Are you wondering if the new Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Hollywood is worth the hype? We just got back from a trip with our kids to check it out for ourselves. Keep scrolling for our honest opinion.
This list of tips for Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Hollywood was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
My kids and husband are huge Nintendo fans! They love playing Mario Kart at home.
When we heard that Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood was opening in 2023, we knew we needed to make a quick visit during Spring Break.
The timing was perfect because we were able to see the Super Mario Bros movie right before the trip! It was fun to immerse ourselves in the world of Super Mario, aka the Mushroom Kingdom, and see Princess Peach’s castle on the big screen!
Now that the park has been officially open for several weeks, we kicked off our day at Universal Studios Hollywood by exploring everything in Super Nintendo World.
Keep scrolling for our personal tips and tricks to make your visit seamless and fun!
Tips for Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Hollywood
You’ll Probably Need a Virtual Line Reservation
Super Nintendo World takes theme parks to the next level. However, it can be very busy and hectic.
Most days, you won’t need a virtual line reservation to get into Super Nintendo World anymore! You can usually walk right in. But on especially busy days, such as holidays and weekends, Universal might activate the Virtual Line system to manage crowds.
If that happens, you’ll just use the Universal Studios Hollywood app once you’re inside the park to book a return time. It’s super quick, and you can add your whole family to one reservation.
Having the app also provides maps and ride information to help plan your day better. This just makes your visit seamless at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Get the Early Entry Pass
If you really want to soak up Super Nintendo World with minimal crowds, grab the Super Nintendo World Early Access Ticket online before your trip.
It usually costs around $20–$30 per person, depending on your date, and lets you enter the land a full hour before the park opens. It’s totally worth it because it tends to sell out, especially during holidays and weekends!
I thought we had purchased it weeks before our trip, but I guess the sale didn’t go through. It sells out, and it’s usually not available by the time you get to the gate.
Another Option is the Unlimited Express Pass
If you aren’t able to get an Early Access ticket (or you’re ready to splurge a little), getting the Universal Express Pass is a solid move.
It now lets you enter Super Nintendo World without a reservation — plus you’ll get one-time express access to the Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge ride.
It’s a major time-saver and gives you more flexibility to come and go if you want to grab food or shop outside the land.
Buying tickets and express passes online in advance can also help you avoid long lines at the entrance.
Get the Power Up Bands
It’s always annoying when places have upsells, and this is one that your kids will probably beg you for.
You’ll need the Power Up Bands to play the interactive games inside Super Nintendo World. Since there’s just the Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge ride, the only other thing to do is play mini games.
The cool thing is that they can also be used at other Super Nintendo Worlds, and you can keep reusing them at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Where to Get Power Up Bands
I suggest purchasing your Power Up Band either at the Super Nintendo World Store in Universal CityWalk the night before, if you’re staying at one of the nearby hotels, at the Feature Presentation store near the park entrance, or at the Character Shop on the Lower Lot.
You can also get them inside Super Nintendo World at the 1-UP Factory — but just know that the lines there can get pretty crazy.
Make Sure to Link Your Power Up Band to the App
One thing that was not clear before our trip is that you’ll need to scan your Power Up Band with the Universal Studios Hollywood app to collect digital coins.
You’ll earn digital coins on Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge and when you play mini games.
Grab Food BEFORE You Enter
The only place to get food inside Super Nintendo World is at the Toadstool Cafe, which requires a reservation. You can only make a reservation once you enter the Mushroom Kingdom and scan the QR code.
I suggest getting food from somewhere else in the park or bringing snacks. We saw a LOT of hungry families who were disappointed about the lack of non-reservation food.
Make a Beeline for Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge
There’s still only ONE ride inside Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood — Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge — and it’s super popular. Lines can easily hit 2–3 hours, especially on weekends and holidays.
We got in line about 15 minutes after the park opened, and we waited for about 45 minutes.
If you’re not riding with little ones, another awesome hack is to use the Single Rider line. You’ll get on way faster, but your group will be split up.
There are plenty of things to see inside Bowser’s castle, and the time honestly flew by.
Take Note of Character Meet and Greets
There are photo opportunities with Toad, Princess Peach, Mario, and Luigi throughout the day. There is signage that says when they will come out.
We really wanted to meet Mario and Luigi, but they were scheduled to arrive about 3 hours later. So we just met Princess Peach. Toad started making appearances in July 2023.
Keep an eye out for ? cubes where you can pose how Mario jumps up raising his fist in the air – a favorite photo moment for many kids!
You Can Skip the 1-UP Factory if You Visit Other Shops.
We found that the shop inside Super Nintendo World was sold out of many items featured at the grand opening. I really wanted to get the boys Mario and Luigi sweatshirts, but they hadn’t received any since the grand opening.
We also didn’t notice any items exclusive to Super Nintendo World that we hadn’t already seen at CityWalk or in the store near the theme park entrance.
If you’re hoping to grab exclusive merchandise featuring your favorite video game character, Mario, it’s a good idea to check out the stores outside Super Nintendo World, too, so you don’t miss out!
