When I go to a theme park, I’m typically a thrill ride kind of gal. Give me all your roller coasters, all of the time. This is decidedly not the vibe of Super Nintendo World, the long-awaited addition to Universal Studios theme parks. Announced way back in 2015, Super Nintendo World debuted in March 2021 at Universal Studios Japan, which is in Osaka. A Stateside version is set to open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023, with Orlando to follow at some unknown date. With the U.S. opening (hopefully) close at hand, the question of the hour is: What can you expect?

I was lucky enough to travel to Osaka and head to Universal Studios Japan. I got there at a damn good time, too: They were closing out their summer season, which meant I got to see a 90-minute One Piece stunt show and check out the new Jujustsu Kaisen attraction. Super Nintendo World thrives not on rides, but on vibes. In doing so, it’s quite possibly the most singular, incredible experience I’ve ever had at a theme park. I say that as diehard, since-childhood Disney Parks person, too.