I visited the first Super Nintendo World theme park in the US, and its attractions, decor, and food absolutely blew me away

The first Super Nintendo World recently opened in Universal Studios Hollywood.

Based on one of the most iconic video game franchises ever created, the immersive land invites guests into the world of Mario through interactive play and attractions.

Currently, the only other Super Nintendo World that's open is in Universal Studios Japan. Another is expected to open at Universal Orlando Resort in 2025.

To get to Super Nintendo World, you must go through Universal Studio Hollywood.

As a Universal Studios Hollywood platinum annual passholder, I can freely visit the new land anytime during operating hours or after 3:00 pm if a virtual queue is in place.

If the land reaches capacity, regular ticketed guests may have to join the virtual queue before being able to enter.

Walking into the land was incredibly exciting and the pipe was filled with lights. It led to the inside of Princess Peach's castle, then into the main area.

Once I entered the land via the warp pipe, the 360-degree design truly made me feel immersed. The colors were vibrant and the physical space looked straight out of the video games.

Unlike other theme parks where you are watching a story play out, I felt placed directly in the action as my own character.

There was so much to discover in the land, and many things weren't obvious, like tucked-away doorways or stairways.

One of the coolest places was a second-story patio accessed by a hidden stairwell. At the top, I found binoculars that helped me get an overview of the land.

Everywhere I turned there was something moving or to interact with.

I was expecting it to be comparable to Disney's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, which is incredibly visually appealing.

But Super Nintendo World made me feel like I was truly entering another living, breathing world. There were countless little details that immersed me, like the moving Piranha Plant and animatronic Goombas.

I think a Power-Up band, a wearable wristband that allows you to interact with the park more, is essential to making the most out of your time in the land. These were available for purchase at $40 and came in six character designs.

The band connected to Universal's mobile app and allowed me to collect digital coins, earn stamps, and more throughout the area.

Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge is the land's flagship attraction. It uses special technology and was inspired by the beloved video-game series.

In order to get to the ride, I entered Bowser's Castle and meandered its many corridors.

The queue took us through many detailed rooms where we could gawk at Mario Kart trophies, iconic character costumes, and much more.

When it came time to ride, we were given a headset that was attached to augmented-reality goggles within the ride vehicle.

The interactive ride uses a combination of augmented reality, projection mapping, and physical set pieces. As we raced along the track, we competed to beat Team Bowser by collecting coins.

Many of the familiar elements of the namesake video game came into play, like the ability to throw turtle shells.

The ride also synced with my Power-Up band so I was able to earn points based on my score.

I was able to use the Universal mobile app to see when I could meet characters that day.

Luckily, I was able to meet Princess Peach, Mario, and Luigi. The characters were amazing and even able to talk to me.

Much to my surprise, my favorite part of the park was playing the key challenges.

Throughout the land, there are four games where you compete against Koopa Troopa, Goomba, Piranha Plant, and Thwomp to win virtual keys.

The goal of these challenges is part of your overall mission in the land to retrieve the golden mushroom that was stolen from Princess Peach's castle by Bowser Jr.

In order to do so, you must collect keys that are earned from these interactive, physical challenges.

Some challenges were solo while others were best played with a group. These ranged from rapidly turning off alarm clocks in order to stop Piranha Plant from awakening to spinning a crank to knock a Goomba off of a platform.

It was fun to explore Bowser Jr.'s castle as it was a multiroom experience loaded with details. The final room was where we competed in the showdown.

Using light projections, our shadows were cast on the wall and we became characters in the game. The timed game required us to move and jump as we hit ? blocks, Bob-ombs, and more.

Like the video game, we could even throw fire. This was incredible and the pinnacle of the land's technology as it felt and looked like I was actually playing in a video game.

The play aspect wasn't limited to the key challenges. Throughout the entire land, I found so much to discover and interact with.

Nearly everything I did, like punching glowing ? blocks, further helped me bolster my score by earning me virtual stamps and coins.

In Super Nintendo World, you're playing against everyone in the land.

A leader board depicting real-time rankings was displayed in the mobile app and also on a large screen in the land.

Toadstool Cafe is housed in a giant white-and-red mushroom. It's unique in that it is a part quick-service and part full-service restaurant.

You order at a front counter and then are seated and serviced by waitstaff.

Much like the land, the restaurant was well-themed and interactive. Virtual "windows" offered views to the outside of Mushroom Kingdom and inside chef Toad's kitchen.

The menu featured elevated cuisine that was highly themed to the universe of Nintendo.

Dishes ranged from a four-hour braised short rib to house-made soups. My favorites were a flavorful tiramisu and the Luigi burger.

I loved the attention to detail put into every item's appearance — they all looked worthy of a photo.

At 1-UP Factory you can purchase collectible memorabilia, like plush toys and key chains.

I couldn't resist purchasing several items, like a Super Nintendo World shirt and Mario headband.

I'd planned on spending two hours or so in the land but was surprised that I was well entertained for around four. The land blew my expectations out of the water and I couldn't believe how much I got into the activities as only a casual Mario fan.

The character meetings were so much fun, the food was delicious, and the immersive factor blew me away.

I think someone who loves gaming can enjoy this land as much as someone who doesn't.