What to Wear to Super Nintendo World
I think part of the fun of visiting theme parks is dressing the part! Of course, I had my family wear coordinating Super Mario Bros shirts that I found on Etsy.
I was sort of kicking myself for not having the boys wear overalls with red and green shirts underneath because I saw a few families do that. We also saw some boys with fake mustaches that were pretty cool!
Dressing up adds a new way to play and fully enjoy your adventure inside Super Nintendo World!
Is Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge a Roller Coaster?
Nope! I’m a total scaredy cat, and I had a hard time finding out information about the ride before our trip. Thankfully, my friend went a few weeks ago and called it “cute.”
Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge is a Mario Kart-themed dark ride located in Super Nintendo World Land at Universal Studios Hollywood.
It is a multi-sensory experience that allows guests to race through iconic Mario Kart courses, collect digital coins, and throw items at opponents. This thrilling ride lets visitors discover the world of Mario Kart like never before.
The ride uses augmented reality (AR) technology to create a fully immersive experience that puts guests in the middle of the action.
(Just a heads up: there’s a height requirement of 40 inches, and guests over 40” waistlines might want to test the seat at the entrance to make sure they’ll fit comfortably.)
What Happens During the Ride?
The ride begins with guests entering Bowser’s Castle. The queue winds through the castle, where you’ll see tons of Nintendo items and walk through a warp pipe.
You’ll get a visor and a face shield that will let you experience the augmented reality technology.
Then you’ll board a kart and be transported to one of four different courses: Mario Circuit, Rainbow Road, Yoshi Valley, and Bowser’s Castle.
Everyone is automatically on Team Mario. You’ll need to race hard and battle Team Bowser to try and win!
As you race through the courses, you can collect digital coins and throw items at your opponents to try to defeat Team Bowser. The first guest to cross the finish line wins the race.
Is it Worth Making a Reservation When You Dine at Toadstool Cafe?
Honestly, this was the most disappointing part of Super Nintendo World.
Even with a reservation, you’re herded into a line where you order your food at a counter, just like at Hogsmeade. You’ll actually scan a QR code outside the restaurant as soon as you enter Super Nintendo World to join the mobile waitlist, so be sure to do it early, as it fills up quickly.
You’ll get your drinks on a tray, and then someone will guide you to a table, which was actually a great feature.
But the food itself was really disappointing. The best way to describe it is school cafeteria quality.
If you can’t snag a Toadstool Cafe spot, Universal opened a cute little Power Up Cafe near the park entrance that serves Mario-themed snacks like Super Mushroom calzones and Fire Flower pretzels. It’s a fun way to still get your Nintendo foodie fix!
Toadstool Cafe Menu Options by Chef Toad
Appetizers:
- Yoshi’s Favorite Fruit & Veggie Salad
- Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots
- Tomato Soup in Super Mushroom Bowl
- Super Mushroom Soup
- Piranha Plant Caprese
- Super Star Chicken Salad
Main Courses:
- Mario Burger (Bacon, Mushroom & Cheese)
- Luigi Burger (Pesto Grilled Chicken)
- Fire Flower Spaghetti & Meatballs
- Chef Toad’s Short Rib Special
- Bowser’s Fireball Challenge
Desserts:
- Mt. Beanpole Cake
- ? Block Tiramisu
- Princess Peach cupcake
Kids Meals
- Mario Mini Burger Adventure Set (Cheeseburger, truffle French fries, corn on cob, broccoli, and a coin cookie)
- Power-Up Spaghetti Marinara (Spaghetti with marinara sauce, Power-Up parmesan crisps, Toadstool cheesy garlic knot, and a coin cookie)
Beverages:
- Super Star Lemon Squash
- Super Mushroom Collectible Drink Bottle
- 1-Up Mushroom Collectible Drink Bottle
- Fountain Soda
- Premium Water
- Milk
- Hot Tea
- Fresh Brewed Coffee
- Hot Chocolate
What Items Did We Order?
My husband and kids ordered burgers, and it looked like the patties were steamed. Actually, my husband ordered a salad, and they informed him they were out of it as they delivered the rest of our food. So he got a consolation budget.
We also got garlic knots and the short rib special. And we shared two Super Star Lemon Squash drinks.
It took about 45 minutes for it to come to our table after we ordered it. And my food was cold.
If you’re going just for an Instagram photo, get a soup because it’s served with an adorable mushroom lid.
The only really cool thing about eating at Toadstool Cafe is that there are video screens all around where you can see Nintendo characters moving around.
Key Challenges at Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of interactive games for guests to play.
Koopa Troopa POWer Punch
It is a timed challenge where guests must punch a POW Block at the right moment to send a Koopa shell flying through a series of pipes and hit a target.
Goomba Crazy Crank
The goal of the game is to spin a crank as fast as you can to knock a Goomba off a platform. The faster you spin the crank, the higher the Goomba will fly. If you can knock the Goomba off the platform, you win the game.
Piranha Plant Nap Mishap
The goal of the game is to wake up a sleeping Piranha Plant by throwing fruit at it. The more fruit you throw, the faster the Piranha Plant will wake up. If you can wake up the Piranha Plant before it gets too angry, you win the game.
