Entering Super Nintendo World through its massive warp pipe and hearing that trademark sound is as transportive of an experience as any within Universal Studios Hollywood. But it’s only once guests exit the foyer of Peach’s castle that it becomes clear how amazing Super Nintendo World is. Beset on all sides by facades and characters from throughout the Mario library, the land is nothing short of impressive.
The pounding Thwomp in the background that emits steam every time it connects, the Koopa Troopas that patrol the ramparts near Bowser’s castle, and the giant mushrooms that provide shade over smaller mushroom “stools” - it’s all so immersive and an experience unto its own. But Super Nintendo World, despite having a small footprint within Universal can give guests some one-of-a-kind memories.
Game Rant was invited to a media preview of Super Nintendo World where we got to experience the full breadth of what the land has to offer. It feels like stepping into the Mushroom Kingdom and just taking pictures of every little detail should keep guests busy for a while, but beyond that, there is a surprisingly diverse set of opportunities available to those willing to poke around. Here are 5 amazing things to do in Super Nintendo World.
Power Up Band and Challenges
Although Super Nintendo World only has one ride compared to the Japanese version’s two, there is still plenty to do within the land. By purchasing a Power Up Band ($40), guests can partake in a set of challenges scattered around Super Nintendo World that are physical activities meant to mimic some Mario mini-games. One of the highlights features a set of alarm clocks that we had to run between and tap to keep off, while a massive Piranha Plant chomped in the background. For each challenge that the guest completes, they will earn coins and if successful in that challenge they will also earn a key. Get three of these keys and guests can enter the Bowser Jr Showdown where they get to do virtual battle with Bowser’s kin.
As guests are completing these challenges on the road to Bowser Jr., they will also be able to “punch” ? Blocks and earn even more coins. Almost everything within Super Nintendo World has been appropriately game-ified and tracked within the Universal Studios app. Guests will earn stamps (and more coins) for completing challenges like riding Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge 5 times or meeting Mario and Luigi, and the app will keep track of all that they do. And then there is a leaderboard with rankings both in the app and on screens around Super Nintendo World for guests to see how they stack up.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter plays around with this interactivity through its wand concept but Super Nintendo World blows it out to make the entire land one big game. Because of the cost of the Power Up Band, there are some obstacles in the way of taking full advantage of the land. But those who do will unlock tons more to do within Super Nintendo World and experiences that feel like real life versions of Mario. It also helps that the Power Up Bands can be themed after several different Super Mario characters.
Toadstool Café Dining
Stepping into Toadstool Cafe is a world unto itself. There are no true windows in the cafe, replaced with video screens that create the idea that diners are eating in the middle of the Mushroom Kingdom. These screens feature iconic Mario backgrounds and randomized scenes featuring fan-favorite characters. For example, a pair of Toads will walk by the window and start a conversation, and the diners can watch as that unfolds or just let it be background noise.
Everything within Toadstool Cafe adds to the atmosphere, from the signature music that permeates the restaurant to the tiny details on the trashcans. If the idea is that guests are entering the Mushroom Kingdom by stepping through the warp pipe at the entrance to Super Nintendo World, Toadstool Café reinforces that with its ambiance.
Of course, Toadstool Café is still a restaurant and so food and service are key. During our media preview, every member of the Toadstool Cafe staff was friendly and helpful. After selecting food from the menu, a host helped select a table for us to dine at and another staff member guided us. They even offered to carry the food tray for us, which will be a very helpful gesture for parents struggling to wrangle smaller children.
The food at Toadstool Cafe is all themed after Mario and his cohorts. Obviously, there are a few items with mushrooms included in the recipe, as well as some Italian (or Italian-adjacent) dishes like Spaghetti and Meatballs and a Pesto Chicken sandwich. There are also starters/appetizers like soups, salads, and tasty-looking Garlic Knots shaped like mushrooms. Dessert is sure to be a highlight for the younger guests, with dishes that look like a ? Block or a 2D Mario level. Just in terms of their visuals, the dishes at Toadstool Cafe are incredibly cute and should be easy to get any Mario fan interested.
For our entree, we were most intrigued by Chef Toad’s Short Rib Special. Burgers and chicken sandwiches are standard at theme parks; they taste good but are usually nothing spectacular. However, if Toadstool Cafe was bold enough to include a more restaurant-y dish like short ribs on its menu, then we could not resist, and the chefs nail it. The portion size might be a little small for $25 but the short rib was tender and juicy, the polenta was decadent, and the wine reduction sauce brings everything together. The best thing we can say is that this felt like a restaurant-quality dish, but we were eating it at a theme park.
Alongside the short rib, we tried the Superstar Lemon Squash drink, which is a honey lemon soda with little gummy stars in it and some mango boba at the bottom. It’s a refreshing drink that has the same playfulness that permeates all of Super Nintendo World. And for dessert, we had the Mt. Beanpole Cake, which features a multi-layered cake with a Matcha mousse on top. It’s meant to look like the 2D side profile of a Super Mario Bros. Level and it was a solid piece of cake. Nothing too outstanding like the short rib but still tasty and it’s sure to be eye-catching for guests.
It’s no doubt the theming will get Super Nintendo World visitors into Toadstool Cafe - that, and the fact it’s the only food option within the Mushroom Kingdom. But the food is what will likely keep them coming back. That short rib was really something unexpectedly memorable.
Meet Iconic Nintendo Characters
Any theme park attraction gets a little extra mileage out of meet and greets and Super Nintendo World is no different. The land currently has opportunities to meet and take pictures with Princess Peach or Mario and Luigi as a pair, with tons of time slots for each.
Universal goes the extra mile with these meet and greets in how the characters are designed. Not only are they incredibly detailed costumes, but also the characters’ eyes blink periodically and their mouths move in sync with speakers nearby. Yes, if you wait long enough you will realize that they are saying the same things to each guest, but the magic won’t be lost on kids. Rather than stiff costumed characters, these should feel more like real people.
1UP Factory for Nintendo Merch
Merch is a key part of any theme park visit and the 1UP Factory within Super Nintendo World is packed with tons of goodies for Mario fans. There are the expected plushies that are themed after Mario, his friends, and his enemies; apparel with the Super Nintendo World branding, and lots of items for the more collectible-minded visitor.
With so many licensing deals the world over, there is a good chance Nintendo fans already have some similar merch, but it’s hard to go into the 1UP Factory and not come out with at least something. Universal has made it even harder to resist by having every Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge rider exit through the gift shop.
Mario Kart Ride at Super Nintendo World
Much like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge feels like two experiences in one. Walking through the queue set within Bowser’s Castle offers tons of sights to see and take pictures of. Guests could spend hours poring over every detail within the queue, picking out Easter Eggs that reference the long history of the Mario brand. Each time through the queue, we new references but even just the surface-level stuff is cool to take in.
Then, the ride itself is a cool approximation of the Mario Kart experience. Wearing a pair of AR lenses, guests race against Bowser through portions of some memorable Mario Kart tracks. Meanwhile, they are collecting ? Blocks and shooting shells at enemy racers to help Mario and Friends make it to the finish line first. Like the rest of the land, there is a competitive element at play in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge to encourage repeat rides, but the first time is pretty special. One moment, in particular, should have fans of any age smiling from ear to ear.
Of course, the Power Up Band keeps track of progress on each ride of Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, which is another reason to spend the $40. However, those who just want that singular experience of a Nintendo ride with the interactivity/immersion that Universal Studios has been focused on as of late will find this is one of the best experiences the park has to offer.
Super Nintendo World is open now at Universal Studios Hollywood.