How To Unlock A Showdown With Bowser Jr. At Epic Universe's Super Nintendo World

Shigeru Miyamoto knows you'll love SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Nintendo legend and Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto was spotted throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida.

ORLANDO, Fla. – You can't visit Super Nintendo World at Universal’s new Epic Universe theme park without playing. 

OK, technically you can, but it would be like going to a pool and never entering the water. Super Nintendo World looks like a giant, real-life video game and to fully enjoy it, you have to play. 

Some experiences are available to everyone, like punching question mark boxes and bricks like Mario or taking on Team Bowser on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenege. One of three rides in this world, Mario Kart mixes virtual gameplay using digitally enhanced visors with a traditional dark ride with colorful, physical sets. But you’ll need a $45 Power-Up Band for the Interactive Key Challenges that qualify you for a showdown with Bowser Jr. 

Like interactive wands for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, these wristbands are not cheap, but you really only need one for your travel party to share, and they can be reused on future visits. Factor in this cost when you’re budgeting for your trip, like you would admission tickets. 

You'll need to successfully complete three Power-Up Band Interactive Key Challenges to qualify for the Bowser Jr. showdown, but you may want to try them all. 

Some are meant to be played solo, like Goomba Crazy Crank, where you crank a wheel as fast you can to try make a Goomba fall backwards. Others are best tackled with a group, like Piranha Plant Nap Mishap, where you race around slamming alarm clocks to keep an oversized Piranha Plant from waking up.  

Yes, you can skip these and still take in Super Nintendo World’s vibes, rides, character meetings and themed food. Mine-Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country is one of the most popular (and wild) attractions at Epic Universe and slow-moving Yoshi’s Adventure offers some of the best views of Super Nintendo World. 

But you’d be missing out on all the fun. 

The reporter on this story received access from Universal. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.