Universal Studios Hollywood has brought the beloved world of Super Mario Brothers to life with Super Nintendo World. Seeing the Warp Pipes and the Mushroom Kingdom come to life is a dream come true for gamers and fans of the beloved franchise! Packed with iconic characters, a thrilling ride, and interactive experiences, this highly immersive land needs to be on your must see list. Ready to warp to the next level? Below, we explore what to do and see at Super Nintendo World Hollywood, share tips for your visit, and reveal strategies to navigate the crowds at this colorful Mushroom Kingdom. Let’s-a go!
Behind the Land – Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World Hollywood opened in February of 2023 and is the second location of the theme park. The first Super Nintendo World opened in Universal Studios Japan in March of 2021. The original Japan park is a bit larger and has a few key differences. Most notably, the Universal Studios Osaka has two rides, including Yoshi’s Adventure ride, while Universal Studios only has Bowser’s Challange. More Nintendo fun to come! Orlando’s Super Nintendo World is currently under construction, and is slated to open in 2025. The Orlando park will have three rides, including Mario Kart and a Donkey Kong-themed roller coaster. According to reports, Super Nintendo World Florida will be the largest Super Nintendo park in the world.
Lay of the Land – Super Nintendo World Hollywood
Guests enter Nintendo World from a warp pipe from the “regular” Universal Park on the other side, exiting through Peach’s Castle. Walking out of the warp pipe and into the boldly colored world of Mario truly feels like you have stepped into the popular video game. The area is small but packs a powerful punch! The design uses high walls and creative landscaping; you cannot see any other part of Universal Park so that you are fully immersed in the gameplay. There’s moving platforms, chomping piranhas, and golden coin “sounds” everywhere you look. It is a visual treat, and a must see for game fanatics.
What to See at Super Nintendo World Hollywood
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge:
- The crown jewel of Super Nintendo World is undoubtedly the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. It’s like Mario Kart came to life! Here, you put on the special goggles and battle against Team Bowser alongside Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, all while driving Mario Karts. The groundbreaking augmented reality technology will have you steering through underwater courses and courses in the clouds, all while collecting coins and throwing shells to win the Golden Cup. Important Tip: There is only ONE ride inside Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood and this is it, expect a long line! During peak time, the line could last several hours. (We have tips on how to avoid the line, below!).
- Key Challenges Play Areas:
- You can play amazing interactive games and Key Challenges throughout the Mushroom Kingdom. Knock down a Goomba, punch virtual blocks, and engage in various activities that feel like a battle from the video game. There are four Key Challenges in Super Nintendo World. You must beat three of these to enter the boss fight with Bowser Jr. (All require the Power-Up Band). These interactive areas are super immersive and fun for all ages.
- Character Meet and Greets:
- There is no better way to immerse yourself in the magic of Super Nintendo World than to meet and greet iconic characters from the Mario Bros. universe. Character meet-and-greets include Mario and Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad. Mario and Luigi meet in the middle of Super Nintendo World. Toad’s area is by the shop entrance, and Princess Peach meets near her castle. Bonus: If you wear your Power-Up Band, you may get an enhanced experience.
- Toadstool Cafe:
- Nestled within Super Nintendo World is the Toadstool Cafe, a delightful mushroom-shaped eatery. Step inside to find a circular restaurant and a menu filled with delicious offerings. From Mario’s Burger (with an adorable red hat) to the Piranha Plant Caprese (tomato mozzarella that looks just like the flower), each dish is a nod to the beloved characters. The kids’ meals come with a cute cookie-coin dessert. For an extra treat, get the Block Tiramisu, which looks just like a coin box.
Ticketing – Super Nintendo World Hollywood
Tickets are available in both General Admission and Express Admission options. Express Admission allows one-time (per day) express access to each ride attraction, and seated show, and one-time (per day) reservation-free entry into Super Nintendo World when reservations are required to enter the land. Save a little money and book through our Tiqets link for a 10% discount. The discount adds up – a family of four could save $50 or more on tickets with our code.
