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Super Nintendo World is a theme park based on Nintendo properties, created in partnership with Universal Studios. It opened its first park in Japan on March 17, 2021 and in Universal Studios Hollywood in United States on February 17, 2023.
The song We Are Born to Play, performed by Galantis and Charli XCX, was released as a music video to promote Super Nintendo World, which depicts numerous attendees exploring a CGI-animated version of the area with many Mario characters and enemies are present.
Overview[]
Shigeru Miyamoto with Mario and Luigi.
The park chiefly takes place at a 2500 square feet Mario-themed area where it primarily incorporates elements from the Super Mario games. Attendees can interact with certain objects, such as ? Blocks, and complete challenges by using a Power-Up Band. Food served at Super Nintendo World are Mario-based and each region have exclusive items. The park also includes rides based on Yoshi and Mario Kart. On occassion, guests would be greeted by Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad character costume actors for photo opportunities and exclusive Power-Up Band benefits.
The entrance/exit is a giant Warp Pipe, built with patterned block platforms from Super Mario 3D Land that leads through Princess Peach's Castle. Pipe sounds from the game can also be heard when passaging through. Rainbow and wavy light effects are seen, as well.
Power-Up Bands are used for interaction at Super Nintendo World and as amiibo.
Power-Up Bands are interactive brightly colored wristbands that are used to interact with certain elements such as ? Blocks, hidden Mario symbols, engage in challenges, and much more. They come in six different variations based on Mario characters, and can also be used as Amiibo for the Nintendo Switch. There are also dedicated apps where users of all age groups can save their Power-Up Band progress. The bands are suitable for children ages 3 and over, and a warning label states a choking hazard for those under 3, which may be generated.
Super Mario Attractions[]
Princess Peach's Castle[]
Exterior of Peach's Castle (Hollywood).
Peach's Castle is the park's entrance/exit location after passing through the Warp Pipe. The interior has a basic outline: six pillars, four triangle flags with Peach's Crown, star patterns, a ceiling with a cloudy sky painting from Super Mario 64, a circular sun carpet, and prop lights.
Additionally, there are two animated paintings on each side where looking from different perspectives reveal Bowser Jr.:
- Small and giant Goombas, based on Tiny-Huge Island. Shows Bowser Jr. in his Koopa Clown Car holding a Golden Mushroom and Princess Peach's hand.
- Marching Bob-ombs in a battlefield, based on Bomb-Omb Battlefield. Shows Bowser Jr. in his Koopa Clown Car holding a Golden Mushroom.
Bowser's Castle[]
Bowser's Castle exterior.
In Bowser's Castle, guests would be greeted by a Bowser Statue, followed by trophies based on Mario Kart 8 and a letter written in kanji (Japanese). There is a mock-up observation room with prop books and models.
"Karts" lined up for Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge.
Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge is a 4D ride based on the Mario Kart series, located in Bowser's Castle. The objective is to collect 100 coins, and guests can physically throw to throw items at opponents. In Hollywood, guests would first need to pass through the Yoshi's Island section. Prior to riding, there are TV screens showing the game ride's instructions, followed by the AR headsets retrieval. There is also a separate passage for single riders. It can fit four riders per each vehicle (depending on what seat you took).
Key Coin Challenges[]
Miyamoto playing one of the Key Coin challenges.
Guests at Super Nintendo World can interact with the park's animatronics and play minigames to complete challenges, which will then allow access to battling Bowser Jr. in a shadow minigame. Power-Up Bands are required for both.
There are five challenges (one in Japan only):
- Goomba Crazy Crank, a Goomba winding minigame
- Piranha Plant Nap Mishap, a Piranha Creeper (Red) Clock minigame
- Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, a timely Koopa Troopa Shell POW Block minigame
- Thwomp Power Panel Panic, an underground "?" Switch LCD minigame
- Bob-Omb Kaboom Room, an underground minigame involving a Bob-omb (Japan)
Bowser Jr.'s Castle[]
Bowser Jr.'s Castle entrance.
