Travel Ease Advisor Donna was thrilled to get a chance to see the all-new Super Nintendo World on a recent advisor trip. She shared with us her experiences and all you must see and do on your next Universal Studios Hollywood trip!
When I learned that our next agency trip would be to Disneyland in California, I knew I’d have to visit Universal Studios Hollywood to experience Super Nintendo World.
- Plan to visit Super Nintendo World late in the day when crowds are lower, or purchase early admission
- Single Rider line for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge reduces wait time significantly
- Power-Up Bands, available for purchase, are not necessary to enjoy Super Nintendo World but do enhance the experience if the tech works for you
Getting in:
When I arrived at Universal Studios Hollywood, around noon, I had planned on heading straight to Super Nintendo World. Having done some prior research, I knew I may need to join a Virtual Line via the Universal Studios Hollywood app. What I didn’t realize, was that there might not actually be any spots available for the rest of the day! Slight panic ensued.
Luckily, I talked with a cast member, who encouraged me to refresh the Virtual Line every 5-10 minutes. The (super) stars aligned however and I was able to secure an entry window. Super Nintendo World is located in the ‘Lower Lot.’ Since it was my first visit to the park, I didn’t realize how long it would take to get to the lower lot, so definitely plan in extra time to descend the several escalators down.
If you attend on a busy day, such as I did, you’ll need to wait in a line to show your Virtual Line confirmation. This is not well marked, so don’t be shy about asking.
Entering into Super Nintendo World via a green pipe, complete with warp noise, does not disappoint, nor does entering for the first time to see life sized and moving versions of all the characters you grew up with. Soon the high crowd level washed away a bit of that nostalgia and I headed to the shop to purchase a Power-Up Band. After another line there, I attempted to sync my band to the app, with no luck. There are check points available to check your progress if you’re not connected via the app. Various spots throughout the park have blocks that you can punch, just like in the game. (Be sure you actually use your fist to hit the blocks, and not your Power-Up Band, as they are not returnable if broken.)
The other use for the Power-Up Band is to help get back the stolen Golden Mushroom. To do this, you need to obtain 3 keys to enter Bowser Jr’s hideout. Again, not well marked, but these are the areas on the periphery with lines and with the high crowd level, these lines were long. I was able to watch the interactive mini-challenges and guests did appear to be enjoying themselves.
Attraction fun:
Myself, however, was moving along to conquer Mario-Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. Luckily this ride has a single rider option. So while the regular queue was 180 minutes, I was on the ride in 60. For this ride, you sit in a cart with 4 people seated 2 by 2. You are able to scan in your Power-Up Band, but do not need one to ride or get the full experience. While waiting in line, you’re given a visor and once on the ride, you connect a 3D goggle to the visor which superimposes images over the course. There are many warnings listed about the intensity of the ride, however I found the ride to be quite tame- the cart moves through a set course, speeding up and down. Be sure to take a break from the goggle’s computer images to check out the amazing physical features surrounding you on the course- they’re phenomenally realistic. I had a hard time understanding how the game portion of the ride worked- definitely read up on this prior to going on the ride if you’re someone who likes to win!
Walking out of the ride, I stumbled upon Mario and Luigi heading to their post for photos. The other character meet opportunity is Princess Peach. Lines for the characters were not as long because they come and go throughout the day.
Dining:
I was super excited to try out Super Nintendo World’s only dining option- Toadstool Cafe. Once inside Super Nintendo World, you are able to make reservations for this dining option. Despite my entering around 1:30, there were already no reservations left for the entirety of the day. The only other food available were chips and soda. Despite my grumbling belly, I didn’t want to leave the area, as reentry requires gaining another Virtual Line spot. Around 5pm I checked the Virtual Line again and noticed there were immediately spots.
I still feel very thankful I was able to experience Super Nintendo World. I’m looking forward to bringing my family along with me next time so they too can be transported into this nostalgic world.
-Written By: Travel Ease Advisor, Donna Bereza