As part of our family’s summer finale road trip, we went to Universal Studios Hollywood for the first time with the express goal of going to the newly opened Super Nintendo World in the lower lot of the theme park.
Mario was our shared childhood; both mine in the 80’s on the original Nintendo Entertainment System, and theirs on various updated consoles throughout this century. Chloe used to come home from half-day pre-k and play Mario Kart on the Nintendo Wii while Claire was still in school, then would absolutely dominate when they raced, which made for a very angry Claire who would yell, “that’s not fair, she had extra time to practice!” and created a lot of amusing memories for the rest of the family.
We’d read reviews and seen videos from their favorite YouTubers glamorizing the theme park’s newest addition so naturally, as lovers of both theme parks and Mario Kart, we were hyped to go experience Mario World – uh, I mean, Super Nintendo World – first hand. More on that later.
Below I have details of our experience and some tips for yours.
First of all, getting to Super Nintendo World on the lower lot of Universal Studios Hollywood was a journey, which was a brilliant move on the part of the park designers to disperse some of the crowd traffic to the lowest corner of the park. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was near the entrance on the top level and as we walked past it on our way to our intended destination, I kept imagining the foot-traffic nightmare that caused when it made it’s debut. But I digress.
Tip 1: Arrive Early for a Chance at Super Nintendo World
The first tip I have is get there early! Like, before the park opens. Super Nintendo World is extremely popular right now and entry into that section is not guaranteed with a general entry ticket. We tried to get Early Access passes two weeks before our trip, but they were already sold out. We did upgrade our park tickets to single ride express passes, but even that only guarantees you a single entry into Mario World itself and not an express lane to the only ride in Super Nintendo World, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. To be safe, we arrived an hour before the gate was scheduled to open.
Tip 2: Expect to wait in lines
There are lines to get into the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park itself, lines to get to the lower lot, to ride Bowser’s Challenge, to get into Toadstool Cafe, then again to order food. Emotionally preparing for that fact up front will make for a more pleasant visit. But if you want a fun, theatrical way to top off your emotional stores at the start of the day, here’s my next tip: walk the red carpet.
Tip 3: Start with a Dramatic Entrance on the Red Carpet
There were multiple lines for entry and it was difficult to distinguish between early access entry and general entry, so at first my older two girls believed the red carpet to be for special guests. They moved to the safe lines to the right of the red carpet leading to the main entrance’s traditional turnstiles, guaranteeing entry so they could get into Mario World. But my curiosity got the better of me, and thinking it would be fun to enter in Hollywood style, I was drawn to the red carpet.
Tara and I waited with Christmas morning-like anticipation on the sprawling crimson carpet in front of the massive, arched entryway for the gates to open and welcome us in.
A melodic movie-announcer’s voice echoed out over the loud speaker, informing guests that Early Access entry was available at the gates to the left of the red carpet and that all gates would be opening early to welcome general entry guests into the park.
Excitedly, we summoned Claire and Chloe to join us. As we all crossed the threshold into the theme park, we felt the cinematic thrill of entering like stars—without the pesky annoyances of celebrity life, such as paparazzi and unwanted scrutiny of our every move.
The park’s entrance was at the top lot, and while the park itself opened its doors thirty minutes early, after all of the Early Access guests had already gone through, the rest of us, eager to reach Mario World, found ourselves in a standing-room-only crowd in ‘Springfield,’ the section of the park dedicated to the long-running t.v. show, ‘The Simpsons,’ waiting for the lower lot to open to the general admission guests. Springfield sat next to the first set of four escalators that led down to the lower lot, home to attractions like Jurassic World, The Mummy, and the newest addition, Super Nintendo World.
While standing in the crowd we overheard a lovely lady behind us declare that she was gonna start thumping people who were in a rush to get past her and ended with “I’m a nurse but I’m off duty today and I ain’t helpin no one if they get hurt!” Naturally, we got away from her as quickly as possible. Yikes!
After approximately 20 minutes, the lower section was opened and anticipation overcame the older two. They starting running through the crowd to make it to the escalators and Tara and I hurried to keep up. At first I felt a little foolish. Then, just as I had felt scaling the fence at Arrowhead Stadium during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, I felt mischievous and childish, and I succumbed to the feeling of being a kid in a theme park.
At every change in escalators, we ran and dodged through the crowd to the next set.
Once we were on the escalators, we could clearly see a birds eye view of Mario World off in the distance.
We made it to the bottom level and walked straight past the other attractions on a single-minded mission to reach Mario. After we passed Jurassic World we encountered a green Warp Pipe which, just as it does in the video game, transported us directly into the world of Super Mario.
Emerging from the tube was wondrous. The iconic Super Mario theme music blared from concealed speakers, and spinning golden coins appeared to levitate above the vibrant sets. Princess Peach’s castle stood opposite of Bowsers’ in a juxtaposition of good vs evil.
The girls took it all in, pointing out details as they bounded toward Bowser’s Challenge, the lone ride in Super Nintendo World Hollywood, but I was focused on getting us elusive reservations to the popular Toadstool Cafe.
The time was already 8:15 a.m.