Upon completing all three of the challenges, players have access to Bowser Jr.'s Castle and engage in battling him in a shadow sensor game. Players must first tap the lock, illuminating a green light, with their Power-Up Band. As participants enter, they will be greeted by a Bowser Jr. statue along with graffiti, paintings and portraits of him and enemies, a themed emergency exit, an interactive Jr. block, props of various Mario assets - mainly of enemies, and a room with numbers on the floor and instructional videos. Finally, a giant double-door will open and players will then battle Bowser Jr by attacking enemies at him by using Power-Ups and physical movement. After defeating him, a jumping minigame will occur, leading to the Flagpole and earning coins, followed by a "Thank You" letter from Princess Peach, displaying on the screen.
Yoshi's Adventure[]
View of the ride (Japan).
Yoshi's Adventure is a slow-crawl ride based on Yoshi's Island from Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, and is currently exclusive to Universal Studios Japan. The entrance is a yellow pipe, with two fruit trees and a 1-Up Mushroom above. Guests ride on several colored Yoshi cars, fitting up to two riders per car. The lap bar restraint has three Yoshi eggs on it, and can also be pressed to interact when they light up. At the end of the ride, there is a gift shop with various Mario merchandise.
In Hollywood, despite featuring a Yoshi's Island atmosphere, the ride itself is not featured (due to limited space) and leads to Bowser's Castle.
The ride is confirmed to be included in Orlando.
Donkey Kong Country Attactions[]
Conga rhythm game[]
A 3-player rhythm-based game, guests would engage in hitting the congos to the tune as they light up. Rambi would then spawn out of a crate once completed.
"K-O-N-G" Letters[]
Much like in the games, visitors can search for "KONG" Letters scattered throughout the land. For each one found, they can scan them with their Power-Up Band, and data is saved in the Universal Studios app.
Mine Cart Madness[]
The prime attraction, Mine Cart Madness is a roller coaster ride that takes place in the Golden Temple from Donkey Kong Country Returns. Upon entrance, prop barrels and balloons, and Donkey Kong's footprints are visible. Riders scan their Power Up Bands in a monkey statue, and there is a drinking fountain as guests line up. There are murals including kongs admiring a Golden Banana, and a homage to the Donkey Kong arcade game with fleeing Pikmin. Guests are then greeted by talking Cranky Kong and Squawks animatronics, informing the player about the Tiki Tak Tribe's invasion. Finally, they riders wait and board on the minecart-themed coaster cars.
Donkey Kong's Tree House[]
While a mere prop, visitors can view the entire layout of Donkey Kong's Tree House with a hoard of his bananas. Visitors can, of course, take pictures of a Donkey Kong character actor.
Stores[]
1-Up Factory[]
Miyamoto in front of the store.
1-Up Factory is a gift shop where guests can purchase exclusive merchandise based on the Mario series. The entrance is a green pipe built in a red block, while a yellow warp pipe built in the Hollywood version.
Mario Motors[]
The "Mario Motors" store in Japan.
Based on the in-game brand from Mario Kart 8, Mario Motors is another gift shop where guests can buy merchandise based on the Mario Kart series. The entrance is a yellow-orange building with an "M" shaped doorway.
Character Shop[]
"Character Shop" near Super Nintendo World in Hollywood.
In Hollywood, there is a snack stand and souvenir shop located at Universal Studios Hollywood's Lower Lot, also known as the Character Shop.
Menu items sold are collectible buckets and bottles, ice cream soda, drinks, and popcorn.
Behind it is a gift shop where guests can purchase Mario souvenirs and merchandise.
CityWalk store[]
The store in Hollywood.
Located at the Universal CityWalk, there is a dedicated Super Nintendo World store where outside guests can purchase exclusive merchandise and souvenirs.
Feature Presenation Store[]
"Feature Presentation" store.
Alongside the CityWalk store, there is also a "Feature Presentation" store currently promoting the theme park, selling the same merchandise and items to outside guests in Hollywood.
Funky's Fly n' Buy[]
Based on the store from the Donkey Kong Country games, guests can purchase merchandise of the series exclusive to the park. It is located at the Donkey Kong Country park.
Food[]
The park also has a wide range of food, drinks, and snacks. They can be purchased at dedicated food stands, and at the 1-Up Factory store for sweets like cookies.
Food availability all depend on the location of the parks.
Toadstool Cafe[]
Selection of food at Toadstool Cafe.
