Our entire frog squad enjoys visiting Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, and our tadpoles absolutely love it! It's nearly a year from when the land opened Feb. 17, 2023, and it is still drawing fans to the park. Since the Super Nintendo World is still fairly new, the park has been very busy this past year with other Super Mario fans (just as excited as Tad). If you're looking to visit Super Nintendo World during this hoppin' time at the park, there are multiple ways to gain access to the land. With that being said, let's hop to it and break down the different kinds of Universal ticket options available to access Super Nintendo World, as well as the Virtual Line needed to access the land with general admission to the park.
Overview of Getting Into Super Nintendo World Hollywood
As we previously mentioned, there are many ways to gain access to Super Nintendo World inside Universal Studios Hollywood. Most days, you can just walk right in. On busy Saturdays or peak periods, such as holidays, the land might hit capacity and form a physical or virtual line. For those days, you'll need a plan of action.
There are seven different ways to get inside the colorful, new land (including walking right in if the Virtual Line is not in use). We'll also go over which ticket you should purchase if you want to visit Super Nintendo World during Halloween Horror Nights. (Yet another way to get in during that season!)
Below, we will explain the difference between each of these entry and ticket options. You can use this guide to decide which suits you and your frog family best! We'll even throw in some tips for maximizing your frogtastic visit.
Walk Right In (or Wait in Line)
In the morning and most weekdays, you can generally just walk right in all day long. At busy times, once the land starts getting full, a line may form to the right for people without Early Access, Universal Express, a Toadstool Café reservation or a disability Mario Kart return time. Once that line gets long, a Virtual Line may open in the Universal Studios App. But we are here to tell you all the ways to skip that line if it forms. Most days, you can just walk right in though.
Join the Virtual Line for Super Nintendo World (Only When Needed)
Since Super Nintendo World is still a new addition to the park, entry to the land is sometimes determined by a Virtual Line reservation system. (More so on holidays and busy school breaks.) When the park holds a large number of guests, a Virtual Line reservation becomes a requirement to enter the land (if you do not have other ways which we will discuss below). If you would like to visit Super Nintendo World but also want to save some money and stick to general admission, this is the option for you. But keep in mind this is only needed for those super busy days and holidays.
How do I know if I need to join the Virtual Line?
Guests can figure out if they need to join the Virtual Line to visit the land by tapping on the Virtual Line box located on the home screen of the Universal Studios Hollywood app. After tapping the box, check the tab labeled Virtual Line Venues to see which attractions are operating on a Virtual Line that day. If Super Nintendo World does not appear as one of the Virtual Line venues, you do not need to join the Virtual Line. If it does, then you need to join the Virtual Line.
How do I join the Virtual Line?
This option is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and time slots can fill up extremely quickly. Keep in mind, that you can only join the Virtual Line if you are inside Universal Studios Hollywood. Make sure to be in the park early when trying to join. The last time we visited, we attempted to join the queue on a weekday, an hour after Universal opened (at 10 a.m.) — leaving us only with Virtual Line time slot options from 5 p.m. and later. (We had a small group. Larger groups may be even harder to accommodate). You can reserve up to 10 people at a time.
To join the Virtual Line, click on the Virtual Line box on the Universal Studios Hollywood app. Tap on Virtual Line Venues. Once you see Super Nintendo World as one of the venues, tap on it. Select the Virtual Line Pass button. Next to this button is the word Reserve. Tap on either of those two phrases, then input your party size to find an available time slot to return. Once you have confirmed your desired time slot to visit the land, you will receive a QR code needed to enter the land at the time of your reservation.
You can also join the Virtual Line through the physical kiosks at the park. There are a few located in the Upper Lot near Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and more in the Lower Lot to the right of Transformers: The Ride. However, these kiosks may close early once the Virtual Line availability closes for the day. If you are unable to join the Virtual Line (through either your mobile device or at a physical kiosk) early in the day, you can continue to check the Universal Studios Hollywood app throughout your visit to see if any available time slots have opened up.
How do I enter the land with my Virtual Line reservation?
As many aspects of accessing this new land are still changing, entering the land can be a little tricky regardless of which method you're using. Directly in front of Transformers: The Ride, is the entry area for all guests trying to access the land. To the left, parties can enter with Early Access, Virtual Line reservations, Toadstool Café reservations, disability return times, Express, Unlimited Express and VIP Experience tours. To the right is a stand-by waiting area.
Once your Virtual Line time slot has arrived, make your way to the entry area. Be prepared to have the QR code scanned.
Buy An Early Access Ticket for Super Nintendo World
Our favorite way to access and enjoy Super Nintendo World is by purchasing an Early Access ticket. That allows a guest to enter the land one hour before the park's opening. The Early Access ticket is sold in limited quantities. It can only be used for a preselected date set in advance. Ranging from $20 to $30, this add-on ticket is a frogtastic, and still affordable, option for those who like to avoid long lines and heavy crowds. Don't froget — you will still need a general admission ticket (or valid annual pass) to enter the park! This addition can be added to a Universal Studios Hollywood ticket purchased through Undercover Tourist. (Don't froget that we can save you some green on your general admission!)