“Oh man, they’re already almost all gone! The latest one left today is 10:15” I called out to them.
“Get it,” they responded in unison as we were making our way into the line for the ride.
I tapped the screen to confirm the appointment and was met with disappointment.
“Aw man, it’s not available anymore!” I said. “The next one is at 9:45. I’m doing it!” and I booked it as quickly as my fingers could type, not waiting on their reply.
“The app says this is a 90 minute wait!” said Chloe. “I don’t know if we’re gonna make it in time.”
“We’ll make it,” I said confidently. “We always make it. We just need a little of that Chloe magic,” I said teasingly, referencing her childhood nickname, given to her because of her ability to make everything work out in her favor. I choose to believe it’s actually some Pistole magic and we all have a little, but whatever it is, it worked on this day, too, as it tends to do.
Walking through the castle while waiting in line was great fun! We moved through rooms of different Mario game themes. When we were “underground” it was dark and everything was illuminated in a green glow while the underground theme played. Then we’d emerge from the cave into brightness and the music would subtly transition and we’d see Yoshi playing on screens around us.
I love this recent trend of theme parks making the wait part of the experience. I mean, I say recent. The first time I remember the wait being part of the ride was in 2012 when we visited Harry Potter world in Orlando for the first time and the wait was a tour through the castle, displaying relics from the books and movies, and that’s been 10 years ago! But anyway, I’m really glad that tactic took off!
The Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge game itself was a blast! You actually play Mario Kart while you’re on the ride! You can steer, collect coins, throw obstacles, and the objective is to win the race and beat Bowser.
Chloe had been preparing for this her whole young life.
Claire and Chloe were on a team together and, as predicted, they emerged victorious having defeated Bowser. Tara and I didn’t fare as well, but still loved every second of it. I finally got my bearings about me on the last turn and started focusing on the game rather than the spectacle of the ride, and I maintain that if given another chance, I could take him!
Tip 4: Be Aware of the Mario Bands
I honestly have no idea what enhancement they offered to the ride, but I do know there were signs for them everywhere and not a single place that we saw on the way in that sold them. I imagine they were sold in the gift shop but a lot of good that does you at the end of the ride.
Supposedly the Mario Bands were useful for the games and you could collect coins or something, and we were under the impression that you could only play if you had a wrist band, but that turned out to be an incorrect assumption on our part. We enjoyed ourselves without them and in my opinion they weren’t necessary or worth the extra money. But that revelation leads us to…
Tip 5: Play the Mini Games, Even Without a Mario Band
We mistakenly thought you had to have the Mario bands to play but learned later that we did not. Now, we got to experience the Bowser ride and eat at Toadstool Cafe, so we weren’t sad and we didn’t feel like we missed out on anything, but had we known, we would have played some games while waiting for our reservation time.
Despite Super Nintendo World being very small, with only four mini games, and a single ride, it elicited big emotions.
Now, as mentioned previously, we called it Super Mario World because that’s the only Nintendo game visibly displayed in the park. I did read a review that referenced a couple of obscure characters from an unknown game being hidden somewhere amongst the decor, but for the most part, what you’re getting is just Mario. That doesn’t take away from the fun for us, but don’t expect to get in there and see other nostalgic Nintendo displays or characters from your past.
Now, let’s talk about Toadstool Cafe!
Toadstool Cafe is the place to be in Super Nintendo World! It’s the only dining option, and on top of adorably themed meals, it offers a little extra entertainment as well.
One of Claire’s friends had raved to her about the cafe before our trip. A review online declared that it changed their life. With these reviews, our expectations might have been a bit high.
We made it through Bowser’s Challenge with 20 minutes to spare before our reservation time. Fearful of leaving Mario World and not being allowed to return for our meal, we spent this time just walking around Mario World and the gift shop, and witnessing character meet and greets with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toadstool, but we would have had time to play games if we’d tried.
Tip 6: Get Toadstool Cafe Reservations ASAP the Morning of Your Visit
You can only make reservations to the Toadstool Cafe on the morning of your park visit. We got lucky and snagged one of the last reservations by scanning a QR code displayed outside of the warp tube that led into Super Mario World, but the reservation system opens at roughly the same time as early entry and can be accessed from anywhere so if this is something you plan to do, I recommend you login early and get the time you want.
Below I have included the QR code to the reservation system as well as the direct link.
Toadstool Cafe Reservation Link
Our overall visit to Toadstool Cafe was so inconsistent!
Be aware that you’re only allowed to enter 5 minutes before your scheduled time, but 5-10 minutes before our time a line started to form and the wait was up to 30 minutes just to get in.
Your reservation is good for a set period of time so if you’re feeling lucky and willing to risk it, you could just play games or hang out in photo lines until the line dies down. While we were waiting, a family with a reservation time for 45 minutes earlier was permitted to enter.
Keep in mind there is no guarantee you’ll be allowed to enter, even with a reservation!
We had a little bit of that Pistole Magic on our side and we got in line just before the other reservation holders showed up and made it in about 5 minutes after our reservation time. However, when we turned around, the previously non-existent line was backed up approximately 30 yards.
The way the restaurant works is you place your order, then head to the host stand, and they seat you.
