Basic Info:

Super Nintendo World is now open at Universal Studios Hollywood (as of Jan. 2023). The new land features a Mario Kart-inspired ride and a restaurant called Toadstool Cafe. Guests can also purchase power-up bands to play mini-games and meet characters based on Nintendo's Super Mario Bros.

Tips for riding Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge:

This ride at SNW has new technologies that will delight your senses. Those with sensory issues or motion sickness should ride with caution (flashing lights, kart movement, fog, screens). If getting on this ride is a top priority, I would highly recommend purchasing early access to SNW. This will get you into the land an hour before regular guests and this is the ONLY time the line will be manageable. Sometimes, and I stress SOMETIMES, a single rider lane is used for the attraction, but this is not a guarantee. Express Pass is not offered for this attraction. Only VIP guests will have express access to this ride.

Tips for utilizing your Power Up Band:

Try to purchase this as soon as possible, maybe even right after you get into the park before you head to the lower lot. When I purchased mine, I was able to do this in the morning before entering the park at the Super Nintendo store at City Walk, but I don’t believe they sell the bands at this store in the mornings. If you arrive the day before your park day, you can head here to purchase your PUB.  When I did early access, there was not a line at the shop inside the land. You can also purchase at a PUB kiosk in the land as well. Have the Universal Hollywood app downloaded on your phone ahead of your visit so you aren’t wasting time doing this to pair your band to your account. Once a band is paired, it cannot be switched to another guest. A family could technically share a band, but this can feel like a hassle. Outside of the park, your PUB can be used as an amiibo with certain Mario based games on the Nintendo Switch. (see Instagram post for tutorial)

Best time to enjoy the land:

Morning or evening has lowest crowds. Unless you do early access, there will always be a long wait for Bowser’s Challenge, but crowds throughout the land will be lowest in the late afternoon and evening if you can’t get early access.

Food:

There is a cart with sodas and popcorn, otherwise the only food option is Toadstools, which is open during early access, or available by reservation, which book up within 30 minutes of regular park opening.

Characters:

There are many characters throughout the land (Toadstool, Princess Peach, Mario, Luigi) at various times throughout the day. Look for the ropes with signs at the entrance stating which character will be out next and when. Lines can be long, late afternoon is good, early access is better!

Early Access:

Be sure to purchase this well in advance of your trip because it will sell out. Typically $20-$35, you will be allowed into the park an hour before opening and can head straight to SNW in the lower lot area. Toadstools Cafe will be open and serving lunch type foods, or you can make a reservation to come back later. The shop will be open as well to purchase your PUB. This is also the best time to meet characters with little to no wait. My suggestion (in this order) is to arrive right on time, make a dining reservation, purchase your PUB, ride Bowser’s Challenge and then meet characters. Then either eat at Toadstools or wait for your reservation, and play the games around the land.

Earning Keys for Bowser Jr. Challenge:

Scanning your band and playing games around the land, meeting characters, and exploring hidden places can earn you keys. You will need 3 keys to experience the Bowser Jr Challenge. One trick to earning a key is to scan your band at a Checkpoint Screen near the restrooms where you can check your keys and coins. This will earn you a key without having to wait in line for characters or games. All members of your group can enter Bowser Jr. Challenge area if one of you has a band and the 3 keys.

Need more info? Shoot me an email!