By Emmanuel Itier and Roxanna Bina.
After almost a decade in the making, Universal Studios Hollywood (www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com), in partnership with the iconic video game brand Nintendo, just opened, with a huge success, the long awaited ‘Super Mario World’.
Like in the game, you will enter this fantastic new land with the iconic green warp pipe. Be ready to experience some fun like never before and in the company of your favorite characters from the best seller games adored by all children and their parents around the world. This is a land built like a dome environment and there is a feeling of total immersion. It is as if you have truly stepped into another dimension, as if you have become yourself a new animated game character ready to play the various games offered in this world; you will be totally powered up. For $40 parkgoers can purchase power-up bands that can be used to play mini-games within this intimate and contained universe. This will allow the players to unlock digital coins and badges on the Universal Studio Hollywood app. The bands come in six styles based on the charismatic kid favorites: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad and Princess Daisy. There is a narrative behind the games connected to the bands: Bowser Jr. has stolen golden keys from the Mushroom Kingdom and guests need to collect three to gain access to a final boss battle with the little Koopa. To get these keys you need to play several games spread around the land: Goomba crazy crank, Koopa Troppa POWer punch, Piranha plant nap mishap and the Thwomp panel panic.
But you don’t need the bands to get access to the delicious multi yummy dishes from the ‘Toadstool café’ with its entryway shaped like a giant red-capped mushroom. Delight yourself with a juicy burger or some spaghetti and meatballs, and unless you crave the short rib special. Don’t forget your sweet tooth with a Princess Peach cupcake or a question block shaped tiramisu! Once you have regained some energy enter the main ride of the Super Mario World: ‘Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge’. Before getting to your kart, you will enter and pass though Bowser’s castle with different corridors full of memorabilia as well as Bowser’s plans to defeat Team Mario. You will end up in your own kart with some special glasses allowing you to be interactive and enter the world of super Mario kart. This is a truly breathtaking augmented reality as never experienced before, such a wicked fun experience for the whole family.
Now that you have enjoyed the Super Mario World you should take advantage of the AMC cinema at the Universal Citywalk to go and catch a screening of The Super Mario Bros. Movie that just came out, courtesy of Universal Pictures, Nintendo, and Illumination Entertainment. Continue your Super Mario experience with a bad ass movie ride and with the voices of your favorite Hollywood stars: Jack Black as Bowser, Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor- Joy as Princess peach, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, and Keegan-Michael Key as the adorable Toad. This movie, directed by the ‘Teen Titans Go!’ team of Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic is a wild ride full of crazy battles and enchanting entertainment. Finally, before you head back to the park to enjoy your, now favorite rides, such as “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”, “Jurassic World: the ride” or “Revenge of the Mummy”; we highly recommend another feast at the newly opened: ‘The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen’. And a feast you will have with a mouthwatering menu of various very creative burgers, specialty flatbreads or signature dishes. And without forgetting a staggering impressive selection of milkshakes and other desserts to keep your rocking all evening long.
Truly, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Citywalk have excelled again in bringing the best of Entertainment in the most family friendly environment. So, pack up the kids in the car or on the plane and let’s go: the fun is waiting for you! Don’t be late!
