Mamma Mia! This is my childhood dream come true!
Super Nintendo World (SNW) opened over one year ago, but the hype has not died down at all. When we purchased our tickets to Universal Studios, we added on the early access pass which was $30 per person. It allowed us to enter the park one hour early at 8:00A, before the general public entered at 9:00A. SNW is on the lower level, so you'll need to walk deep into the park and ride multiple escalators down. If you want to eat at Toadstool Cafe, scan the QR code at the entrance to SNW right as you get there.
After a quick walk through a warp tube tunnel, you'll be immersed into the Mushroom Kingdom. We headed straight to the ride, "Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge" and the wait was only 20 minutes. Without giving too much away, the game is very interactive and the visuals are amazing... you really feel like you're racing down the course.
I highly recommend purchasing a Power-Up Band to make the most of your visit since it will allow you to collect "keys" as you play the four minigames around the park. If you get in the park early, you can purchase it at the City Walk and get it all set up (connect to the app) before entering SNW. Each band is $42, so I'd say as long as you have one for your group, that is sufficient. Complete at least three of the minigames to get access to the final challenge, Bowser Jr.'s Shadow Showdown. Despite only having one band, the four of us were all able to simultaneously participate in two of the minigames and the final Showdown. Through the app, you can also collect "stamps" by completing various tasks around the park. There are no tangible prizes from the stamps, but more so just increases the level of engagement.
Every hour or so, the characters will come out for photo opportunities. Mario and Luigi come as a pair, with Princess Peach and Toad stationed independently at separate areas. While SNW is smaller than you might expect, there is so much packed into the space. A somewhat hidden staircase near Bowser Jr.'s Shadow Showdown leads to an overhead view of the land and to one more game.
Explore every corner, look up and take in all the details. Let's-a-go! read more