By Robert Niles: The long-awaited Super Nintendo World land at Universal Studios Japan will open on February 4, 2021, the Osaka theme park announced today.
The land first was scheduled to open last summer but was delayed due to the pandemic. However, fans soon will have the opportunity to enter the land designed to evoke real-life video game, including riding a Mario Kart.
Universal Studios Japan also released some new photos of the land and from inside the main attraction, Mario Kart Koopa’s Challenge. The highlight of the land is Bowser’s Castle.
Inside, fans will find “a mysterious atmosphere with stone walls, spiked fences and heavy iron doors along with a massive stone statue of Bowser at the center of a grand staircase,” Universal said in its press release.
Also inside the castle, the new Mario Kart ride “is brought to life through a powerful story and characters, advanced technology in augmented reality, projection mapping, and screen projection combined with a physical set that recreates iconic environments in fantastic detail,” Universal said.
Mario Kart Koopa’s Challenge will be a five-minute ride for four riders, who must meet a minimum height of 36 inches. Also in the land will be Yoshi’s Adventure, which Universal calls “a treasure hunting adventure.”
“Guests need to find the three colored eggs that lead the way to the Golden Egg that Captain Toad was seeking. Guests will encounter a spectacular view of the Mushroom Kingdom from Mount Beanpole while having fun on this ride that’s perfect for the whole family,” Universal said. The five-minute ride will carry two riders on each Yoshi vehicle and have a height restriction of 34 inches.
In addition, Super Nintendo World will feature an upcharge “Power Up Band Key Challenge,” in which guests will try to retrieve a Golden Mushroom that Bowser Jr. has stolen. “Work your way through the games located throughout the area to collect three keys! Waiting for you is a dramatic boss battle with Bowser Jr. Jump, punch and use your entire body and all your instincts to win,” Universal said. You must purchase one of Universal’s new $31 (¥3200) Power-Up Bands to participate. However, you also can link the Power-Up Band to the official Universal Studios Japan app to “collect virtual coins and check your ranking, collect stamps and… experience the world of the games in real life,” according to Universal.
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