If you get Early Access, plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before Early Access starts. We have used Early Access and were able to complete all the challenges, compete in Bowser Jr.'s Shadow Showdown and ride Mario Kart before the park opened. Once the park opens all the lines can get very long.
If you miss your Early Access window (because traffic happens), don't panic. If there is a Virtual Line in place, you can use your Early Access ticket to access the land later in the day without joining a Virtual Line or waiting in a physical line. Just be prepared to show your QR code.
If Early Access is still out of your budget, avoid morning time. Check wait times in the afternoon and especially in the evening for the last hour or two of park opening for the shortest waits.
What can I do with the Early Access ticket?
Utilizing an Early Access ticket is definitely useful if you are determined to explore the land in its entirety during your visit. The ticket allows you access to everything in the land during the early access hour, such as meeting the characters in the land, playing the interactive key games, walking in the Toadstool Cafe without reservations and even experiencing Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge! (We've got a list of our favorite details in the land here.) There is no limit to how long you can remain in the land after the ticketed hour is over. We recommend getting all of your priority experiences in the land out of the way during the early access hour since the land floods with people once the park officially opens.
If you purchase the Early Access ticket for Super Nintendo World, one big perk is getting one-time Express use for the Studio Tour. (Valid if used before 11:00 a.m.) This is especially useful during the 60th Anniversary of the Studio Tour. The celebration runs April 26 through Aug. 11, 2024, and will increase the standby line for this attraction during that time.
How do I use my Early Access Ticket?
If you purchase an Early Access ticket, enter the park through the main entrance. You'll enter on the left. Don't froget to have both your general admission ticket and Early Access ticket ready! Once you pass the security check at the entrance, line up to the left of the red carpet. You'll show your Early Access and your general admission ticket will be scanned for entry.
Once you are inside the park, an employee will ask you to scan your Early Access ticket (probably at the top of the escalators), then allow you to walk toward the escalators leading to the Lower Lot of the park. From there, you can walk over to the warp pipe to enter the land.
Get a Universal Express Pass
Both the Universal Express Pass and the Universal Unlimited Express Pass are more expensive, yet more convenient alternatives to general admission tickets. Although purchasing these can bump up your grand total significantly (especially if you're buying passes for the whole frog family), you can reap the benefits of these tickets throughout your entire day at the park. We recommend Universal Express for busy periods. Not so much for less busy times or if it's out of your budget.
What does the Express Pass include?
The Universal Express Pass includes general admission to the park, as well as one-time (per day) front-of-the-line line access to each ride (now including Mario Kart), attraction and show. As a bonus, it also includes one-time (per day) reservation-free entry into Super Nintendo World during your visit (if necessary).
What does the Unlimited Express Pass include?
If you want even more perks, you can upgrade your Express Pass to an Unlimited Express Pass while in the park, which provides unlimited front-of-the-line privileges for all attractions and shows. It also provides one-time (per day) access to Super Nintendo World (if virtual queue is required).
Make a Toadstool Café Reservation
For those of you looking to enjoy some fine cuisine in the Mushroom Kingdom while in Super Nintendo World, you can secure dining and entry to the land all in one reservation. If a guest has a valid Toadstool Cafe reservation, they can enter the land without a Virtual Line time slot or any special ticket.
You will see signage with QR codes linking to the restaurant's reservation system immediately outside the land's main entrance. You may see another QR code in front of the café. However, you don't have to wait until you're in the park to try and get a spot at the café if it's very important to you. Here's the link to reserve! You don't even have to be inside the park to reserve! Aim to make your reservations by 7:30 a.m. (although the time the reservations open changes each day) for the same day only. The link usually starts working when Early Access starts but it can be earlier or later. The restaurant is usually fully booked shortly after the park opens, on busy days. More times drop about 3 p.m., so definitely keep checking!
It's tricky because we've seen reservations open before 7 a.m. one day and not until 9 a.m. another day. So we recommend getting on the reservations page at 7 a.m. and periodically refreshing until you see it open. We recommend reserving a dining time in the afternoon or evening because mid-morning is the busiest in the land. Go enjoy the short lines elsewhere in the park in the morning. That being said, the later in the day you eat, the more likely it is you will have a line to order, and possibly a long wait for food. The restaurant may even run out of certain items as the day goes on. So if you want to eat mid-morning, go for it! Service is faster in the morning.
Book the VIP Experience
The VIP Experience is the priciest ticket option for Universal guests. Nonetheless, it has grown in popularity amongst Universal guests recently due to the toadally awesome benefits it offers to Super Nintendo World fans. It comes with unlimited access to Super Nintendo Land and Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge!
What is the VIP Experience?
The VIP Experience consists of an exclusive tour of the theme park and studio backlot, guided by a Universal Studios Hollywood tour guide. Up to 18 guests can participate in a single tour and children must be at least 5 years old to attend (and at least 17 years old to attend without an accompanying adult). The package starts at $369 per ticket, and you can even save some green with us frogs. This may be worthwhile if you want to enjoy the park in an unlimited capacity for your whole stay.
