Super Nintendo World: Everything You Need To Know

Super Nintendo World is brand new at Universal Studios Hollywood — here is everything you need to know about this immersive land and all it has to offer!

Super Nintendo World: Everything You Need To Know

Super Nintendo World officially opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on February 17th, 2023, however soft openings and pass holder previews are already taking place. This land is not just for those who love Mario and Nintendo as everyone can enjoy it, however those who do love the plumber brothers and their games will be completely blown away. 

Guests enter the land through a pipe and YES it does make that classic noise and display lights as you walk through. The land is located on the lower level, with the entrance next to the Transformers ride. 

Everywhere you look is another detail that makes you feel like you are inside of a Super Mario Bros. game. From goombas, to thwomps, to Piranha Plant, to spinning coins, the team behind Super Nintendo World has thought of everything. 

While the area is quite small, it still offers a lot. There are meet and greets with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, restrooms, a restaurant, a shop, a ride, and several places where you can use your Power-Up Bands to earn coins for your team.

Power-Up Bands

Power-Up Bands are wearable wristbands sync with Universal Studios Hollywood’s official free downloadable app and function as a complement to the land’s many interactive elements. The Power-Up Band is available for purchase in six design options with character themes — Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad and Princess Daisy. Choosing a particular character also defines which “Team” you will be a part of.

With the use of a Power-Up Band, you compete against other teams to achieve the highest score throughout the day by collecting the most digital coins. To see who is in the lead, guests can check their personal and team scores by linking the Power-Up Band to the app or by referring to the Checkpoint Screens located in between the 1-UP Factory and the restrooms.

The Power-Up Band also unlocks additional gameplay activities and experiences, such as collecting digital coins and stamps when completing milestones within the land. Guests can also amass keys after winning Key Challenges from Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap and Thwomp Panel Panic – collecting at least three of them will ultimately allow access to the final boss battle with Bowser Jr.

While the Power-Up Bands are certainly not required, if you plan to come back to Super Nintendo World, they offer some additional fun. The bands currently cost $40 and can be purchased inside Super Nintendo World. The Annual Passholder discount is not accepted yet, at the time this article was written.

Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge

There is only one ride inside of Super Nintendo World, but it is an incredible one. The queue is packed with Mario Kart references, including trophies and racing outfits. Guests will tour inside Bowser’s iconic castle as they wait for their turn to get on the ride, and will see that he has challenged Mario to a race.

Pass through the hall of medallions and trophies to the prized Golden Cup, and get an eye on his plan to defeat Team Mario as you prepare to face off on the track.

Put on special goggles and battle Team Bowser alongside Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach on Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge. You’ll steer through underwater courses and courses in the clouds, collecting coins and throwing shells to win the Golden Cup.

Everywhere you look you’re in the game on this groundbreaking ride with cutting-edge technology. Compete as an individual and as part of a team while you play along with your favorite Super Mario™ characters. Multiple outcomes and the chance to raise your score mean Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is more fun each time you ride! 

The layout of this ride is incredible. Riders will see the other Karts that they need to throw shells at through their goggles, but it isn’t all virtual reality. Their Karts are actually moving through some of the most popular Mario Kart courses, which honestly makes it a bit hard to concentrate at times because there is so much to take in. 

Shooting the shells is easier than anticipated, as you simply look at where you want it to go and press a button. Be sure to steer your Kart in the indicated directions to avoid obstacles. 

When riding Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge, guests are encouraged to tap their Power-Up Band on the ride vehicle’s steering wheel. By doing so, they can track digital coins collected as well as gauge their ranking against friends and family, when synced to the official Universal Studios Hollywood app. 

Meet and Greets

Get ready to meet Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach at Super Nintendo World. Don’t miss out on capturing the moment. Snap a picture with them and wear your Power-Up Band™ for an enhanced experience.

Capture a fun photo with Mario and Luigi to remember your visit to Super Nintendo World. Get your picture taken with Princess Peach in her lovely gazebo.

While meet and greet interactions with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach are accessible to guests visiting the land, the Power-Up Band may provide an enhanced experience with the characters. The Power-Up Band, however, isn’t a required purchase to enable guests to enjoy Super Nintendo World.

Toadstool Cafe

Inside the Toad House is Toadstool Cafe. Indulge in tasty dishes crafted by Chef Toad and watch playful scenery of the Mushroom Kingdom through the windows. Chef Toad’s menu even offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.

As guests sit inside, they will see characters walking by the windows and enjoying their day at Mushroom Kingdom. This is a very cool experience for long time fans. 

While the food is delicious, be prepared to wait a while — at least when Super Nintendo World first opens. If it gets too busy, you will need to put your name on a list and receive a text when Chef Toad is ready for you.

The burgers are similar to other burgers you can get in the park, but the toadstool cheesy garlic knots are worth the wait time alone. As for the pasta, it is just fine, but we highly recommend the caprese.

Here is the Toadstool Cafe menu with pricing.

 

1-UP Factory

This super fun store is where you can find all sorts of items from the Mushroom Kingdom! Browse souvenirs and wearable merch to level up your experience at Super Nintendo World.

Do You Need A Reservation For Super Nintendo World?

Warp into the land by making a Virtual Line reservation* in the Universal Studios Hollywood app after buying your park ticket and arriving onsite. Reservations are not always required to enter the land, but it’s important you check on the day of your visit so you don’t miss out. 

Guests with Universal Express and VIP privileges will have reservation free entry into Super Nintendo World once per day (after 3pm for Platinum Pass members) when reservations are required to enter the land.

*Depending on crowd conditions, you may be able to enter the land without making an entry time reservation via the Virtual Line reservation experience.

 

NEXT: Is The Universal Studios Express Pass Worth It?

Super Nintendo World opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on February 17th.