Super Nintendo World made a splashy debut at Universal Studios Hollywood this month with its soft opening, and gamers and tourists alike raced to see what the park had to supply and to get in line to check out its highly-anticipated Mario Kart ride.
Featuring slow-moving carts painted in several colours, the augmented reality experience that places riders inside Bowser’s castle was destined to be a success amongst Mario-lovers all over the place, but one detail in regards to the ride is getting under some people’s skin.
“Nothing but wonderful things to say about Super Nintendo World except this: the body size limitations on the Mario Kart ride are absolutely ridiculous. I’ve never had any issue fitting into any ride in my entire life, and I can BARELY fit into this one. Completely absurd,” influencer Rocco Botte wrote, blasting the ride’s narrow seats on Twitter.
One other considered one of the ride’s critics, a Twitter user named Anna, wrote, “Can we discuss how at my biggest I’d not have been capable of fit on Mario Kart? A 40-inch waist line is a few size 20. Are you freaking kidding me @UniStudios? It’s a DARK RIDE.”
A statue of Bowser is seen at the doorway of the Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge ride during a preview of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan.13, 2023. AFP via Getty Images
“You may’t have a mario kart ride that Bowser and DK wouldn’t even be allowed on. Dumb,” a 3rd user named Zaha wrote.
Postcast host Matt Mazany chimed in on the subject on Twitter as well, writing, “Trust me once I say ‘lose somewhat weight’ will not be a novel suggestion. Universal has a history now of releasing latest rides (Harry Potter, Lifetime of Pets, and now Mario Kart where they don’t accommodate big people yet they WILL take full admission price from us. Seems unethical.”
TikToker David Vaughn gave his followers a heads up in regards to the size restriction on the video-sharing platform, saying. “Unfortunately, the brand new Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge attraction comes with a warning that guests whose waistline is no less than 40 inches or greater might not be accommodated on the ride.”
Guests walk towards the doorway during a preview of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 13, 2023. AFP via Getty Images
“Though there’s a test seat on the attraction entrance, it’s frustrating that theme parks are still creating family-friendly attractions that aren’t accessible to a lot of their guests.”
As Vaughn’s video mentioned, Universal Studios’ website says a “test seat” is obtainable at the doorway so visitors can test whether their size might be accommodated on the actual ride.
“This ride employs safety restraints which can restrict certain guests from riding as a consequence of body shape and size,” the rules read. “Guests whose waist line is no less than 40 inches or greater might not be accommodated on the ride and are strongly encouraged to try the test seat provided at the doorway of the attraction to make sure their ability to ride.”
Guests eat lunch on the Toadstool Cafe during a preview of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 13, 2023. AFP via Getty Images
CDC statistics show that to be a problematic number for ride goers, nonetheless, indicating that the typical U.S. male scantily exceeds the 40-inch limit with a waist circumference of 40.5-inch while the typical woman’s waist circumference measures 38.7-inch, leaving people to ask if the requirement is much too restrictive as some claim.
As some tweets mentioned, Universal Studios has come under fire for a similar circumference issue with other rides prior to now, including the favored “Harry Potter” ride.
Super Nintendo World offers greater than the Mario Kart ride, nonetheless, including lovely Mario-themed pit stops, a store chock-full of Super Mario goods, possibilities to fulfill and greet your favorite Nintendo characters and the Toadstool Café where visitors can enjoy Nintendo-themed foods.
The park’s grand opening is anticipated to happen on February 17.
