A Chipmunk Adventurer's Super Nintendo World Experience

Ever since five-year-old me first picked up a NES controller and began my journey from the 8-Bit era to 16-Bit and beyond I had always wondered if a Video game-themed park could ever be possible, let alone a Nintendo-themed one. Of course, the idea of that seemed far-fetched given that there was no way any big-wig executive would dare try to take that kind of a risk.

Then when I learned that a theme park was indeed being made, as well as plans for one being done here in the U.S. (west coast and east coast) I was shocked and also excited, and now finally some years later, I bought a ticket and checked it out!

So what do I think? Well...I'm not sure if words can describe it. While there was only the two main sections, I was just blown away.

For starters, the attention to detail is nothing short of amazing. For example, right when you enter the warp pipe you feel like you're being transported to a whole new world, and right when you step out you find yourself inside Princess Peach Toadstool's castle.

But that's nothing compared to when you step out.

What a sight!

From seeing the Pirhana Plants, to the coins and item blocks, you know you're definitely in the Mushroom Kingdom. And nowhere does this come obvious when you do the "Golden Mushroom" quest. Also, if you manage to purchase one of the bracelets, you will feel like you're part of the experience more, because the bracelet will allow you to get coins based on what items you have your bracelet touch, which also works in tandem with the Universal Studios app.

And even the attractions like Yoshi's Adventure show why the attention to detail makes all the difference.

With Mario Kart I was willing to stay longer just to get a chance to ride something I had only ever played during the N64/GameCube/Wii/DS/Switch days, unfortunately due to technical difficulties it was closed which was a drag but the fact that many people were still willing to wait it out shows the dedication.

The shops and concession stands in the Mushroom Kingdom also add to this feeling of total immersion. The menu definitely gives that Italian vibe that Mario and Luigi would introduce Mushroom Kingdom citizens to which never feels out of place. While I didn't get a chance to sample the entrees, the presentation was more than enticing. The shops were definitely a Nintendo Gamer/Arcader's paradise, because there were so many things from thermoses, casual clothes, trading pins to even remote control toy cars that I almost wish I could travel back in time and show my 5-year-old self all this just to see the look on his face. Those "World of Nintendo" booths that were set up in the late 1980s would pale in comparison.

Going over to the Donkey Kong area - much like the Mushroom Kingdom - was another place that keeps with that feeling of immersion where you feel like you are in the DK Country world. The music adds to the ambience and you just wonder if Donkey Kong or his crew would show up at some point. While they don't, you still feel their presence. Even the shops like Funky Kong's "Fly 'n Buy" or "The Bubbly Barrel" help amplify the experience.

Donkey Kong Land in the flesh!

Now even though it is my first time coming here and that obviously there are still plans to expand Super Nintendo World, I can say that this has been an amazing experience. Though I wasn't able to do all of the rides I can definitely say that what I saw and did more than satisfied my desire to see a video game-themed park and has me very stoked to see what is next. Until then I'm glad I went, and I'm also glad that the Nintendo characters are bring brought to life in ways beyond the game screen and into our world, for those who first experienced these characters back in the 1980s and 90s like myself, to the present and future generations to experience for the first time!

Great job Universal! Great job!