Super Nintendo World is getting ready to make its grand debut in the United States at Universal Studios Hollywood and we finally have the opening date! Guests will be able to jump into the world of Super Mario on Friday, February 17, 2023. The first version of the land in Universal Studios Japan opened in 2021.
Super Nintendo World in Hollywood will be very similar to the one in Japan with one exception. Universal Studios Hollywood won’t have Yoshi’s Adventure Ride. So what will be in Super Nintendo World?
Mario Kart: Bowsers’s Challenge is the marquee attraction inspired by the Mario Kart video game series using augmented reality and projection mapping technology along with set pieces and a moving ride track. Guests will be seated in a stadium-style, four-seat vehicle that will navigate familiar courses in a multi-sensory backdrop of color, sound, and movement. All of this happens inside Bowser’s Castle which is the centerpiece of the land. Inside the castle are corridors and halls filled with medallions and trophies.
The premise of “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” is simple but equally inspiring and challenging, appealing to guests of all ages regardless of gaming experience. As part of Team Mario, guests will steer through underwater courses and courses in the clouds to compete for the Golden Cup while collecting coins to defeat Team Bowser and win. “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” raises the stakes for guests as an intriguing and repeatable ride with a variety of outcomes.
Power-Up Bands will sync with Universal Studios Hollywood’s app to level-up the experience within the land and enhance interactive elements. Guests will be able to collect digital coins and obtain keys after winning challenges throughout the land all while keeping individual and team scores. Guests with the Power-Up Band will enjoy extra-special interactions with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. You’ll want to collect all six designs if you’re a completionist.
The Power-Up Band is the gateway to unlocking interactive gameplay throughout the entire immersive land. Guests will also be able to beat the four Key Challenges and collect keys from Goobma, Koopa Troopa, Piranha Plant, and Thwomp which will allow access to a boss battle with Bowser Jr. Augmented reality will bring the land to life in a different dimension and add a kinetic experience.
You can purchase the Power-Up Band in Universal CityWalk, but you can also buy it at 1-UP Factory inside the land. The gift shop will offer a selection of merchandise from Mario and Luigi-themed apparel to character hats, plushes, and more. Guests looking for a bite to eat will head straight to Toadstool Cafe – the land’s signature restaurant. The menu is perfected by Chef Toad who guests will see upon entry. Expect to see Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger, Luigi Pesto Chicken Burger, ? Block Tiramisu, and Princess Peach Cupcakes on the menu.
If you’re looking to step into a 360-degree world of Mario, head to Super Nintendo World when it opens in February 2023. Universal Orlando won’t see any Super Nintendo World until the opening of Epic Universe in 2025, but you can visit Super Nintendo World now at Universal Studios Japan which will also be receiving a Donkey Kong Country expansion.
