The Golden Mushroom Key Challenge is one of the more unique elements greeting guests who level up their day with a visit to Super Nintendo World expansion at Universal Studios Hollywood. If you’re armed with the fancy new Power-Up Bands you can engage in an exclusive set of activities and challenge that culminate with points added to your digital profile in the Universal Studios Hollywood app.

Here’s what you can expect with the Golden Mushroom Key Challenge in Super Nintendo World starting February 17, 2023. Letsa go!

What is it?

An attraction unto itself, the Golden Mushroom Key Challenge can only be experienced with a Power-Up Band. As the story goes, Bowser Jr. has stolen the Golden Mushroom from Princess Peach and only we can help by recovering golden keys that gain access to Bowser Jr.’s private lair where you’ll engage in a final boss battle to recover the Golden Mushroom.

To play, you’ll need to have a Power-Up Band. Guests who have a Power-Up Band can usually bring guests who don’t have a Power-Up Band with them into the challenge — they won’t be able to play but they can watch! Simply speak to the Team Member at the entrance for details.

MORE INFO: GUIDE: Power-Up Band in Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood

How to Play

The goal is to enter the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown to help recover the Golden Mushroom. The only problem is that the door is locked tight and you need to collect at least 3 out of 4 possible keys to gain entrance into Bowser Jr.’s lair. There’s four different activities where the golden keys are protected by Bowswer Jr.’s goons. To earn a key you must successfully complete the task.

There are two modes to all the activities: Easy Mode and Hard Mode. By default, the first time you play an activity it is set to Easy Mode. However, if you successfully win the challenge, it will switch to Hard Mode! If you can’t beat the activity on Hard Mode, it will automatically switch back to Easy Mode for your next try.

Key Challenge Activities

Piranha Plant Nap Mishap

Best accomplished as a team activity, disarm several alarm clocks to prevent them from awaking a gigantic Piranha Plant so that you can relieve her of a golden key.

The best part is everyone on your team can collect a key as long as they scan their Power-Up Band at the beginning (and again at the end).

Goomba Crazy Crank

Outsmart a Goomba by spinning a crank that will cause him to lose his footing and gain you access to a golden key.

Koopa Troopa POWer Punch

Use your Power-Up Band to punch a POW block and send a spinning turtleshell through a warp tunnel to disarm a Koopa Troopa of a golden key.

Keep an eye out when other plays engage the Pow Blocks to figure out the exact position of the turtle shell before you hit the block on your turn.

Thwomp Panel Panic

Tap all the blocks on the touch-screen to align them to the same color before time runs out to earn a golden key. This one also works best with a team of helpers.

Similar to Piranha Plant Nap Mishap, everyone on your team can collect a key as long as they scan their Power-Up Band at the beginning (and again at the end).

Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown Boss Battle

Once you  have at least three keys, you can head to the main entrance to begin the final challenge to recover the Golden Mushroom from Bowser Jr.’s lair!

Your shadow will be transported into the animated world where Koopa Paratroopas, Bullet Bills, Bob-ombs, and Paragumbas, and other foes will do their best to 1up you. Successfully beat them all and the Golden Mushroom is yours!

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.