Universal Studios Japan has been preparing for the launch of the highly anticipated Super Nintendo World park. Unfortunately, those plans have been pushed back due to the current COVID-19 situation. The park planned to open this year, but now Mario fans will have to wait until Spring 2021.
Japan is slowly reopening many of its theme parks. Disney Japan recently reopened, but with several COVID-19 precautions, such as limiting attendance, no-contact with the performers, and even a restriction on screaming. The Fuji-Q Highland amusement park even asked visitors to “Please scream inside your heart” while on rides to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Universal Studios Japan reopened in June after a temporary three-month hiatus. Visitors could attend, but it meant that projects inside the park took a pause. Much of the Super Nintendo World was complete, with teaser images getting shared online.
Super Nintendo World contains a 3D recreation of many familiar landmarks and platforms from the game series. The biggest highlight of the park is Princess Peach’s Castle in pink and white. The attraction contains various activities and a special store that offers limited-time items.
[embed]https://twitter.com/USJ_Official/status/1313710523377053696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw[/embed]It may be a few months before Super Nintendo World makes its debut, but Universal Studios Japan has made a big announcement in the meantime. This month, a special Mario Store and Cafe will open in the park’s Hollywood Boulevard. A news post on Universal Studios Japan’s website has a preview of the store, along with some of the limited-edition meal items.
The cafe is decorated in red, yellow, and blue, plus green carpet to replicate the series’ grassy levels. The stools are decorated to replicate mushroom caps.
Visitors can enjoy pancakes in the shape of the Mario brother’s caps. Mario’s cap is strawberry shortcake themed, while Luigi’s cap has white grapes and a cheesecake flavor. The brothers also have sodas complete with straws with mustaches. Princess Peach has a fruit cream flavored soda decorated with her iconic cap. A special drink inside of a mushroom-shaped drink bottle is also available.
The store’s products include zipper pouches, pillows, keychains, pass case, coin purchases, and a box filled with fruit cakes to give to friends and family who couldn’t attend the park. All of the items have Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach themes.
Universal Studios Japan’s Mario Store and Cafe opens on October 16.