By: Dr. Jenna Liphart Rhoads

Mamma Mia! If you love everything about Super Mario Brothers, then you have to check out Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood in California. This immersive land has rides, character meet and greets, interactive games, and even its own restaurant. To make the most of this experience, we suggest taking advantage of the early entry option to be able to get into the area first thing in the morning before the park gets crowded. Keep reading for even more tips and tricks specific to this area. 

What is early entry? Early entry to Super Nintendo World allows guests access to the area for an entire hour prior to the rest of the park officially opening.  

How do I get early entry? Early entry is a separately purchased ticket from the general park admission ticket. Guests need both tickets to enter the park at early entry. Your travel agent can book these special tickets for you.

What happens during early entry into the park? Starting around 7:15 am, guests will have their early entry ticket scanned and then will move into a holding area by the front gates. At 7:30 am, the front gates will open and guests will have their regular park ticket scanned and moved to another holding spot just inside the park. At approximately 7:45 am, the guests are escorted through the park down to the lower lot and into Super Mario World. There are four sets of escalators to take down to the lower lot. Strollers are allowed on the escalators, but children can’t be seated in the stroller during the escalator ride and must be carried or walk on their own. There are stairs as well. Then, you are allowed into Super Mario World at 8:00 am to start having fun!

What are Power-Up bands? The Power-Up bands are purchased separately and are used during the mini games to track your progress, to track your score during the ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and to collect coins and unlock surprises. Tip: buy Power-up band at the Universal City Walk Super Mario store prior to early entry so it doesn’t cut into your early entry time

What are the mini games in the land? There are four total mini games to play: Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap, and Thwomp Panel Panic. When completing the games, guests earn keys needed to get into Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown to recover the stolen Golden Mushroom. Power-Up bands are needed to play the mini games. Only three of the four keys are required to unlock entry to Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. By enjoying the games during early entry you can complete the games in about 15 minutes or less whereas during normal operating hours it could be an hour per game. 

What is Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge? We highly recommend that guests ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge first thing during early entry. Because the ride will be “walk on” during early entry, there probably won’t be time to watch the instructional video. Below are tips to ride successfully:

• Everyone will wear a hat and then a visor will magnetically attach to your head piece and allow you to see the interactive elements of the ride.
• Scan your Power-Up band to the center of the steering wheel to link the coins you collect. A Power-Up band is not required to ride, but adds a fun touch.
• Where you look is where your shells will aim.
• You will get coins for hitting bad guys with shells and won’t get any if you hit Mario or any other good guys. 
• You don’t have unlimited shells so aim wisely.
• You are team Mario. At the end you will see if team Mario or team Bowser wins!

How to make a ToadStool Cafe reservation. ToadStool Cafe reservations can only be made day of and open right at 8:00 am. Time slots are limited in number and subject to availability. To schedule a time to join the queue (a reservation), scan the QR code posted at the entrances to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ and Toadstool Cafe. (Royal Carriage Vacations clients also receive an additional strategy that can ensure you receive your preferred Toadstool Cafe reservation.) When it is your reservation time, you will be allowed into the restaurant que to order your fun, themed, delicious food.

For now, Super Nintendo World is only open at Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, but coming in 2025 a brand new Super Nintendo World will be opening at Universal Studios Orlando in Florida. Stay tuned!

Contact Royal Carriage Vacations today to start planning your dream Disney vacation.