I grew up playing Super Mario Bros. video games, so stepping into a world of question blocks, pipes with plants, and coins twirling in the sky was a moment that had me jumping with joy like I just found a hidden 1-Up.
I traveled through a green warp pipe into Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood and was surrounded by the colorful and whimsical world that Mario, Luigi, and all the gang live in.
Just like the little girl I was who sat on the floor for hours in front of a tube TV to play these games as a kid, I selected Luigi as the character I wanted to highlight during my visit. So, I built a Luigi-inspired character bound.
Luigi Bound:
- Green bucket hat
- White sunglasses
- Green t-shirt
- Blue jean overalls
- White wristbands
& - White shoes (switched out to grey rain boots midday due to intense rain storms)
Having opened on February 17th 2023, Super Nintendo World continues to be a popular choice for guests and can be one of the busiest places in the park.
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a Super Nintendo World add-on ticket for $20 (a general admission ticket is also required), which allows you to enter the land one hour before the park opens to the public. Seeing the crowd level increase after the first hour certainly made the extra $20 a worthwhile expense.
A bonus if your trip lands on a rainy day, crowd levels are lower than usual, and it gave those of us who braved the gloomy weather the chance to walk on the rides with little to no wait times.
Even the "caution wet floor" signs are themed as banana peels that someone has tossed; adorable!
Located within the world is Toadstool Café, offering tasty options to help power up your energy as you jump between rides, character meet and greets, and interactive games.
But by far, Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge is the main attraction to the world, which will have you shouting, "Wahoo!"
After years of practicing your racing skills on screen, you get to don a Mario visor and put your driving and turtle shell shooting skills to the test. But be warned that you can run out quickly if you shoot the shells too early.
From a kid who used to imagine which Mushroom Kingdom land I'd live in; Super Nintendo World does not disappoint. It is a piece of childhood brought to life and a lot of fun – oh yeah!
~Kelly