Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge is poised to be Universal’s most interactive ride

While guests are counting the days till the 2023 opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, the latest reveal for Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge will have guests returning to ride over and over again. Could Universal’s most interactive ride set a new standard for theme parks going forward?

The theme park industry always looks for more ways to thrill guests. Universal Orlando received rave reviews for its Velocicoaster, the extreme adrenaline ride. While many guests love that barrel roll, others might prefer not go head over heels on a ride even if the Jurassic raptors are on their heels.

Other theme park rides take a different approach to enticing guests to ride, and ride again. When a ride can change every time a person takes a seat, it is a reason to make a return trip. Whether it is a different song, different view or a new outcome, that touch of unknown brings extra excitement.

The new Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge is said to create an experience “where no two races are alike.” While some people can talk about the complexities of the ride, guests want to anticipate what they experience. Although many people have played the games before, this experience will be more than just staring at a screen. But, the familiar will be blended into the new.

According to Universal Studios Hollywood, the multi-dimensional experience blends augmented reality with a variety of sounds, colors and movement. From the moment the “cart” leaves the station, guests are ready to zoom to the front and take the win.

Since this attraction will use augmented reality goggles, it will be interesting to see how riders adapt to the experience. Although other theme parks have employed this type of technology (SeaWorld Orlando once offered it on Kraken, LEGOLAND Florida offered it on its coaster), it does take strong technology to work well for all guests.

Still, the idea that no two races are alike adds to the ride’s intrigue. Even though many riders will go back time and again to race through Hagrid’s Forbidden Forest or splash through Jurassic World, the reality is that the experience doesn’t vastly change. The familiar offers comfort with the thrill. Many people long to relive that first time experience.

Even on rides, like Men In Black at Universal Orlando, that have a gaming aspect, the ride doesn’t necessarily change. Sure, people ride over and over to hit that perfect 999,999 score, but the experience is about mastering the game, not another unique experience. The changing experience on the Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge will capture that concept.

For now, people will have to study, watch and re-watch the sneak previews. Just get ready for 2023 because Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge is ready to whisk riders into a whole new theme park experience.

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood will open in 2023. More details will be revealed over the upcoming months.