'Sup gamers? It's a-me, Tad, the gamer and Super Mario fan of the Frog Fam. I'm toadally excited for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood. If I could figure out how to unlock the Warp Zone and transport myself to opening day right now, I would! But it looks like we will have to play the game of life and discover this immersive land in real-time. I'm sharing everything I know about Super Nintendo World and the new ride coming to Universal Studios Hollywood.
What We Know About Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood
Here's what I know so far. Be sure to keep hopping back, as I'll be "leveling up" all the deets as soon they come out. As Luigi would say, "Let's a-go!"
When Does Super Nintendo World Open?
The Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood is expected to open in early 2023.
Where Is Super Nintendo World?
The new land is located in the Lower Lot. You can see construction underway to the left of Transformers: The Ride-3D. And get this: Guests will enter this colorful and interactive new land via a Warp Pipe. What? No way!
Rides at Super Nintendo World
OK, let's speed right to my favorite part. The large ride in the land is based on my favorite video game, Mario Kart. Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge is located inside Bowser's Castle. The interactive moving track ride brings together augmented reality (assistance from head-mounted goggles) with projection mapping technology and set pieces. it's said to be one of the most complex rides ever made in the entertainment industry!
Riders will climb aboard four-person, stadium-style Mario Kart vehicles from the dungeons of Bowser's Castle. Then it's time to put on the goggles and wait for the 3-2-1-Go! signal from Lakitu. In the quest to win the Golden Cup, riders will steer through courses in the clouds and even underwater! They can battle Team Bowser alongside Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach, throwing shells and collecting coins along the way.
The ride has a variety of outcomes, which means riders will want to go again and again! Duh! I made need to save up my allowance for an Unlimited Universal Express ticket! I know once will not be enough. The ride appeals to guests of all ages, even those with little gaming experience, like my little sister, Lily. But even my parents have played Mario Kart with me (and Super Mario Bros. when they were froglets) so they are also frogcited to ride this ride and visit the new land.
Scenery and Interaction in Super Nintendo World
Imagine you have been transported into a Super Mario Bros. video game and can interact with the land. You can expect colorful animatronic scenery with spinning gold coins, boxes with question marks and more.
Shopping
Get your Super Nintendo and Mario gear now! To begin the countdown, Universal reimagined the Feature Presentation Store into Super Nintendo World theming. Mario and Luigi apparel and iconic character hats, along with plush characters (including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and Bowser) and more, are available for purchase.
Here we goooooo! What are you most looking forward to at Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood? What do you most want to know? Let us know in the comments below.
Related: What's Coming to Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood in 2022 and Beyond
Stay cool!