How to Visit with Less Crowds
As mentioned, the park is quite small. There is only one ride, one sit-down restaurant, and one to-go snack counter. With this small footprint, it gets crowded fast. Lines for the interactive play extend into the main area, intersecting with those waiting to meet Princess Peach and her friends. Bowser’s Challenge wait times can easily stretch to 1-2 hours, and waiting for the interactive play can hit double digits. Despite this, there are some tricks to help make the waiting time less.
- Midweek Visit:
- If possible, schedule your visit for a Tuesday or Wednesday, and avoid visiting on a Holiday or school break. These midweek days often see fewer visitors than weekends, providing a more leisurely experience.
- Early Arrival:
- The early bird gets the worm, and in this case, the mushroom. Arrive early to make the most of your visit and beat the crowds. Super Nintendo World tends to get busier as the day progresses, so being one of the first in line allows you to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times.
- Purchase Super Nintendo World Early Access Tickets:
- Consider purchasing Express Passes for certain attractions. While it involves an additional cost, it can significantly reduce your wait times and allow you to make the most of your time at Super Nintendo World. The early access will enable you to enter the park one (1) hour before the scheduled Park opening. Prices start at $20, and it is well worth it to avoid the worst wait times. Click here to view Early Access hours. Bonus: The ticket includes one-time express access to the Studio Tour, valid until 11 a.m. (Note: The ticket is not valid for theme park admission, and it must be purchased separately for the same date.)
- Utilize Single Rider Line for Bowser’s Challenge
- The Bowser Ride offers single-rider lines, allowing solo visitors or those willing to split up from their group to experience rides with shorter wait times. The line here varies greatly. Sometimes, it is short, other times not, but it is worth a check if you are hoping to move fast and are okay riding alone or with another group.
Tips for Your Visit Super Nintendo World Hollywood
Power Up Bands
Upon entering Super Nintendo World, be sure to grab a Power Up Band, a bracelet with a computer chip inside. The band opens up minigames and other playable elements of the land, tracks your progress, and keeps your score. They cost $40 and come in a range of styles. While these are an added cost, they add an extra layer of immersion to your visit, and the band itself is an excellent keepsake of your trip. Power-Up Bands will be available for purchase at several SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail locations in Universal Studios Hollywood and inside the land at the 1-UP Factory store. To save time (and avoid lines) when in the park, try to purchase the band before entering.
Sunblock is a Must
There is little shade in Super Nintendo World, and as high walls surround the area, there is little air circulation – it can get HOT. Be sure to bring/wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and have water on hand for hydration.
Grab a Toadstool Cafe Reservation
Due to high demand, you must schedule a time to join the queue to dine at Toadstool Cafe. Time slots are only available for the same day, are limited in number, and are subject to availability. To schedule a time to join the queue, scan the QR code posted at the entrance to Toadstool Cafe. We did this IMMEDIATELY upon entering and got a lunch spot. Just be sure to run to the QR code as you enter. Can’t get a reservation? Power Up Cafe is a quick-service snack spot that serves light bites and drinks, which include mushroom-shaped calzones and flower-shaped pretzels.
Stay Close to the Action
Staying near Universal Studios Hollywood means that you can access the park quickly and without hassle daily – which makes a big difference. Hilton Los Angeles Universal City is directly across the street from the park, and within a 10 minute walking distance to both Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park as well as Universal City Walk, alleviating the need to arrange parking or transportation. The hotel has several on site restaurants and a lovely pool area. Bonus, many rooms have a fantastic view of the theme park. We have stayed here each and every trip and wouldn’t stay anywhere else. More on the hotel HERE.
One-Year Anniversary Perks – Super Nintendo World
Visiting for Super Nintendo World soon? You’ll be part of the Birthday celebration! Visitors will get a complimentary Super Nintendo World 1-Year Anniversary Button during their visit. A special-release Golden Power-Up Band is also available for purchase while supplies last.
Thank you to Universal Studios Hollywood for sponsoring our visit. As always, all opinions and reviews are our own. Our website contains affiliate links. The affiliate links help us track the interest in what we post, and sometimes they may earn us a tiny commission. The cost is the same for you (no added fee!). The commission helps us to keep our website ad-free.
