This article is your complete guide to Super Nintendo World Hollywood 2023! It is time to level up because Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Hollywood is here! That’s right, guests visiting Universal Studios Hollywood can now meet our friends Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and more at Super Nintendo World in 2023!
And I am here to tell you how truly amazing the Super Mario Land in Universal Hollywood was, as we LOVED our experience there. It was one of the most immersive experiences we’ve had in a theme park land and felt like kids again running around Nintendo World Hollywood. That’s why we’ve created this article to outline all we know about the new Nintendo Universal Studios Hollywood Land.
So, if you want to read more about our personal experience at Super Nintendo World Hollywood, keep reading!
What is Super Nintendo World Hollywood 2023?
Welcome to the magical world of Super Nintendo, where your favorite video game characters come to life! Super Nintendo World Hollywood is a themed area within Universal Studios Hollywood, dedicated to the world of Nintendo. From Mario Kart to Power-Up Challenges, this immersive land offers a unique blend of rides, attractions, dining, and shopping, all inspired by Nintendo’s beloved franchises.
If you’re like us, there is something nostalgic and exciting about a Nintendo Land at Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal did not disappoint with it’s stellar theming in the release of Super Nintendo World at Hollywood. Every last detail, from total immersion to incredible interactive attractions, Nintendo World Universal Studios Hollywood is a must do.
We recently visited Universal Studios Super Mario World in Hollywood and had the best time. Among riding the brand new Mario Kart attraction we also tried out Power-Up Bands, ate everything in Toadstool Cafe and more! We were extremely impressed and can’t wait to go back to Mario Land California again soon.
When did Super Nintendo World Hollywood open?
Super Nintendo World Hollywood had its grand opening on February 17th, 2023. The anticipation was high, and the Super Nintendo World Hollywood soft opening in 2022 gave a sneak peek to some lucky visitors. The Universal Studios Hollywood Super Nintendo World opening date was a landmark event in theme park history.
We have since visited and loved how brand-new and shiny this land is with the most incredible immersion we’ve seen to date!
Where is Super Nintendo World in Hollywood?
Super Nintendo World Hollywood is strategically located in the lower lot of Universal Studios Hollywood in North Hollywood, California. Nestled among some of Universal’s most iconic attractions, this Nintendo-themed wonderland is a vibrant addition to the park’s landscape.
Visitors can easily access Super Nintendo World by following the signs within Universal Studios or by referring to the Universal Studios Hollywood Super Nintendo world map. The map, available both at the park’s entrance and online, provides a detailed layout of Super Nintendo World’s exact location, rides, dining spots, and shops.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Universal Studios regular, finding your way to Super Nintendo World Hollywood is a breeze. Its central location and clear signage ensure that you won’t miss out on any of the excitement that awaits in this gaming paradise.
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How to Enter Super Nintendo World Hollywood
Entering Super Nintendo World in Universal Hollywood is an exciting adventure, but it might not be as straightforward as you think. When we visited, we chose to grab a Universal Hollywood Early Access ticket to Super Nintendo World, and it was incredible. We loved entering Super Nintendo World California an hour before everyone else, as we had a lot of uncrowded access to our favorite areas.
It also took a long time for guests to make their way all the way down to the lower lot, so even when the park officially opened, it felt longer than an hour before regular guests.
How can I enter Super Nintendo World at Universal Hollywood?
- Walk in (or wait in line) – There are times when you are allowed to just walk in to Super Nintendo World Hollywood. That line forms if Mario Land in California is at capacity, causing regular guests to wait for entry. If that line gets too long, then there will be a Virtual Queue system.
- Virtual Queue System: Universal Hollywood offers a free virtual queue system for Super Nintendo World. You can pick a time slot to enter the world, and this system is included with any regular Universal Hollywood ticket. You’ll need to download the Universal Hollywood App and join the virtual line on the day of your visit.
- Universal Hollywood Early Access Ticket: For $20-$30, you can purchase an early access ticket that allows you to enter Super Nintendo World up to one hour before other park guests. This ticket can sell out, so it’s recommended to purchase in advance
- Universal Hollywood Express Pass and VIP Ticket: If you want to skip the regular lines and have unlimited access to Super Nintendo World, you can upgrade to the Universal Hollywood Express Pass ticket or the Universal Hollywood VIP Experience. These options will cost significantly more but provide a premium experience.
