Super Nintendo World will open on Feb. 17, 2023 at Universal Studios Hollywood, the park shared with Travel + Leisure on Wednesday.
Making its U.S. debut, Universal calls it an “innovative, immersive, and highly-anticipated themed land.” The land is poised to be its most significant expansion since its addition of Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2016.
Once guests enter through the land’s signature green pipe entry way, the view will “sweep guests into the 360-degree world of Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach where they will become an integral part of their exhilarating universe.” Once inside, their “journey filled with exploration, discovery and play” will begin as they encounter Peach’s castle.
All-new ride, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, inspired by the beloved video game series, will serve as the land’s flagship attraction, and “will seamlessly fuse cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track.”
Set against a “multi-sensory backdrop of color, sound and movement,” guests will be seated in four-set, stadium style vehicles as they “navigate familiar courses through the creative use and integration of head mounted AR goggles.”
Universal shares that this has never been done before in theme park attractions.
Interactive gameplay will also play a key role in the land, including opportunities to punch famed “?” blocks to collect digital golden coins. There will also be four key challenges where guests are tasked with collecting keys from Gooma, Koopa Troopa, Piranha Plant, and Thwomp via interactive activities to “ultimately allow access to the culminating boss battle with Bowser Jr.”
“These energetic, familiar and fun interactive games will further enhance the entire kinetic experience within the land and immerse guests into the unique world of Super Mario,” Universal shared.
To keep track of scores and more, a “Power-Up Band” will be available for purchase for those looking to “level-up” their experience. This “wearable, state-of-the-art” wristband, currently used at Universal Studio Japan’s version, “will be able to deepen their interactions across the land” and will sync with the existing Universal Studios Hollywood app. The band’s interactive elements include the ability to keep individual and group scores, collect digital coins, and obtain keys during challenges. Guests using the band will gain exclusive interaction with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach.
The band, available in six design options with character themes, will be available for purchase in Super Nintendo World and at other retail locations throughout the theme park and CityWalk.
Guests can refuel at the land’s signature restaurant, Toadstool Café, where they can feast on a gourmet menu of Nintendo-inspired foods, while the 1-UP Factory will serve as the land’s retail shop where guests can commemorate their experience with collectible memorabilia.
Super Nintendo World will be included in admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, with one-day tickets starting at $109.
