowser’s Castle. You’re immediately confronted with a grandiose staircase that has a menacing statue of Bowser at the top.
Now that you’ve climbed the staircase to the second level, you can start making your way through the twist and turns of Bowser’s Castle. Now, I won’t spoil everything, but I will tell you that you’ll discover an abundance of details that fans will appreciate, such as a special portrait of Bowser and an impeccably detailed model of a Mario Kart course.
You’ll wind through several rooms within the Castle, including a study where Bowser plots his domination, a hall of medallions and trophies, and the factory that produces Bob-ombs and Mechakoopas. I love to take photos of all of the Bob-ombs throughout this room!
PRO TIP: While in the study, take a moment to appreciate Bowser’s impressive collection of books and read their titles — fans are sure to appreciate all the references.
Then, you’ll proceed into two pre-shows where you’ll learn about the ride functionalities on the screens in front of you. The pre-shows are your ticket to racing success because they teach you how to steer your vehicle, throw shells, collect coins, and more!
Next, you’ll grab your Mario-hat-looking visor and adjust it on your head by using a toggle on the back. Once you’ve boarded your ride vehicle, you can attach the goggles to the front of your visor.
The Ride Experience at Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Mario Kart racing adventures are always full of mischief and shell-throwing hijinks, and Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is no exception. While racing, riders can expect to encounter obstacles such as slippery banana peels, feisty Piranha Plants, and deceptively cute Bob-ombs.
Ride Details for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
- Single Rider is available
- Height requirement: 40” (102 cm)
- Children under 48” (122 cm) require a supervising companion
- Ride type: A 3D and 4D dark ride
- Child Swap is available upon request
- No lockers required
Getting Ready to Race at Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Ride vehicles at Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge have four seats and a lap bar. Once you enter, you’ll:
- Pull down your lap bar.
- Pick up the goggles in front of you and attach them to your visor.
- If you’re riding with a Power-Up Band, make sure to tap it on the “M” on the steering wheel. The handy device will track your points for you as you ride! You can still play even if you don’t have a Power-Up Band, but having one makes the ride experience even more fun.
After Lakitu gives the 3, 2, 1, signal, you’ll be off to an eventful race.
If you want to find out where to purchase a Power-Up Band and everything you can experience with one, check out our Complete Guide to Power-Up Bands at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
Racing Through Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
While racing, you will use your steering wheel to move left and right and drive through multiple different courses. Steering your wheel in the correct direction will reward you with coins!
You might encounter enemies like Koopas along the way. You’ll have to use the two buttons at the top of your steering wheel to throw shells at them to earn points and defeat Team Bowser. For the best Koopa fighting results, make sure you look at your enemies to aim. Where you look is where your shell will hit!
You will race through the Mushroom Kingdom, under the sea, and in the clouds. You may even come face-to-face with Bowser himself. You and your team will have to work together to send off as many shells as you possibly can to defeat Team Bowser.
If you’re wondering if Team Mario always wins, the answer is no! (Unless I’m on Team Mario, of course.) This attraction is especially fun because you can experience multiple outcomes based on how your team plays. So, it’s a great excuse to come back to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and ride it again!
Planning a trip to Universal Epic Universe? Check out our complete guide to the Epic Universe here!
Let us know in the comments below who won the race in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge when you played: Team Mario or Team Bowser? If you haven’t been yet, tell us what you’re looking forward to experiencing at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in Universal Epic Universe!