Everything You Should Know About Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood

As visitors make their gradual descent from the upper lot to the lower lot at Universal Studios Hollywood, they’re treated to an exciting sneak peek of a realm that Super Mario enthusiasts once could only dream of. Piranha plants tower over vibrant green hills. Golden coins spin in the sunlight. In the distance, Bowser’s ominous visage looms from a gray fortress. Welcome to Super Nintendo World!

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood is the second of its kind globally and the first to open in the United States, following the inaugural opening at Universal Studios Japan in 2021. A new location is set to be built at Universal Orlando Resort, which will start welcoming guests in early 2025. California’s Super Nintendo World officially opened its doors on February 17, joining other attractions at Universal Studios like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Jurassic World ride. It's a delightful throwback for die-hard Mario fans. Here’s what we know about the new Super Nintendo World so far.

Where can you find Super Nintendo World?

Super Nintendo World is situated in the northwestern section of Universal Studios Hollywood, right past the Jurassic World and The Mummy rides. True to the Mario theme, visitors must pass through a warp pipe to enter this vibrant area.

How to get to Super Nintendo World

Visitors can enjoy Super Nintendo World during the regular hours of Universal Studios Hollywood: Friday through Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Access to this area is included with a Universal Studios admission, which costs $109. Alternatively, an early access pass for Super Nintendo World can be bought for $20, granting entry to the park one hour before regular guests, helping you to avoid the notoriously long lines.

Activities to enjoy at Super Nintendo World

As guests step into Super Nintendo World, one of the first sights is a replica of Princess Peach’s castle. While the castle lacks interactive features, it makes for a fantastic backdrop for selfies. Super Nintendo World is more than just a visual treat with its charming Mario-themed structures—there’s an adventure to embark on. The tale reveals that Bowser Jr. has pilfered three golden keys from the Mushroom Kingdom, and visitors must retrieve them to unlock the ultimate showdown with Bowser Jr. To earn these keys, guests can take part in four exciting mini-games: Goomba Crazy Crank, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap, Thwomp Panel Panic, and Koopa Troopa POWer Punch.

Purchase a Power-Up Band

At the 1Up Factory, which offers a variety of Super Nintendo-themed collectibles and souvenirs, be sure to grab a Power-Up Band for $40 each. There are six character-themed bands available: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad, and Princess Daisy. The Power-Up Bands have been likened to the wands from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. However, unlike the wands, which activate non-essential interactive features, having a Power-Up Band is crucial for experiencing the majority of the fun in Super Nintendo World, though they aren't mandatory for entry. Note that only those with Power-Up Bands can access the mini-games.

The characters players select determine the “team” they will join while exploring the area. The bands also interact with various elements throughout Super Nintendo World. With their bands, players can collect coins in an engaging competition; these coins can be earned through games or by smashing bricks and ? blocks found in Mario’s land. Scores are tracked in the Universal app and displayed prominently on large terminals throughout the area.

While bands aren’t essential for enjoying the delightful features of Super Nintendo World, guests wishing to accumulate points, hit blocks, or engage in key challenges will need one.

Experience Mario Kart in real life!

Besides the main “quest,” there’s also a ride—Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, a Mario Kart–themed experience (which has received criticism for its size limitations). Bowser’s Challenge offers an augmented reality attraction that feels more like a video game than a traditional ride. Riders board a four-person go-kart, donning a plastic Mario cap and fastening an augmented reality visor. Through this visor, racers witness stars zooming by as Bowser’s minions surround them, requiring riders to steer and launch turtle shells at foes to collect coins. These coins hold real significance; every ride is a competition with other karts, and the team that collects the most coins wins. The coins then contribute to the riders’ overall score on their Power-Up Bands.

Engage in battle against Bowser Jr.

After gathering sufficient keys and coins, players will face off against Bowser Jr. In this epic final boss battle, competitors become a shadow projected on a screen through augmented reality technology that mirrors their actual movements. To emerge victorious and defeat Bowser Jr., they need to dodge Bullet Bills, punch Bomb-Ombs, and hurl fireballs to conquer the challenge.

Dining options at Super Nintendo World

At the Toadstool Cafe, guests can explore a diverse menu of Mushroom Kingdom–inspired dishes and treats that are almost too delightful to eat. Under the guidance of Chef Toad, the kitchen presents a variety of offerings that either incorporate mushrooms or, more frequently, take on the shape of mushrooms.

This toadstool-shaped restaurant boasts 250 seats, featuring faux-wood chairs and pink and white boots, with the capacity to serve approximately 4,000 guests each day. Diners can enjoy a variety of dishes, including a piranha plant-themed caprese salad, tiramisu topped with a cookie that resembles power-up blocks, fire flower spaghetti and meatballs, and Chef Toad’s signature short rib dish.

What’s a meal without entertainment? While enjoying their food, guests can watch as their dishes are “cooked” on a three-paneled video screen, where Chef Toad and his Mushroom People friends skillfully chop, sauté, and garnish their culinary creations. However, just like everything else in Super Nintendo World, diners should be vigilant, as even Chef Toad’s kitchen is not immune to Bowser’s mischievous schemes.