Okay, brace yourselves — because we’re taking a break from Disney World and Disneyland.
©Universal
Super Nintendo World has opened at Universal Studios Hollywood, and how could we resist visiting a theme park land that literally came right out of our favorite video games? We also hopped on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge because who doesn’t want to play Mario Kart IN REAL LIFE? So here’s what we thought of the ride!
So here’s the thing — the whole premise of Super Nintendo World is that you’re in a game and you’re playing that game, except in real life. You’ll have multiple opportunities to score points, including on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
The entrance!
There were plenty of other guests getting ready to compete too! Opening day at Super Nintendo World was BUSY.
Over in California, it’s opening day for SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Hollywood! 💥 pic.twitter.com/erOvQsko9S
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) February 17, 2023
So this ride is super high-tech because it fuses augmented reality with projection mapping technology and REAL set pieces while you move along the ride on a track, too. There is SO much going on. You’ll sit in “stadium-style, four-seat vehicles” while wearing AR goggles. So, basically, this ride isn’t like anything we’ve been on before.
Our VR goggles look like Mario’s hat!
So what’s the point of Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge? Well, you’ve joined Team Mario, so you’re representing that team as you navigate the courses to compete for the Golden Cup while also collecting gold coins to beat Team Bowser and win. Each ride through can play out differently.
How will you score?
You can use a Power-Up Band (purchased separately) to collect items and use them on the attraction.
These very colorful POWER UP bands can be found in Super Nintendo World! pic.twitter.com/47ama8ljS7
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) February 17, 2023
So what’s it actually like? Well, first of all the queue immediately gets you in the zone. There are plenty of things to look at, like the iconic toadstools and glowing crystals.
Already immersed!
You really feel like you’ve entered a Nintendo video game even before you step onto the ride.
Any coins here?
Check out this impressive Bowser Castle! This leads you in to the final queue area before getting your goggles and hopping onto your ride vehicle.
Are you scared yet?
Speaking of goggles, these Mario hats are actually visors that you wear during the ride.
We got ours!
Here’s what the inside looks like. This is what you’ll look through that will create the illusion that you’re inside a real video game.
Behind the scenes of the visor
Before we knew it we were getting into our vehicle! Each one seats four and they’re terraced so even if you’re sat in the back you’ll still be able to see.
The ride vehicles
It wouldn’t be Mario Kart without a steering wheel! Have you been practicing?
Let’s get ready
All that was left was to kick off the race!
LET’S-A-GOOO! pic.twitter.com/EtcB8qK6Oc
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) February 17, 2023
Check out the inside!
How fun! #SuperNintendoWorld pic.twitter.com/2VimsUB1si
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) February 17, 2023
Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the real world. 😢
And that’s a wrap! #SuperNintendoWorld pic.twitter.com/joNAGCvWdT
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) February 17, 2023
This was our first time riding, so what did we think?
What place do you think we got?
This augmented reality ride was a blast. You could collect coins and throw shells to sabotage your opponents, just like when playing Mario Kart at home! It reminded us of Midway Mania but taken up a notch because of the augmented reality component.
Some iconic character costumes
If you’re looking to hop on a REAL version of Mario Kart, be sure to head on over to Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Hollywood ASAP. We’ll also be covering some other things at Super Nintendo World, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
Check Out Everything We Did at Super Mario World
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I have seen 2 hours+ lines (according to the USH app) consistently throughout the day and Virtual Queues just to get into the land. Looks like USH found a solid winner with this small land (based upon everything that I have seen the land could really use a Mushroom to double in size).