Everyone will ask you for your reservation confirmation along the way so be prepared to show it multiple times.
We waited 30 minutes once inside to make it to the registers to order, so the lines are definitely a tedious process.
No one behind the counters was in any rush, but they were all in good moods and friendly both amongst themselves and to guests.
Once inside, just like in the game, Toad’s mushroom house was deceptively larger than anticipated. It was whimsical with Warp Tubes coming from the ceilings and screens made to look like windows where guests could watch the members of Toadstool Village in their everyday lives. Next to our table was a window to the kitchens, allowing us to watch our food being prepared.
Periodically, the lights would dim and Bowser’s music would play throughout the restaurant. Bowser’s ship could be seen flying across the screens depicting the world outside of the Toadstool cafe, while Chef Toad and other mushroom minions, both outside and in the kitchens were seen fleeing.
Now, for the food! Like good vacationers, we started with dessert (mostly because that was what was delivered to our table first).
The Mt Beanpole cake was by far the girls’ favorite of the two. The tiramisu had a fun presentation, but the center was slightly frozen. Tara ordered a Princess Peach cupcake, but we were told they had run out – remember, this was around 10:00 in the morning – but throughout the duration of our meal we saw Princess Peach cupcakes being delivered to tables all around us.
Mt. Beanpole Cake(VG)- $9.99
Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layered cake topped with a matcha mousse
? Block Tiramisu(VG)- $9.99
Tiramisu layered with coffee soaked lady fingers topped with cocoa powder and chocolate power-up
Next came the Garlic Knots. Claire and I found them to be a little doughy for our taste and not flavorful enough. Tara didn’t care to try them at all. Chloe absolutely loves garlic knots and gobbled them up without issue, playfully admonishing us for our critique.
Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots(VG)- $5.99
Mini mushroom shaped knots brushed with garlic butter, parmesan cheese, parsley and a side of marinara sauce
Now, for the entrees, unanimously voted the best part of the meal.
First of all, if you’re a fan of fries like I am, the seasoning and perfect crispness of the truffle french fries are reason enough to purchase a universal ticket, wake up early, stand in lines, and plan your whole day around.
Coming in a close second was the Mario Burger with bacon, mushrooms, and their version of a Thousand Island dressing that rivals any I’ve ever had.
(Sidenote: if you’ve seen The Super Mario Brother’s Movie you know Mario actually hates mushrooms, so we were both pleased and amused to find them on the Mario burger)
The Fire Flower Spaghetti was surprisingly spicy, and while, in hindsight, the word fire is in the name, there was no mention of spice in the description. I don’t mind a kick of spice to my food but for those less spice tolerant, it’s worth being aware of.
Mario Burger (Bacon, Mushroom & Cheese) – $16.99
All beef patty, bacon, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, and American cheese served on a brioche bun with a side of truffle French fries. Vegetarian option available +$2.00
Fire Flower Spaghetti & Meatballs – $16.99
Spaghetti with mushroom marinara sauce, meatballs, Fire Flower parmesan crisp, shaved parmesan, and chopped parsley
Mario Mini Burger Adventure Set – $14.99
Cheeseburger, truffle French fries, corn on cob, broccoli and a coin cookie
Luigi Burger (Pesto Grilled Chicken) – $16.99
Grilled chicken, basil pesto, Swiss cheese, green pepper and spinach served on a brioche bun with a side of truffle French fries
We weren’t able to try everything on the menu, but I’ve included a link of the full menu for those who are interested.
Toadstool Cafe Comprehensive Menu
Overall, we give the Toadstool Cafe 3 out of 5 stars.
Did we have a good time? Yes. Would we ever go back? Okay, still yes.
It wasn’t the best overall meal we’ve ever had. It wasn’t the best service. But the aspects of it that were cute, delicious, and endearing made up for the areas that were lacking.
Universal Fun
The rest of our Universal experience was far less busy and a great deal of fun. Utilizing our express passes we were able to complete all of the park’s rides and attractions in the same amount of time we spent in Mario World.
I’d like to make a quick comparison between the Orlando and Hollywood parks, as the two are similar, but different experiences.
Hollywood is a day park. It was easier to fully immerse ourselves and get the whole experience in a single day, as opposed to Orlando, which has two, large, separate parks and multiple rides in each “world.” We enjoy the vast number of thrill-rides and rollercoasters in Orlando that weren’t present in Hollywood, but we liked that we didn’t have to make decisions about what to experience and what to miss out on. Once we made it to Mario World we were able to leisurely meander the park, stopping for Butterbeer and not rushing bathroom breaks to make it to the next ride for fear we wouldn’t be able to get everything in.
Having visited the Orlando park twice before coming to Hollywood, we found the Team Members in Hollywood much more pleasant and welcoming. They were friendly, helpful, if a little laid-back, and happy to be there, adding to the overall joy of the park.
In all, we had a fantastic day at Universal Studios Hollywood and would absolutely return one day. From the whimsical immersion of Super Nintendo World to the heart-pounding excitement of the Jurassic Park ride – our absolute favorite – every moment matched the exhilarating spirit of our incredible summer adventures.
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