In 2016, the theme park that saw the biggest jump in attendance in the world wasUniversal Studios Hollywood.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, thats what.
This year, Universal Studios Hollywood may be on the cusp of launching another mega-draw sourced from wildly-popular IP.
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios HollywoodNintendo/Universal
This time around, the IP theyre leveraging is one with which visitors are already used to interacting.
Universals challenge is to do it justice.
And, with Nintendos help, they may have actually pulled it off.
A piranha plant with a goomba and a mushroom in the background (Universal)
Deadline got a preview of the new stateside land several weeks ago.
Visitors enter the new experience through a shimmering version of the familiar green pipe.
That leads into Princess Peachs Castle and, through it, into Super Nintendo World.
blocks, green shells, goombas, power up mushrooms and POW blocks everywhere.
Its all brought to life with sounds and music familiar from the games.
Its not just about keeping score, Universal Creative Vice President John Corfino said, its truly a game.
With the completion of each of the challenges mentioned above, a player wins a key.
The screen exaggerates the players jumping ability, allowing her or him to more readily dodge Bob-ombs.
Those points can then be transferred to Nintendo gaming consoles using Amiibo.
Given limited space at the park, Super Nintendo World is not big.
But the demand will likely far, far exceed those numbers.
As a result, Universal has announced that Reservations may be required to enter Super Nintendo World.
Capacity is limited and based on space availability throughout the day.
Mario Kart: Bowsers Challenge is hidden in the bowels of Bowsers Castle.
To get to it, you snake through what must be the longest maze of bannisters in North America.
Its an attraction ready-made for selfies, which may prove one of Super Nintendo Worlds most popular features.
Of course, guests exit through the gift shop.
Participants are each given a red Mario visor onto which special goggles magnetically snap.
Thus, the ride is repeatable and has a variety of potential outcomes depending on how each team plays.
This is really a revolution for us, he said.