Toadstool Cafe ("Kinopio's Café" in Japan) is the park's dining hall that takes place in a Red Mushroom House. Guests can order Mario-themed food and drink items at different variable prices.
There are also window-shaped screens that show animations of the Mushroom Kingdom's environment, and Chef Toad's greetings and dialogues in a kitchen setting.
Pit Stop Popcorn[]
Pit Stop Popcorn in Japan.
In Japan, there is a stand for purchasing popcorn, Pit Stop Popcorn, and comes with two flavors: Caramel Peach and Mushroom Cream.
It also comes with two collectible buckets of a Star and a Mario Kart 8 Standard Kart.
Guests can also purchase refills, depending on the beverage size.
Power Up Cafe[]
Power Up Cafe in Hollywood (January 2024).
Power Up Cafe is a snack bar that serves food and drink based on four power-ups from Super Mario Bros.. It is available at Universal Studios Hollywood outside the Super Nintendo World park.
It is located at the "New York St." area, and there is no indoor dining area.
Mario Cafe & Store[]
The store in "Hollywood Boulevard" at Universal Studios Japan.
Located in Universal Studios Japan outside the Super Nintendo World park, Mario Cafe & Store is a Mario-themed cafe and souvenir store where guests can purchase ice cream soft drinks, and pancake sandwiches.
Yoshi's Snack Island[]
Yoshi's Snack Island in Japan.
Yoshi's Snack Island is a small Yoshi-themed snack bar where guests can purchase calzones and lassi drinks, as well as collectible power-up bottles, tea, and soft drinks.
It is located in the park in Osaka, Japan.
Jungle Beat Shakes[]
Jungle Beat Shakes is the food stand at the Donkey Kong Country theme park, focused on banana-flavored edibles. Sold there include the DK Crush Sundae, DK Wild Hot Dog, and an unknown drink.
General[]
Binoculars can also gain Power-Up users additional coins.
Green Binoculars from Super Mario 3D Land generate AR animations of series' various elements such as Koopa Paratroopas, floating ? Blocks, Chain Chomps, etc.
Music throughout the Mario series are heard in the background playing at various locations. Pikmin can also be spotted carrying a Coin.
There is also a slots minigame from Super Mario 3D World where guests can earn bonus coins.
Events[]
- Super Mario Power-Up Summer (summer 2023)
- NO LIMIT! Parade (featuring Mario, Pokémon and others)
- PLAY WILD! Challenge (to promote the Donkey Kong Country expansion)
Development[]
On May 4, 2015, Nintendo announced a partnership with Universal Parks & Resorts to expand its brand into a theme park, following declining gaming revenue and console shares.[1][2] Additional details were revealed in 2016, including the "Super Nintendo World" name, areas based on its centric IPs, such as Super Mario, and plans to expand to Hollywood and Orlando.[3][4] The first location was constructed at Universal Studios Japan, with a planned opening date in 2020.[3] In 2022, Universal Studios Hollywood announced that construction was underway for Super Nintendo World, with an opening date set for 2023. Photos of early construction work were first spotted in 2021.[5] In April 2019, Resorts World Sentosa announced that Super Nintendo World would come to Universal Studios Singapore.[6] In January 2020, officials from Universal Orlando Resort confirmed that Super Nintendo World would be constructed at the resort's new theme park, Universal's Epic Universe, with a planned release window in 2023.[7]
It was announced that an area based on Donkey Kong, including a Mine Cart roller coaster, was under construction at both Japan (opening 2024) and Orlando.[8]
Openings[]
Universal Studios Japan[]
Entrance sign to the park in Osaka, Japan.
The first Super Nintendo World theme park opened in Universal Studios Japan in Osaka on March 18, 2021.[9] It was originally planned to open in 2020, ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.[3][10] It was delayed to February 7, 2021, due to COVID-19's impact. Following Osaka's then-state of emergency, it was delayed further to March 18, 2021.[11][12]
A dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation premiered in December 2020, with Shigeru Miyamoto showcasing the theme park.[10]
Universal Studios Hollywood[]
Super Nintendo World opened it's first overseas location at Universal Studios Hollywood in Hollywood, California on February 17, 2023.[13][5]
Universal Orlando Resort: Epic Universe[]
Concept render for the park's entrance in Orlando.
