That’s one for the kart… a trip to Hollywood to see the new attraction, Super Mario the Universal funghi (see what we did there)!
And, of course, his buddy Luigi and Princess Peach bound across those wide expanses of the park too.
Where there is mushroom (stop!) for the rides, eateries and shops which make up Super Nintendo World.
The advance party went out to slide down the giant green pipe into the Mushroom Kingdom.
And get up close to our old plumber pals.
Universal Studios Hollywood, a must-visit on your LA trip, gladly extended out and built a mountain, Mount Beanpole.
All to accommodate the groundbreaking Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge ride.
Rest assured you’ll build up an appetite but equally you can refuel at Toadstool Cafe (with mushroom soup, of course, among other delights).
Before indulging a little retail therapy with shopping at the 1-UP Factory retail store.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves… and start at the very beginning.
You’ll enter Peach’s Castle before venturing further into the colorful Mushroom Kingdom.
Let’s a-go Kart
At a glance, this is Super Nintendo World:
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: Our hosts tell us this seamlessly fuses cutting-edge augmented reality (AR).
With projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track.
Set against a multi-sensory backdrop of colour, sound and movement, guests are seated in stadium-style, four-seat vehicles.
As they navigate familiar courses through the creative use and integration of head mounted AR goggles.
All part of Team Mario, guests steer through underwater courses and courses in the clouds to compete for the Golden Cup.
While collecting digital coins to defeat Team Bowser and win.
Wowser Bowser
Bowser’s Castle: Adorned with a breathtaking sculpture of a large and powerful Bowser.
This structure serves as a key centrepiece of the land, home to the signature ride, “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.”
As guests navigate the corridors and the hall of medallions and trophies of the castle towards the ride..
They learn more about Bowser’s calculated plans to defeat Team Mario for the Golden Cup.
Band of brothers and sisters
Power-Up Band™: These wearable, state-of-the-art wristbands sync with the official Universal Studios Hollywood’s free downloadable app to level up the guest experience within the land.
And enhance its many interactive elements.
These include keeping individual and team scores, collecting digital coins and obtaining keys after winning Key Challenges throughout the land.
When riding Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge guests are encouraged to tap their Power-Up Band on the ride vehicle’s steering wheel.
This way they can track digital coins collected as well as gauge their ranking against friends and family, when synced to the app.
Bands can be purchased both within the land and at retail shops in the theme park and on Universal CityWalk Hollywood.
Gameplay day
Interactive Gameplay: Within the land, guests can enjoy many interactive areas, including punching ? Blocks to collect digital coins.
They will discover a new dimension of Super Nintendo World via the interactive binoculars positioned within the land.
Guests can also collect keys after winning the Key Challenges.
From Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap and Thwomp Panel Panic.
Collecting at least three keys will ultimately allow access to the final boss battle with Bowser Jr.
Super Nintendo World looks a great fun addition to the Universal stratosphere.
Well, we’re not surprised, because ever since the playful plumbers came on the scene we’ve been big fans.
So let’s a-go out to LA and join in the fun with Super Mario the Universal funghi.