In the brand new theme park Super Nintendo World – and he’s coming to Florida

AMERICA’s major theme parks are known for bringing the magic of movies to life, but Super Nintendo World is the first to bring a video game to life.

The new theme land Universal Studios Hollywoodin Los Angeles, opened this month with snapping piranha flowers, magic cubes and a mean turtle-like nemesis based on game villain Bowser.

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As a child of the 1980s, jumping mushrooms, smashing blocks, and collecting coins on a TV in my living room was a mind-blowing new world of entertainment.

But little did I know that about 30 years later I would literally step into the game, completely immersed in a world of Mario and his friends.

Still operating as a working movie studio, Universal Studios Hollywood has an A-list location in the middle of a celebrity hot spot Hollywood.

While blockbuster movies like The Grinch and Spider-Man are made in huge studios next door, vacationers ride rollercoasters, cuddle Minions and splash on water rides meters from the action.

The whole NintendoThemed land is an important game for Universal, which confirmed it would bring the venture to Orlando as part of a brand new theme park called Epic Universe, set to open in 2025.

The Florida park is rumored to also contain the DreamWorks franchise How To Train Your Dragon, and an expansion to the wildly popular The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter.

But for now, people who want to experience Super Nintendo World in the US will have to check out the West Coast version.

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I enter through an oversized drain pipe and find myself in a chaotic, colorful computer world, where everything, including the walls, windows, and other guests, is interactive.

The gamification is everything you would expect from a major theme park partnering with a leading gaming brand.

From hidden features to food and drink menus that are as wacky as the world around them, no stone has been left unturned.

Hop and jump

The main attraction is Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, where you whiz around in a Mario “Kart” just like the ones in the games.

I love throwing turtles at the bad guys and navigating the psychedelic Rainbow Road.

A mix of augmented reality (courtesy of a cheery Mario visor) and real background accessories will get you right into the game. It’s pretty incredible.

In addition to the race ride, there are a series of games to play that allow you to collect points and coins across the land via a “power-up” snap that you wear on your wrist.

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Priced separately for $40 (£33) from kitsch vending machines, the bands connect to the free Universal Studios app and you can use them to team up and play against your own group, as well as others in the park.

Some games aren’t available until you’ve collected enough points, adding a real competitive element to the experience.

After all that hopping and jumping, I was more than ready for a Luigi Burger at Toadstool Cafe, washed down with the signature drink, a Peach Cream Soda.

Once you’ve explored the new land, the game is also back in the “real” world. Another exciting area not offered in Orlando is the brilliant Backlot Tram Tour.

A guide takes us along film sets of well-known films such as Jaws and TV series such as The Good Place.

Excitingly we also pass some active sets and I scan the cast and crew, hoping to spot a celebrity.

I’m out of luck, but I’ve heard guests were recently amazed by the sight of Brad Pitt wave to passing tours.

Universal has definitely leveled up with Super Nintendo World and with the first few days already sold out, it’s sure to be a winner with fans.

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