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What are the Super Nintendo World Hollywood Rides?
It was to our surprise that only one attraction came along with Super Mario World California, but with that being said, we will had a blast. There is very limited space to build a theme park in the Los Angeles area, therefore, they had to forgo some of the attractions that were introduced in Super Nintendo World Japan. You will find Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge in Nintendo World California, which is an exciting virtual reality ride in your very own Mario Kart race!
Super Nintendo World Hollywood Rides
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
The Mario Kart ride In Universal Studios Hollywood has a nostalgic flare as guests are allowed to board their own Kart and race along familiar tracks. Guests are given special glasses to wear which allow you to see the special effects as you throw shells, collect coins and race your opponents.
Personally, we loved this Mario Kart ride in Universal, even though it wasn’t quite like the real thing. The ride sets inside were massive and beautiful and added to the overall immersion and enjoyment of the attraction. The queue of the Super Nintendo attraction in Hollywood was also packed with Mario details, such as physical trophies of all the Mario Kart cups!
We took advantage of the Early Entry tickets to Super Nintendo World and had less than a 30 minute wait while having enough time to enjoy all of those details. We highly recommend that to first timers to Nintendo World California!
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What are Power-Up Bands at Universal Hollywood Super Nintendo?
PowerUp Bands are an innovative and interactive wearable technology exclusive to Super Nintendo World. These colorful wristbands are designed to take your Super Nintendo World experience to the next level, transforming your visit into a real-life video game adventure. We were lucky enough to try out the Power-Up Band at Super Mario Land and had a blast.
Once you’ve purchased and activated your PowerUp Band, you become part of the Super Nintendo World game. The band syncs with the official Universal Studios app, allowing you to:
- Collect Virtual Coins: Just like in the Super Mario games, you can collect virtual coins by interacting with various elements throughout the park.
- Participate in Challenges: Engage in fun and interactive challenges, battling iconic Nintendo enemies and solving puzzles.
- Track Your Progress: Monitor your achievements, scores, and rankings through the app, and see how you stack up against other players.
- Access Special Features: Some attractions and experiences within Super Nintendo World may offer exclusive access or bonuses to PowerUp Band wearers.
Available in various designs inspired by beloved Nintendo characters, PowerUp Bands are not just a tool for interactive play; they’re also a stylish souvenir to remember your Super Nintendo World adventure.
Whether you’re a die-hard Nintendo fan or simply looking for a unique and immersive theme park experience, PowerUp Bands offer a whole new way to explore and enjoy Super Nintendo World. Don’t miss the chance to level up your visit with this one-of-a-kind gaming experience!
Power-Up Band Key Challenges
One of the newer concepts coming with Nintendo Land at Universal Studios Hollywood is the Power-Up Band. For an additional fee, guests can purchase Power-Up Bands at Universal Hollywood Nintendo World and participate in interactive challenges. Throughout your time at Nintendo World at Universal Hollywood, you can use your Power-Up Band to collect keys and eventually battle Bowser Jr.
We tried all of the Power-Up Band challenges, and learned that they are VERY simple. The games are perfect if you are bringing little ones, as it is a perfect introduction to the world of Super Nintendo. The best part is the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown, which we were able to enjoy. All four of us in our group were able to play with only two Power-Up Bands, and it was the best part of purchasing them.
And we can say as adults, get the Power-Up Band! The Universal Hollywood Mario Land games were just as fun playing in our 30’s as Nintendo was when we were kids.
What are the Power-Up Band Challenge games?
- Goomba Crazy Crank – Engage in a fun-filled activity where you’ll crank away to defeat Goombas. It’s a crazy and exciting challenge that will keep you entertained.
- Koopa Troopa POWer Punch – Show off your strength and timing as you punch your way through the Koopa Troopas. It’s a test of skill that’s sure to thrill Nintendo fans.
- Piranha Plant Nap Mishap – Can you sneak past the sleeping Piranha Plants without waking them up? This challenge requires stealth and precision.
- Thwomp Panel Panic – Navigate your way through a maze of Thwomps, avoiding their crushing force. It’s a panic-inducing challenge that will test your reflexes.
Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown
Collect at least three keys from the challenges above, and you’ll get the chance to confront Bowser Jr. in a final Shadow Showdown. Recover the stolen Golden Mushroom and become a hero in Super Nintendo World.
These interactive games are suitable for ages 5 and up, and they offer a unique way to explore Super Nintendo World. The Power-Up Band keeps score throughout the land as you complete challenges, defeat Bowser Jr., collect digital coins, and more.
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Super Mario World Universal Hollywood Restaurants
Toadstool Cafe is the main restaurant featured in Super Mario World Universal, and we truly enjoyed it. As four adults, we were determined to try just about everything from the menu, and we almost accomplished that! Toadstool Cafe offered an array of drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts for all types of eaters that are incredibly themed like Super Nintendo Land in Hollywood!
Universal Studio Nintendo World Hollywood Dining
- Toadstool Cafe – Main dining options: Cheesy Garlic Knots, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger, Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs, Princess Peach Cupcake
Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World Hollywood
Toadstool Café is a delightful dining destination located within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ in Universal Studios Hollywood. This whimsical café offers a unique culinary experience that transports diners into the enchanting Mushroom Kingdom. Inside the Toad House, you’ll find Toadstool Café, where Chef Toad has crafted a menu filled with tasty dishes that cater to various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.
We loved watching the little Toad’s work, whether it be in the kitchen – or the little Toad friends hanging around the Mushroom Kingdom. No matter where you looked, there were little scenes being played through the windows. We also loved the food at Toadstool Cafe and thought it was among the best at any Universal restaurant to date! We would recommend the Mario Burger and delicious fries and the Princess Peach Cupcake.
Reservations and Virtual Line for Toadstool Cafe
Due to limited capacity and high demand, reservations may be required to join the waitlist to dine at Toadstool Café. On the day we visited, those reservations were gone within minutes. We had to reserve our time right at 7:30 AM. At the entrance of Super Nintendo World or right at the entrance of Toadstool Café, you’ll find QR codes. These codes are your gateway to making a reservation, ensuring you don’t miss out on this delightful dining experience
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What are the Character Meet and Greets in Super Nintendo Hollywood?
The Super Nintendo World character meet and greets are another highlight of visiting this incredible land. Of course, you can meet the iconic trio of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach, but you can also now meet Toad! We were able to meet Toad, and found this to be one of our favorite meet and greets to date. The wait time was super low, and the Universal Hollywood Team Members do a really good job managing lines to be efficient.
All Super Nintendo characters have their own lines and meeting area for guests to queue up at meeting times. You can check the Universal Hollywood app and the signs posted outside the meet and greet to knows when Nintendo characters are meeting.
What characters can you meet at Super Nintendo Hollywood?
- Mario
- Luigi
- Princess Peach
- Toad
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What Stores are at Super Nintendo World Hollywood?
The 1-UP Factory is the central hub for all things Nintendo at Super Nintendo World Hollywood. This expansive store is designed to immerse visitors in the colorful and whimsical world of Nintendo, offering a shopping experience that’s as engaging as the games themselves. This is where we were able to buy our super cute Yoshi themed Power-Up Band.
We were also able to buy a Princess Peach Power-Up Band from outdoor kiosks located across from the 1-Up Factory too.
Exclusive Super Nintendo World Merchandise
At the 1-UP Factory, you’ll find exclusive merchandise that’s only available within the park. This includes:
- Mario-Themed Clothing: From t-shirts to hats, there’s apparel for every fan of the iconic plumber and his friends.
- Plush Toys: Cuddle up with plush versions of beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and more.
- Collectibles: For the serious Nintendo enthusiast, there are limited-edition collectibles that celebrate various Nintendo franchises.
- Accessories: Decorate your bags, keys, and more with fun Nintendo-themed accessories.
Power-Up Band Customization
The 1-UP Factory also offers customization options for your Power-Up Band, a wearable device used within Super Nintendo World to interact with various attractions. You can choose different cases and straps to make your Power-Up Band uniquely yours.
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When is Super Nintendo World Orlando Opening?
With the news of construction of Super Mario Land in Universal Hollywood, there’s been a lot of talk if Universal Studios Florida Super Mario World is coming. It has been confirmed that a Super Nintendo Land Orlando is coming to Epic Universe, which is opening 2025. Epic Universe is a brand new, third theme park being built at Universal Orlando.
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