
When Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort reopened after their COVID-19 closures, there were a lot of changes that were put in place that really altered the Guest experience. One of those was the reservation system that required Guests to make a reservation at a certain Park, in addition to buying a Park ticket. While many understood the need for a reservation system when the Parks had to maintain strict capacity numbers, the system has become increasingly unpopular as the Parks return to a pre-COVID normal.
Disney is currently facing more than one lawsuit over its reservation system, and it looks like its competition is taking notice. On December 14, Universal announced the opening date for its newest themed land — Super Nintendo World — at Universal Studios Hollywood. The land will open on February 17, 2023.
Many thought that, in order to control the crowds that are sure to descend upon the small Park, Universal would institute a reservation system. However, we are now learning that a reservation system will only be implemented if the area is at capacity. No advance reservations will be required.
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood WILL NOT require advance reservations when open!
Instead you can enter the land as usual, as long as not at capacity. If at capacity, make reservation from app while inside park, or kiosk on Lower Lot.
Thanks to @CygnusParkYT!
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood WILL NOT require advance reservations when open!
Instead you can enter the land as usual, as long as not at capacity. If at capacity, make reservation from app while inside park, or kiosk on Lower Lot.
Thanks to @CygnusParkYT! pic.twitter.com/L1rE8jOYEH
— Alicia Stella Nova Resort (@AliciaStella) December 15, 2022
The opening of Super Nintendo World will mark the second opening of the popular land at a Universal Park. In 2021, Super Nintendo World opened at Universal Studios Japan, and the area has been a massive hit. A Super Nintendo World is also scheduled to open at the Universal Orlando Resort when its third theme park, Epic Universe, opens in 2025.
Guests visiting Super Nintendo World at Universal Hollywood will have the chance to buy exclusive merchandise, eat specialty food, and ride Universal’s newest attraction, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, which will take Guests inside Bowser’s castle.
Now, Universal has said that Annual Passholders will not need a reservation to get into Super Nintendo World. However, if the land is at capacity, that rule may change. It is also important for Passholders to know that even though their Platinum Pass has the Universal Express Pass, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge will not be a part of the Express system.
Universal has not yet announced if they will use a virtual queue for Bowser’s Challenge.