By Charly SHELTON

This summer, Universal Studios Hollywood unveiled two new experiences that promise to delight guests of all ages: an interactive power-up wall at Super Nintendo World and an extension of the special 60th-anniversary tribute to the studio tour up in Universal Plaza.

On June 28, Super Nintendo World introduced an exciting interactive wall within the Frosted Glacier area – the upstairs room filled with icicles that has several blocks to punch and a balcony overlooking the land from atop Bowser Jr.’s Keep. This new feature challenges guests to engage with familiar Super Mario enemies while collecting digital coins and stamps in the Universal Studios Hollywood app. With their Power-Up Bands, guests can punch one block to reveal one of four Power-Up items – Fire Flower, Ice Flower, Super Mushroom or Super Star. By tapping the power-ups, they can get the power of each one and defeat as many spawning enemies or objects as they can. Fire Flower grants the fireball ability to defeat Green Koopa Paratroopas, Ice Flower grants a freeze touch ability to defeat Goombas, Super Mushroom grants the ability to break brick blocks and Super Star grants star power to defeat a combination of Goombas and Red and Green Koopa Paratroopas all spawning at once. With each enemy defeated – and block broken – guests earn coins and stamps to track their scores on the app.

During my press visit last week, I had the chance to try all four power-ups and, I must say, it’s worth the wait to see each one in action, even if you’re not the one pushing the block. The interactive wall adds a dynamic layer of fun to the already immersive Super Nintendo World, bringing a video game feel to the land based on a video game franchise.

(Scan the QR code attached to this story to see my full experience at the new interactive wall inside Super Nintendo World.)

Then, on the upper lot, the celebration continues as Universal Studios Hollywood marks the 60th anniversary of the studio tour with a special tribute at Universal Plaza. Guests can enjoy photo ops with Woody and Winnie Woodpecker, fly on bikes with E.T., step inside the classic ice tunnel from the studio tour’s past, and brave the JAWS photo op featuring the iconic Amity Island billboard to meet Scuba George from the JAWS tour stop. There are also opportunities to create mini studio tour trams with paper crafts and explore coloring pages featuring Universal Studios Hollywood properties.

I was particularly impressed by the E.T. photo op which, although not part of the studio tour, beautifully revisits a beloved chapter of the park’s history that is so closely tied to my childhood memories. And seeing the DeLorean up close was a treat – the tiny details on the car were fascinating and added to the authenticity of the experience. This tribute serves as a perfect preamble for guests preparing to embark on the 60^th anniversary studio tour. It offers a delightful appetizer of the excitement to come, whetting the appetite for the main attraction.

Guests aboard the studio tour will experience features like reissued glamor trams, iconic film props and unique photo opportunities. The highlight of this tribute is the chance to step off the tram and onto the Backlot at Bates Motel where an original, fully restored 1964 vintage glamor tram awaits. The studio tour experience and the Universal Plaza extension are running now through Aug. 11.

(Scan the QR code attached to this story to see a quick tour of the Universal Plaza offerings, or the studio tour 60^th anniversary experience.)

For those looking to maximize their visit, Universal Studios Hollywood offers a special “Buy A Day, Get a 2nd Day Free” ticket option, allowing guests to experience the park’s many attractions over two days. This promotion is available through Oct. 9 with visits completed by Dec. 18, 2024.

Universal Studios Hollywood has brought the fun for the summer. The interactive wall at Super Nintendo World and the studio tour 60th-anniversary tribute at Universal Plaza offer guests a blend of nostalgia, innovation and pure fun. Whether a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, these experiences are sure to create lasting memories. For more information and to plan a visit, check out Universal Studios Hollywood’s official website at UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.