Super Nintendo World Will Open In February 2023 At Universal Studios Hollywood, So Get Excited
In case you didn't know, there's a Super Nintendo World land coming to Universal Studios Hollywood, and fans are PRETTY excited about it.
This highly-anticipated land has been in the works for a while, but now, we know it will officially open on Friday, February 17, 2023! (THAT'S NOT FAR AWAY!!) And the opening marks Super Nintendo World's official arrival in the United States. Here's the official announcement:
For the record, Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios in Japan opened in 2021 to RAVE reviews. And here's what it looks like, BTW:
Just like in the OG video games, guests will enter the land through the iconic green pipe, go through Peach's castle, and finally land in the colorful Mushroom Kingdom!
And here's what you'll experience...
Note: All the following images are also from Super Nintendo World in Japan, but I wanted to include them just to give you an idea of what to expect!
Bowser's Castle
Adorned with a breathtaking sculpture of a large and powerful Bowser, this structure serves as a key centerpiece of the land and is home to “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.” As guests navigate the winding corridors and pass through the hall of medallions and trophies of the ominous castle toward the “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, they will learn more about Bowser’s plans to defeat Team Mario for the coveted Golden Cup.
And, of course, the main event: the "Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge" ride!
This all-new, technologically-advanced ride, inspired by the popular Mario Kart video game series, will fuse 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 stadium-style, four-seat vehicles as they navigate familiar courses through the creative use and integration of head-mounted AR goggles.
As part of Team Mario, guests will steer through underwater courses and courses in the clouds to compete for the Golden Cup while collecting coins to defeat Team Bowser and win. And, FYI, it's a repeatable ride with a variety of outcomes!
Mount Beanpole
The towering landmark that will sit at the heart of the land and also serve as the entry queue for “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.”
Toadstool Cafe
The land’s signature restaurant will serve a gourmet menu perfected by Chef Toad where he will greet guests upon entry. Menu items prepared fresh daily will include Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger, Luigi Pesto Chicken Burger, "?" Block Tiramisu, and Princess Peach Cupcake.
1-UP Factory
The 1-UP Factory will offer an extensive selection of merchandise from Mario and Luigi-themed apparel to iconic character hats and an array of plush characters, including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Bowser.
There will even be immersive, interactive elements in Super Nintendo World like a purchasable "Power-Up Band" that can do things like keep scores, collect digital coins, and obtain keys throughout the land!
And, in case you were wondering, YES, there will even be opportunities to engage in real-life gameplay like PUNCHING "?" BLOCKS!!!
Basically, Super Nintendo World land is going to be SICK, and frankly, 2023 can't get here soon enough!
Nintendo / Via giphy.com
