Even as I grow older, my love for amusement parks remains unwavering. Since my visit to LA Disneyland the year before last, I found myself singing a song daily, yearning to go again. Although our schedule this time (December 2023) in LA didn’t allow for a Disneyland visit, we opted for Universal Studios instead, a missed opportunity from our previous trip. And I was super excited as this time, the Super Nintendo World was open!
We snagged regular admission tickets at $109 per person from the official Universal Studios website and splurged an extra $20 per person for tickets that granted us early access (one hour before the park opens) to Super Nintendo World. Thanks to this decision, we hopped on the Mario Kart ride without enduring a lengthy wait. Later, I discovered the regular wait time exceeded an hour, so it seems like we made the right call.
As you can see from the directory above, Universal Studios is divided into three main areas:
- Upper Lot: Harry Potter, Studio Tour, Pets, Despicable Me, The Simpsons, Kung Fu Panda
- Lower Lot: Mario Kart (Super Nintendo World), Jurassic Park, Transformers, Mummy
- Live Show: Water World
Since we gained early access to Super Nintendo World, we decided to explore the entire Lower Lot first and then move on to the Upper Lot. Perhaps because it was a weekday, the crowd was not too overwhelming. As a result, we were able to ride all attractions except for Transformers, which was temporarily closed during our visit.
After going through several ticket checks (including separate checks for the admission ticket and the early access ticket), we walked for a while until we finally reached the escalator leading to the Lower Lot!
People wearing adorable Mario hats were all around. Although I wanted to buy something too, we decided to enter quickly for now.
There it was, Super Nintendo World in the distance.
Oh my, how cute!
Since many people were taking pictures, we decided to join in. It was cute, but… why do my arms look so short…? 😂
As we officially entered, a breathtaking landscape unfolded before us.
It genuinely felt like stepping into a Super Mario game! They brought it to life so well. It was incredibly cute, the music was familiar, and…
There was Toad…! Toad was so charming, taking pictures with people. I couldn’t resist and stood in line, enchanted by the irresistibly cute mushroom.
It was the most memorable character from that day, surpassing even Mario and Luigi, whom we did see but did not end up taking a photo with. Perhaps they seemed a bit too mature. 🤣
In reality, most people at Super Nintendo World had Power-Up bands on their wrists. With these bands, you could check in at various points in Super Nintendo World and play games. Since I was just there to look around and ride the Mario Kart, I didn’t purchase a band. Plus, it was $40 each which felt too expensive for me.
Mario Kart
There’s only one ride in Super Nintendo World – Mario Kart!
The waiting space was so beautiful and cute that there was no time to be bored.
After passing through the indoor waiting area, we entered an outdoor waiting area.
A panoramic view of Super Nintendo World unfolded before us!
Continuing with various photo spots. We were quite busy taking pictures.
And finally, just before riding!
Mario Kart isn’t a ride where you sit still; it’s an interactive ride where you have to do a bit of driving and shooting. They kindly explained how to play.
Finally, it was our turn to ride…! People who rode before us were coming out.
It was so cute when the staff members applauded when people were returning. 😁
They put VR gear on the hats attached to the ride. The VR gear automatically attaches because it is magnetic. However, it was a bit heavy, and throughout the ride, the VR gear gradually slid down. Even though I tightened it (there was a knob at the back of the hat) on my head, turning my head here and there made it slightly loose.
It was a bit uncomfortable, but the ride/game itself was fun! Being second place in our team of four made me feel good, hehe.
Afterwards, we headed straight to the souvenir shop.
Inside Super Nintendo World, there’s this incredibly cute Toadstool Cafe/Restaurant, which operates on a reservation basis. We did manage to make a reservation on our mobile as soon as we entered, but between taking pictures and riding Mario Kart, we ultimately couldn’t make it in time. It seemed to offer cute-looking, Instagrammable food and drinks.
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Super Nintendo World, and the entire experience was nothing short of adorable. One of the highlights was capturing a moment with Toad in a photo. Riding Mario Kart was a special experience trying interactive VR game/ride. For anyone curious about the intricacies of Super Nintendo World, I hope this post proves to be a helpful guide! 🍄
FAQ
Do you need a separate ticket for Super Nintendo World Hollywood?
No, access to Super Nintendo World is included with a regular admission ticket to the Universal Studio Hollywood.
How do you get to Mario World at Universal Studio Hollywood?
You need to get to the lower lot by taking long escalators. It is right by the Transformers ride.
Do I need reservations for Mario World?
No, you don’t. Instead, there is an early access ticket ($20 per person) that lets you get inside the Super Nintendo World one hour before the park opens.
Is early access to Mario World worth it?
I found it worth $20. I found the Mario Kart’s waiting time becomes one hour or so after the park opened. As I rode the Mario Kart the first place and looked around the Mario World before the park opened, I could save time and spend the rest of the day more relaxed in the other sections of the park.
What rides are in Super Mario World Universal?
As of rides, there is only one ride in Super Nintendo World – Mario Kart. However, if you purchase a Power-Up Band ($40), you can play interactive games within the Super Nintendo World.
Do you need a wristband for Mario World?
Purchasing a Power-Up Band is totally optional. I did not buy one yet had so much fun riding the Mario Kart and taking pictures and looking around the incredibly cute Super Nintendo World!