Originally planned to open in 2023, the Orlando, Florida park will open sometime in 2025 as part of Universal's new "Epic Universe" area.[14] It will include the Yoshi's Adventure ride and the planned Donkey Kong theme park.[5][8]
Unlike the parks in Japan and Hollywood, the Orlando park will have a more 'fantasy'-like environment to match the "Epic Universe" vibe.
Universal Studios Singapore[]
The park is confirmed to open at Universal Studios Singapore. The opening date is yet to be determined.[15]
Gallery[]
| Main article: Super Nintendo World/gallery |
Official Credits List[]
Trivia[]
- The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Super Nintendo World's construction and opening dates.
- Nintendo's partnership with Universal for the theme park led to the development of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, co-produced with Universal's animation studio Illumination.
- According to reports, an old version of the Japanese website may have used a fan rendering of Mario for the loading screen. This has since been updated.[16]
- Similarly, the park in Japan was also reported to have included a prop cactus based on a New Super Mario Bros. Wii mod.[17]
External links[]
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ Villas-Boas, Antonio (May 7, 2015). "Nintendo's huge new deal with Universal shows just how far it'll go to turn the ship around". Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/nintendo-partnered-with-universal-studios-2015-5. Retrieved on May 15, 2019.
- ↑ Pallotta, Frank (May 7, 2015). "Nintendo and Universal power up for theme park attractions". CNN Business. CNN. https://money.cnn.com/2015/05/07/media/nintendo-theme-park/. Retrieved on May 15, 2019.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Ashcraft, Brian (March 5, 2016). "First Details on Nintendo's Universal Studios Collaboration". Kotaku. https://kotaku.com/first-details-on-the-nintendos-universal-studios-collab-1763022664. Retrieved on May 15, 2019.
- ↑ McWhertor, Michael (December 12, 2016). "Nintendo's first Universal Studios park attraction is called Super Nintendo World". Polygon. https://www.polygon.com/2016/12/12/13917504/super-nintendo-world-nintendo-universal-studios-japan-park-attraction. Retrieved on May 15, 2019.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Super Nintendo World opening at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023 (Theme Park Tribune) Date: March 10, 2022. Author: John Gregory.
- ↑ Super Nintendo, Minions Theme Parks Coming to Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore (Casino.org) Date: April 6, 2019. Author: Devin O'Connor.
- ↑ Wood, Donald (January 24, 2020). "Super Nintendo World Confirmed for New Universal Theme Park". Travelpulse. https://www.travelpulse.com/news/entertainment/super-nintendo-world-confirmed-for-new-universal-theme-park.html. Retrieved on February 10, 2020.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Super Nintendo World at Universal Japan expanding with Donkey Kong (Theme Park Tribune) Date: September 28, 2021. Author: John Gregory.
- ↑ Super Nintendo World Opens at Universal Studios Japan (Theme Park Insider) Date: March 17, 2021. Author: Robert Niles.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Super Nintendo World Direct Announced for December 18 (IGN) Date: December 17, 2020. Author: Adam Bankhurst.
- ↑ Super Nintendo World opening delayed due to Osaka state of emergency (The Verge) Date: January 13, 2021. Author: Sam Byford.
- ↑ Super Nintendo World In Japan Opens This Month After Pandemic Delays (GameSpot) Date: March 8, 2021. Author: Eddie Makuch.
- ↑ Universal Studios Hollywood Announces Opening Date, Details for Super Nintendo World — What We Know so Far (Travel + Leisure) Date: December 15, 2022. Author: Carly Caramanna.
- ↑ Super Nintendo World Theme Park To Open Early 2025 In Florida, Mayor Says (GameSpot) Date: March 4, 2021. Author: Eddie Makuch.
- ↑ Unique Aspects in Each Super Nintendo World Around the Globe (Inside the Magic) Date: March 10, 2021. Author: Katrina Allen.
- ↑ The Super Nintendo World website seems to feature a fan-made Mario render (gamesradar+) Date: January 7, 2021. Author: Jordan Gerblick.
- ↑ Random: Oops, Super Nintendo World's Cactus Seems To Be Lifted From A Fan-Made Game (Nintendo Life) Date: February 9, 2021. Author: Henry Stockdale.