You think you’ve seen everything in theme parks, and then a viral video drops that makes you do a double-take. That’s exactly what happened at Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World this week when a video surfaced showing a child climbing one of the park’s central set pieces—and striking a pose for the camera while guests milled around as if nothing were happening.
The clip, first shared on X by Alexis Garcia (@AlexisWET), quickly made the rounds. Garcia expressed her frustration, writing: “I was so upset when I saw one of my favorite Latin American actresses allow her nephews to climb this at SNW at EPIC. So I definitely feel your pain. Embarrassing.” The post immediately ignited conversation online, with fans and theme park enthusiasts debating both the safety and the optics of the situation.
I was so upset when I saw one of my favorite Latin American actresses allow her nephews to climb this at SNW at EPIC. So I definitely feel your pain. Embarrassing. pic.twitter.com/bwq8T0HGY8
— Alexis Garcia (@AlexisWET) November 28, 2025
But here’s the kicker: when this video first hit my inbox, my immediate reaction was the same as yours probably is—“Wait… is this real?” In an era where AI-generated content is becoming more sophisticated, it’s increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine mishaps from digitally altered ones. Deepfake videos, hyper-realistic CGI, and AI-enhanced clips can now show guests doing things they never actually did—all for views, clicks, or social media clout.
When Viral Videos Become a PR Nightmare
Even if this particular incident is legitimate—which everything about the footage suggests—it points to a much larger problem for theme parks: the viral effect. One short clip can generate thousands of views, be picked up by news outlets, and shape public perception in a way that could impact the park’s reputation.
Universal, like Disney, invests heavily in creating immersive, interactive experiences that are safe for guests of all ages. But the reality is that when a video like this goes viral, the focus shifts from the magic of the park to guest behavior and perceived lapses in oversight. Parks are now fighting a battle on two fronts: keeping visitors safe and controlling how incidents are represented online.
The Scene in Super Nintendo World
In the video, the child climbs to the top of a large, central installation—one of the focal points of the Super Nintendo World experience. The nonchalant reactions of other guests immediately raised eyebrows. Staff are trained to intervene in such situations, but large crowds, immersive environments, and the high-energy nature of the park can create moments where rules are bent—or ignored.
What’s striking about this clip is the juxtaposition between the child’s bold behavior and the passive response of those around them. It’s one thing to see a toddler misstep; it’s another to see it captured on video and shared with a global audience. The viral nature of the clip transforms a minor incident into a conversation about safety, supervision, and the responsibilities of both parents and parks.
AI and the Social Media Factor
Here’s the new twist that theme parks have to contend with: even when incidents are real, AI can make them feel bigger, scarier, or more controversial. Viral clips are no longer just videos; they’re fodder for memes, TikToks, and AI-driven reinterpretations. A single misstep can be exaggerated to the point where public perception assumes the park is unsafe or poorly managed.
For Epic Universe, this is a balancing act. On one hand, the park benefits from social buzz and online attention. On the other, clips like this can misrepresent reality and even encourage other guests to test boundaries. The stakes are high—especially in a space like Super Nintendo World, where interactive elements are designed for fun but require careful adherence to safety rules.
Guest Behavior, Park Responsibility, and What This Means Moving Forward
While the child in this video may not have been harmed, the incident highlights the shared responsibility of visitors, parents, and park staff. Theme parks can enforce rules, provide signage, and staff attractions with vigilant attendants—but guests also play a role in ensuring everyone enjoys a safe and magical experience.
From my perspective, there’s also a media literacy lesson here. As AI content proliferates and social media rewards sensational videos, not everything you see online is reality. Even real videos can be misinterpreted, misused, or amplified in ways that distort the truth. Parks like Universal and Disney are navigating a new landscape where perception can be just as impactful as fact.
This viral moment at Super Nintendo World serves as a cautionary tale for anyone visiting theme parks in the digital age. It’s a reminder that boundaries exist for a reason, staff are there to protect both guests and property, and the camera is always rolling—sometimes literally.
The video also underscores the evolving challenges of modern theme park management: how to create unforgettable, immersive experiences while managing safety, perception, and the powerful lens of social media.
At the end of the day, Epic Universe continues to wow guests with its creative attractions and attention to detail. But this latest viral video proves that in 2025, theme parks aren’t just managing rides—they’re navigating the complex, sometimes unpredictable world of viral digital content.
