Epic Universe doesn’t officially open until May 22, but Universal Orlando is already running technical rehearsals and limited previews for passholders. And while most of the buzz has been about the incredible theming and cutting-edge attractions, one of the most unexpected moments came from a character meet-and-greet inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD—and it’s now gone viral.
Toad, the beloved mushroom-headed character from the Super Mario franchise, took a bit of a spill during one of his appearances. A video shared on social media shows the character walking out to greet guests before suddenly tipping backward and falling to the ground. The reaction online has been massive.
The video quickly gained hundreds of thousands of views, with many fans chiming in to express both amusement and concern. One user joked, “Someone call an ambulance—Chonky Toad has fallen,” sparking a wave of playful comments and memes across the Nintendo fanbase.
A rare character appearance
Toad isn’t always included in meet-and-greets at Universal’s Nintendo-themed lands. He’s notably absent from the regular lineup at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in Hollywood and Japan, which is why many fans were especially excited to see him featured in the Orlando version.
Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe promises to be the most immersive version yet, with a more expansive layout and deeper character interactions. Meeting Toad is already being viewed as a rare and exciting addition—one that has quickly become the center of attention, even if for an unexpected reason.
What actually happened?
The cause of the fall hasn’t been confirmed, and there’s no official word from Universal Orlando on the status of the team member inside the costume. Several users online speculated that the performer may have been injured, though that has not been verified.
One post mentioned this might be the first time Toad has ever taken a fall at any of the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD locations, making the moment even more notable. It’s a reminder that, despite all the preparation and training, character performances—especially in full suits—can still involve tricky movement and unpredictable terrain.
Fans are reacting with support
While the initial clip has led to plenty of internet jokes, many fans have also shown support for the performer behind the mask.
Several people commented hoping they were okay, while others used the moment to show love for Toad, a character who doesn’t often get center stage. There’s a growing excitement around the opportunity to meet him in person when the park officially opens later this spring.
Universal has not announced whether there will be any changes to the meet-and-greet process, but for now, it seems like the enthusiasm for meeting Toad hasn’t slowed down.
