Super Nintendo World is coming to Universal Studios of America! The gaming company announced the statement on their official website on March 10th. The amusement park promises rides, games, and puzzles to solve. Most importantly, the park started in Universal Studios Japan, earning positive reviews from families, and fans alike. With the theme park on its way, we at GNN will cover what we know about the upcoming, Super Mario-themed wonderland.
Entering Super Nintendo World!
Customized entryway to Super Nintendo World. Image from tdrexplorer.com
To start things off, let’s begin with the main entrance, designed to appear as a large, green warp pipe. Alongside the entryway stands three additional, smaller pipes visitors can pose with to make fun family memories. Secondly, a small stand sells power bands featuring favorite Mario character logos. They’re not just for looks, either, as they can help you interact with various objects located around the park.
Lastly, entering through the main warp pipe leads to a lobby designed to resemble Peach’s Castle from Super Mario 64. Moreover, lenticular paintings decorated along the wall feature artwork from the popular N64 game.
Super Attractions!
Main area featuring Super Mario level designs. Image from soranews24.com
Moving onto the main area, Super Nintendo World welcomed visitors to a brand new, immersive Mario world. The area is filled with all sorts of mementos from Piranha Plants to Goombas. Secondly, interactive blocks allow the use of your purchased power band, treating users with respective sound effects.
For example, hitting a “?” block gives you a coin collect sound. Likewise, hitting music blocks in a specific order creates a musical melody. Along the way, you’ll also have the ability to partake in mini-games scattered throughout the park. However, we won’t be spoiling what they are, for the sake of adventure! Lastly, park-goers get to meet Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad as they explore the park grounds.
Now then, let’s discuss the best part of Super Nintendo World.
King Koopa’s Challenge:
Main viewpoint of Koopa’s Challenge ride in Super Nintendo World. Image from orlandoparkstop.com
The main attraction to Super Nintendo World wouldn’t be complete without its finest ride: Koopa’s Challenge. Using the combination of roller coaster mechanics, and AR (Augmented Reality), riders become immersed within the rides interactive surroundings. Our very own John Lynch discussed the ride in a similar article. However, we’ll be taking a further look into what awaits park goers.
The Main Hall definitely makes things worth the wait. Upon entering, you will be greeted with the main hallway designed to resemble Bowser’s Castle. Climbing to the top of the head staircase looms the Koopa King himself, Bowser. On the other hand, that’s not even the best part. Venturing further in, participants are greeted with tapestries featuring Mario and friends on one end, and Bowser and his kids on the opposite wall.
Tapestry featuring Bowser and kids. Image from tdrexplorer.com
Moving onward, a second area holds a small library with various artifacts and Easter Eggs from past Mario games. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see a Boo lurking near a small King Boo portrait.
Lastly, the line branches off to a connected factory wing. Here, line-goers get a view of Bullet Bills, Mechakoopas, and Bob-Ombs. The final piece of the wait line features racer outfits worn by Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, and Toad.
Dine Like A Superstar!
Shigeru Miyamoto at Toad’s Café in Super Nintendo World. Image from thegamer.com
Hungry after a ride? Stop on by Toad’s (Kinopio’s) Café, located near the Mario Bros. Meet & Greet. Across the cute restaurant counter are display shelves featuring power-ups from the Mario games, and small display screens featuring delicious menu items.
After placing your order at the main counter, you will be given a number and tray. In addition, a staff member will escort you along the wide open dinging area to be seated. Toad’s Café has amazing dishes crafted in the manner of various characters.
For example, if you’re looking for a nice appetizer, try some Piranha Plant Caprese. We promise, it won’t bite. Unless you want to dig right in, then help yourself to some Super Mushroom Pizza Bowl, or Teriyaki Chicken with Super Star Rice!
And, that’s not the best part. As you await your order, display screens run across the walls, showcasing Toads of all colors. Although it’s not interactive, it’s a very pleasing aesthetic to ones dining experience.
Super Nintendo World; Yoshi’s Adventure:
Park employee inviting you to ride on Yoshi’s Adventure. Image from wdwnt.com
Ever wondered what it was like to ride a Yoshi? Well, there’s no need to fret over that now! Following the trail behind the Mario Bros. Meet & Greet leads you to Yoshi’s Adventure. Upon entering, the main queue line is designed in the manner of Yoshi’s Island. Here, line-goers can interact with a small barrel of fruit that glows, and a Yoshi block that displays neon Yoshi eggs.
Once on the Yoshi ride, each Yoshi comes with interactive buttons. Moreover, each button is equipped with different sound effects to really drive home the immersion. In addition, the parks higher levels showcase a host of Bowser minions. For instance, Conkdors stand tall above the riders, bowing their heads in greeting.
Furthermore, a small indoor area showcases characters such as Baby Mario and Peach, Yoshi, and Kamek Koopa i9n the style of Yoshi’s Island (1995). Captain Toad further greeted riders alongside his small band of baby Yoshis. Also, be sure to watch for the Thwomp guarding the exit!
1Up Factory & Mario Kart Merch!
Entrance to 1Up Factory in Super Nintendo World. Image from tdrexplorer.com
Last, but certainly not least, is the 1Up Factory Gift Shop! Here, park attendees can browse a wide variety of merchandise lining the shelves. One stand dedicated to the grand opening can be found near the main entrance of the shop, with small snack boxes on a nearby stand. Secondly, shirts, mugs, and small pendants can also be purchased to commemorate your first time visiting the video game-inspired theme park.
To gain the full view of what’s inside, have a look at TDR Explorer’s Vlog here. In addition to the 1Up Factory, there is also a Mario Kart Gift Shop located next to Koopa’s Challenge. Various merch and figurines can be purchased here, representing characters and items from the Mario Kart franchise.
With 2023 almost around the corner, here’s to looking toward an exciting new addition to Universal Studios. Have an opinion on Super Nintendo World? Leave a comment down below, we’d love to hear it. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook page, as we keep our viewers up-to-date on the latest happenings.
Stay Super, and Stay Geeky!