What is included in the VIP Experience?
The ticket includes general 1-day park admission, a VIP gourmet meal, complimentary valet parking, light snacks and refreshments throughout the day and unlimited (per day) Express access to each ride, attraction and show. For those who want complete access to Super Nintendo World, this is exactly the ticket for you. You can enjoy unlimited access to both Super Nintendo World and its attraction, Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. It does not let you skip the line for challenges through.
Book the VIP Theme Park Experience (if available)
There is a cheaper alternative to the VIP Experience. This secret tour is something that you may be able to upgrade to at the VIP entrance. You cannot purchase this in advance (only at the front gate). It does not include the trolley backlot tour. But it does include the Studio Tour, lunch at either Krusty Burger or The Three Broomsticks, and Unlimited Express for all attractions, including Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. This ticket also provides unlimited access to Super Nintendo World.
The VIP Theme Park Experience ticket is the only package, aside from the VIP Experience, that includes unlimited access to both Super Nintendo World and its attraction, Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. Access to this package is limited, so price and availability can vary per day. You should arrive with a valid ticket, regardless. If you are interested, ask if an upgrade is available at the VIP entrance. The day we visited during spring break, it would have cost $110 per person to upgrade our Universal Express ticket to the VIP Theme Park Experience.
Access to Super Nintendo World During Halloween Horror Nights
Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event that takes place on select nights in September and October. Super Nintendo World is only available to select ticket holders from 7 to 10 p.m. during Halloween Horror Nights events. Super Nintendo World is closed to all other ticket types during the event. Only two tickets grant access to Super Nintendo World:
- Halloween Horror Nights After 2 p.m. Day/Night - Includes admission to Super Nintendo World only from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. It may be subject to the Virtual Line. (Also includes Early Event Access to select houses at 5:30 p.m.)
- Halloween Horror Nights After 2 p.m. Day/Night Universal Express - Includes admission to Super Nintendo World only from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Also includes Early Event Access to select houses at 5:30 p.m.)
These tickets do not include daytime access to Super Nintendo World. Access is just offered during limited Horror Nights hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Super Nintendo World
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions on how to access Super Nintendo World:
Will I be able to access the land utilizing an Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP)?
No. An Attraction Assistance Pass will not guarantee you entry to the land. You can likely walk right in. You may purchase Early Access OR use the Virtual Line system to enter the land if a Virtual Line is in place. Once inside the land though, the AAP is very hopful. It will allow you to access the Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge ride. You may be given a return time to come back and experience the ride at a later time during the day. Once you have a return time for the ride, you can leave the land and use the return time to re-enter the land to access the ride.
Can I return to the warp pipe entrance of the land once I'm inside Super Nintendo World?
This depends on the crowd levels and crew present in the park that day. During our several visits to the land, we have had different experiences with entering and exiting it. Sometimes they let you exit the same way you came in. During crowded times, you must exit through a different route. As of our most recent visit, we were allowed to exit through the main warp pipe entrance (and stop to take photos). However, this is subject to change.
Can I buy my general admission ticket separately from an Early Access ticket?
Yes! Although the Early Access ticket is only available for purchase directly through Universal, you can still buy a discount general admission ticket or a Universal Express ticket from us (and save up to $111)! After you purchase your ticket, take your savings to the Universal Studios site to purchase your Early Access ticket for the day. You'll still have some savings left over for lunch at Toadstool Café!
Tips for Maximizing Your Time in Super Nintendo World
- Complete all the challenges and games during Early Entry if you can and then ride the ride.
- Experience the ride, Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, immediately when you enter the land at park opening. It is the first thing that becomes crowded, even during the early access hour.
- We highly suggest the single-rider line if you want to ride again.
- Use Child Switch if you have a small child too short to ride.
- If someone in your group has a disability, they can qualify for an Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP). This pass will not grant you access to the land. However, if you enter the land by one of the above methods, you can receive a return time for Mario Kart. Then you may exit the land and return at your designated time for the ride.
- If you are a major foodie and must try the dishes at Toadstool Cafe, reserve your same-day dining time in advance (even from your home). Use the link we included in this post. This way, you can experience other parts of the park and still return to the land for your reservation with guaranteed dining. Expect a line to order your food when you arrive.
- If you buy an Early Access ticket, visit the café early with a same-day reservation. The café is usually fully booked for the day by mid-morning. But keep checking as reservations may drop later in the day.
- Some interactive games take longer than others, therefore creating longer wait times to play. Aim to play the quicker games if you're in a rush, such as those hosted by Thwomp and Goomba. It is evident which key challenges have faster lines than others.
- Look at the times posted at character meet and greet queues, and hop in line early before the characters come out. They often come out during Early Access as well!
Please note that things are always subject to change, especially access through the Virtual Line, which operates based on demand. What are you most excited about in Super Nintendo World? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Our Guide to Super Nintendo World Hollywood
Keep hopping!