Thwomp Panel Panic
The goal of the game is to flip all of the panels in a room to yellow before a Thwomp crushes you. The panels are blue when you start the game, and you can flip them to yellow by stepping on them.
However, be careful not to step on the same panel twice, or it will turn back to blue. If you can flip all of the panels to yellow before the Thwomp crushes you, you win the game.
Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown
If you collect at least three keys with your Power Up Band, you’ll get the chance to confront Bowser Jr to recover the stolen Golden Mushroom in a final Shadow Showdown.
How to Navigate Super Nintendo World
To be frank, Super Nintendo World is SUPER chaotic. The land is sort of a bubble that is crammed with stuff, and it can be a bit disorienting.
Guests enter on the Lower Level near the Transformers ride. There is some cute signage in front that makes for a nice photo op (I’m bummed we didn’t get a chance to do it).
You’ll walk through the entrance to Super Nintendo via a colorful warp pipe — one of the coolest parts of the experience — and then “walk through” Princess Peach’s castle (it’s just a tunnel). You’ll immediately notice how the castle and Princess Peach’s elements blend perfectly into the whimsical world.
Guests exit through a warp pipe in the back left.
Tips for Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Hollywood FAQs
When does Super Nintendo World open at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Super Nintendo World opened at Universal Studios Hollywood on February 17, 2023.
What rides are there in Super Nintendo World?
Super Nintendo World features one ride: Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. (There’s no Yoshi ride at Universal Studios Hollywood — only in Japan!)
Is Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge wheelchair-accessible?
Yes, it is! Guests who require assistance can check maps and ride information available through the Universal Studios Hollywood app to plan better.
How long is Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge?
The ride lasts about 4 minutes.
How much do tickets cost for Super Nintendo World?
Tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood (which include access to Super Nintendo World) start at about $109 and can go up to $154 or more on peak dates. It’s always cheaper to buy tickets online ahead of time!
What is the best time to visit Super Nintendo World?
The best time to visit Super Nintendo World is still during the week, especially Tuesdays through Thursdays. If you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday, get there right at park opening for the shortest lines, or stick around later in the evening when the crowds thin out.
Using strategies like Early Access or Express Passes can help make your visit seamless and maximize your fun!
How long does it take to see everything in Super Nintendo World?
We spent about 2 hours exploring it in the morning, and then we came back in the afternoon for our Toadstool Cafe reservation and spent another hour walking around.
What is the best way to get to Super Nintendo World?
The best way to get to Super Nintendo World is by car. You can also take public transportation, but it will take longer.
Where can I stay near Super Nintendo World?
There are many hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood. You can also stay at one of the Universal Studios Hollywood hotels, which offer perks like complimentary transportation to the park.
What food is there in Super Nintendo World?
Super Nintendo World mainly has the Toadstool Cafe, which serves Mario-themed burgers, pasta, salads, soups, and desserts. There’s no Yoshi’s Snack Island at Universal Studios Hollywood — but you can find fun Nintendo-themed snacks at the new Power Up Cafe outside the land!
Does Toadstool Cafe offer vegan or vegetarian options?
Yes! The vegetarian options include Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Yoshi’s Favorite Fruit and Veggie Salad, Power-Up Spaghetti Marinara, ? Block Tiramisu, Mt. Beanpole Cake, and Princess Peach Cupcake. The vegan option is Tomato Soup in Super Mushroom Bowl.
What merchandise is there in Super Nintendo World?
Super Nintendo World has a variety of merchandise, including clothing, toys, and souvenirs. You can also purchase a Power Up Band, which allows you to interact with the rides and attractions in the park.
Is Super Nintendo World kid-friendly?
Yes, Super Nintendo World is kid-friendly. There are rides and activities for all ages, and the park is designed to be family-friendly.
Is Super Nintendo World worth it?
Whether Super Nintendo World is worth it is up to you. The park is expensive, but it is a unique and immersive experience that fans of Nintendo will love.
Is Universal Studios Florida getting Super Nintendo World?
Yes, Super Nintendo World is coming to Universal Studios Florida. It is scheduled to open in 2025 as part of Universal’s Epic Universe, the company’s fifth theme park in Orlando.
The area will feature a variety of rides, attractions, and shops themed after the popular video game franchise.
Is Super Nintendo World a part of Universal Studios Japan?
Yes, Super Nintendo World is a themed area located at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Japan. It opened on March 18, 2021, and it is the first permanent land dedicated to Nintendo.
The area is themed after the Mushroom Kingdom, and it features two rides, a variety of interactive experiences, and themed shops and restaurants.
Tips for Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Hollywood Wrap-Up
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood is an immersive and interactive theme park experience that fans of Super Mario Bros and the larger Nintendo universe will love.
The innovative projection mapping technology will make visitors feel like they’ve stepped into a real-life video game.
The park’s interactive elements, such as the Power-Up Bands that allow guests to collect coins and participate in challenges throughout the park, add an extra layer of engagement and fun.
I highly recommend planning a trip to check it out!
Looking for more Universal Studios Hollywood tips? Check out our tips for Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood, tips for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood with kids, Universal Studios Hollywood vs Disneyland, and our review of the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience!