The immersive Augmented Reality-enhanced Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge attraction is ready to give the green light at the Super Nintendo World expansion in Universal Studios Hollywood and we got our first-hand look. Strap on your AR headset and hop into a Mario Kart vehicle that will take you across landmark destinations in the Mario game universe. Plus, if you have an optional Power-Up Band, you’ll be able to rack up the points in the Universal Studios Hollywood app.
Here’s what you can expect with the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge attraction in Super Nintendo World starting February 17, 2023. Letsa go!
Complete Video
See full video of the attraction including the queue and the use of the AR headsets!
Safety Considerations
Below are some of the experience and safety considerations for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. For specific questions on accessibility, you can call Universal Studios Guest Relations or call 1-800-864-8377, option 9.
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 40” (102 cm)- Supervising Companion Required: Under 48” (122 cm) require supervising companion
- Accessibility: Guests must transfer from wheelchair or ECV to ride vehicle seating
- Child Switch: Available for this attraction.
- Single Rider: Available
Rider Size Constraints
As unfortunately is often the case with Universal Studios attractions, the configuration of vehicles is intentionally restrictive for safety which means guests with larger proportions may not be able to ride. Because of this, people often fairly inquire if particular attractions are “fat friendly.”
For this Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Universal officially advises that guests with waistlines of 40″ or greater might not be accommodated due to body shape and size. There is no strict weight limit to ride however you must safely fit into the attraction vehicle.
Right when you get in line, there is a special test vehicle located just inside (and to the right) of the attraction’s main entrance. Guests are able to freely (and discreetly) test out the vehicle before waiting in line. The photos below show the restraint mechanism.
AR Headset
Adjustable headsets are provided prior to boarding a Mario Kart vehicle. The plastic assembly is easy to use, simply pop it on your head and turn the knob at the back to loosen or tighten the adjustment strap to your head.
Once you get into the Mario Kart, a pair of “goggles” will be found tethered to the steering wheel. These easily snap into position on to your headset. It’s important to keep in mind that the headsets are cleaned between each use but the goggles are not. However, the goggles attach to your helmet and at no point touch your head or face. Instead, the goggles sit at the end of the visor a few inches away from your eyes.
It is optional to wear the headset or the goggle attachment however the majority of what makes the ride fun and interesting are the elements that appear on the goggle viewport.
Power-Up Bands
These are an optional part of the experience. As soon as you get into your vehicle, you can scan your Power-Up Band on the steering wheel which will link your game play (and all the points you earn) to the Universal Studios Hollywood app.
Attraction Photos
The Exterior
The Queue
Check out our full video below chich provides an extensive look at the entire queue for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
The Attraction
Check out our full ride video of a POV perspective (including the AR headset display) for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge below!
Ready to Play?
We’ve got your in-depth gamer’s guide on everything there is to do at Super Nintendo World, check out our guide pages below.
Quick Links: Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge | Power-Up Band experience | Meet Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach | Toadstool Cafe | 1-Up Factory | AR Binoculars | Outdoor Vending | Virtual Line Reservations
See it for Yourself
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood officially opened February 17, 2023 and is now open daily.
The new Super Nintendo World expansion is located inside of Universal Studios Hollywood park and access is included with regular park admission. Super Nintendo World is not a separate theme park.
MORE INFO: For tickets, visit store.universalstudioshollywood.com.
