Super Nintendo World: The Ultimate Gaming Destination is Now Open

Super Nintendo World is now open at Universal Studios Hollywood, CA.  The park features immersive attractions based on classic Nintendo franchises. Visitors can explore Bowser’s Castle in real life, meet Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, and use power-up bands to interact with the land itself.  The park also features an interactive Mario Kart ride. You can even eat some unique themed foods at the Toadstool Café. Super Nintendo World is a must-visit destination for gaming fans of all ages.

To experience the land in the best way possible, we recommend booking a VIP tour with Universal.  This is the only way to be guaranteed to get on to the ride without an extremely long wait.  The VIP tour also includes snacks and one meal per person per day during your tour.

Universal also offers an early access pass for $20-$25 depending on the day you arrive.  This pass allows you to get into Super Nintendo World 1 hour before park opening and also comes with a one-time express access pass to the Universal Studio Tour (before 11 am).

Another way to ensure access to the land is through the Universal Express pass.  Express will guarantee you can bypass the regular line and you will not need a park reservation for the land on the day you go.  The Express pass does not guarantee that you will get onto the Mario Kart ride. Remember, the best way to keep up with an Express Pass is by using a lanyard.

Explore Bowser’s Castle

The main attraction in Super Mario World is Bowser’s Castle.  The Castle has two entrances.  By staying to the left, you can tour the inside of the Castle in a walk-through.  If you take the line to the right you will be entering the queue for the Mario Kart, Bowser’s Challenge ride.  The queue is an immersive experience, and you will feel like you have entered the game.  Trust me on this, we waited 2 ½ hours for the ride itself so we got to see lots of the castle.

The queue will take you from outside the castle with mind-blowing views of the land below, to underground mines with blacklight jewels and mushrooms that glow, to inside the castle itself.  Once inside you can see how to construct Bob-ombs and visit Bowser’s throne room. 

Meet Unique Characters

Super Nintendo World is the only place you can meet special gaming characters.  Here you can meet Mario, Luigi, and even Princess Peach.  The characters actually talk and interact with you.  Princess Peach can be found outside of her castle to the right when entering the land.  Mario and Luigi often meet together and are found near the block combo in the center of the land.  You can find the locations by using the Universal Studios Hollywood app and the link for Super Nintendo World.

Power-Up Bands

To get the full gamer experience out of the land you will need to purchase a special power-up band.  These can be found at the following locations:

inside Super Nintendo World at a Kiosk

1-Up Factory inside Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World Store on City Walk

Character Shop (lower lot)

Feature Presentation Store (upper lot)

Universal Studios Store (upper lot)

The bands cost $40 each and are interactive throughout the land.  They can also be used as an amiibo with the Nintendo Switch, and will interact with the land at Universal Studios Japan.

The bands work with the Universal Studios Hollywood app to collect coins and stamps by hitting bricks, play mini games to earn digital keys, and meet characters to unlock enhanced experiences.

Mario Kart, Bowser’s Challenge the Ride

After exploring Bowser’s Castle, you will experience the pre-show for the ride.  The pre-show area looks like a racing garage, and they will tell you how the game works.  Inside the game you will get to experience driving your very own Mario Kart.  You will race against other players just like in the game. 

If you have a power-up band you can pair it with the game.  Power-Up bands are not required for the ride, but having one enhances your experience. 

During the ride you can collect coins, and throw turtles to remove objects from your path.  You will wear a special visor to make the game appear in 3-D and to aim for throwing turtles. Collect 100 coins to earn the Universal trophy!

Eat at the Toad Stool Café

The Toad Stool Cafe is a fun and immersive dining experience for fans of all ages. The menu features a range of dishes inspired by iconic characters and locations from Nintendo games, and the decor is meant to transport visitors into the world of Super Mario. Whether you’re a super gaming fan or just looking for a unique dining experience, the Toad Stool Cafe is sure to satisfy.

The unique themed menu features starters and salads such as Piranha Plant Caprese and Super Mushroom Soup. 

The main menu has a Mario cheeseburger, Luigi Burger (pesto grilled chicken), and a Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs. 

For dessert you can try a Princess Peach Cupcake or a Mt. Beanpole Cake.

Specialty beverages include a Super Star Lemon Squash which is Honey lemon soda with mango stars and assorted tropical bobas.  You can even purchase a 1-Up Collectible Mushroom Drink Bottle for $20.  This is a great way to take a piece of the park back home with you to display in your gaming room.

Final Thoughts

Super Nintendo World is now open in Universal Studios Hollywood.  It is a must-visit destination for gaming fans of all ages. The immersive games, rides, mind-blowing theming, and unique character experiences will make you feel like you have been transported into a video game.  It is the ultimate vacation destination for gamers or anyone looking for a unique vacation and interactive vacation experience. 

There are three ways to truly experience the land.  A VIP tour will guarantee you entrance to the land and the ride.  An early park admission ticket add-on will get you into the land 1 hour prior to park opening so you can experience the land before the general public. A Universal Express ticket will ensure entrance to the land and will allow you to bypass the regular lines on other Universal attractions, so you won’t miss out on the rest of the park.

Because Universal Hollywood is a smaller park, it can easily be seen in a day or two.  Consider adding on a one day VIP ticket with your Disney Vacation Package to enjoy a longer trip.  Ready to start planning your next Universal Hollywood Vacation? Contact me today at amberh@destinationsinflorida.com.  Remember… Life’s Short… Take the Trip!

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