My adventure in California did not stop at just Disneyland! We made a trek to Universal Hollywood! I had never been there before so I was definitely pumped to try it out! But, the big draw…Super Nintendo World! Knowing we will get a version of this new land in Epic Universe in 2025, I was ready to take a peek to get to know about it and to get excited about what is to come on the east coast!
Calling all 80’s kids and beyond. You are not even ready for Super Nintendo World! Because this world just recently opened in Universal Hollywood, we opted for the extra early entry so that we could fully experience the land and get a feel for what it was all about! This was the MOVE! We entered the world and headed straight for MarioKart: Bowser’s Challenge, which is the Ticket ride in this newest section of the park. This ride was an absolute hit! Universal Studios Hollywood’s website describes it as such, "Put on the 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 queue for this ride takes you thru Bowser’s Castle and it is literally like stepping into the game. So much detail and brings back so many memories of playing Mario as a kid!”
I have to say, when Universal does a fully immersive land, they go all in. And Super Nintendo World is absolutely no exception. This land not only looks exactly like a game, it actually functions as the game! Grab your power up bands and get ready to play! Collect coins throughout the entire area and make sure to check out the score boards to see where you stand! Fully immersive in SNW is a total understatement!
I also note that there are tons of characters out and about! Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, just to name a few. I loved that Mario andLuigi actually talked and interacted with guests! So fun and a special little extra! Also, the entire land is covered in moving parts, just like the game. There is so much to see and enjoy, it’s totally understandable to just take a bit to take it all in! It is so fun even as just an observer.
I also got to try lunch at the Toadstool Cafe! The food and eatery are adorably themed. While the service was a bit wonky, I’m fairly certain there was some further training going on that had a hand in that. I look forward to seeing how they translate this restaurant on the east coast both in size and function.
I don’t want to spoil everything that Universal has in store for you when visiting Super Nintendo World, but I am so glad that I visited. You may not be ready just yet to venture to California, but like I mentioned, this land will be a part of Universal’s newest park, Epic Universe coming soon to the Orlando campus and I can’t wait to see it too and I know you agree!
