Children and adults alike waited in line for their turn to experience the world’s first Super Nintendo World and its life-sized Mushroom Kingdom, which opened Thursday at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.

Many wore the iconic red Mario hat, while others were decked head-to-toe in Nintendo memorabilia.

Minutes after the attendees were let in, lines formed to get pictures with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad.

Sisters Mika and Yuko Kobayashi — one wearing a Yoshi headband while carrying a Mario doll — said they became emotional when they first walked into the new park. They’ve been playing Nintendo Games since they were kids, they said. One added that “it’s not an exaggeration to say that Mario raised me.”

Sporting a Princess Peach headband, Sakura Konohana said the park “is beyond my expectations. I feel like I’m in the Mario world.”

While attendees are allowed to interact with the characters — who speak in their video game-sounding voices — they can’t touch them due to coronavirus protocols. So, for now, there’s no high-fiving or hugging. In comparison, Disney parks currently are not allowing character photos amid the pandemic.

Covid-19 restrictions at Universal Studios Japan include temperature checks at the entrance, mandatory mask-wearing, hand sanitizer everywhere, social distancing in line, and signs in front of roller coasters asking riders to refrain from screaming.

This last request isn’t limited to Super Nintendo World. A group of Japanese theme parks asked visitors to “scream in their hearts” instead of out loud last summer in a story that went viral.

Capacity is limited to 10,000 people per day, or about half of pre-COVID visitors, according to park officials.

Japan Super nintendo world open Wang pkg intl hnk vpx_00000220

Costumed characters greet guests on the park’s opening day.

Noriko Yoshinaka took the first train from Kyoto Thursday morning in order to be at the park on opening day.

“I’m scared when I take off my mask to eat food,” Yoshinaka said. “But the park seems to take safety protocols, cleaning the rides and wiping surfaces every time people touch them, so I feel safe.”

Many fans said they are most excited about Koopa’s Challenge: a real-life Mario Kart race through Bowser’s Castle. Riders have to wear augmented-reality headsets to see the projections of other characters and the track as well as to collect coins and to throw items.

In addition to conventional rides, the entire Super Nintendo World is an immersive game in which guests can compete against other gamers in the park.

Just like in video game, visitors can jump up and punch “question blocks” and collect virtual coins. Guests can also purchase Power-up Bands, a wristband that can be linked to a smartphone app, where they can store these virtual coins and keys.

Super Nintendo World cost about half a billion dollars to construct and more than six years to develop. The gaming industry — and Nintendo especially — got a big boost during the pandemic, as people in lockdown increasingly turned to Nintendo games for escapism.

For Nintendo, this is an important step beyond its core business of video games and consoles. The company is cashing in on its trove of intellectual property and iconic characters, with Nintendo items in gift shops across the theme park.

“They are in a decades-long strategy of going from being a video game company to an entertainment company” by expanding into mobile games, movies, theme parks, and merchandise, said David Gibson, an analyst at Tokyo-based Astris Advisory.

Visitors strap in to enjoy the Koopa's Challenge ride.

Visitors strap in to enjoy the Koopa’s Challenge ride.

This opening comes as the global theme park industry is struggling. Theme parks are re-opening in a patchwork around the world. There are plans to open Super Nintendo Worlds in California, Singapore and Florida. In Orlando, the opening has reportedly been delayed until 2025.

Last year, Comcast executive Stephen Burke said Nintendo “is one of the biggest potential drivers of attendance that you could have of any kind of IP. It’s up there with Harry Potter.”

Super Nintendo World was originally set to open last summer ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games. Both have been pushed back by about a year and along with the Olympics, Super Nintendo World was expected to attract an influx of tourists and boost economic activity.

Japan’s borders are still closed, so international travelers can’t come to the park yet. Osaka’s state of emergency was only lifted earlier this month, and Tokyo is still under the declaration.

At the opening ceremony, Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto said he hopes the whole world can visit the park when the pandemic is over.

Source: CNN

Museum of Illusions now in India; opens in Delhi’s CP for public

Situated on Connaught Place, New Delhi, this is the first India outpost and 30th location for the rapidly expanding Museum of Illusions brand.

MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS, New Delhi, a mind-bending ‘edutainment’ experience where guests enter the fascinating world of mental deception, has opened to the public on 10th February 2021. Situated on Connaught Place, New Delhi, this is the first India outpost and 30th location for the rapidly expanding Museum of Illusions brand, that started in Zagreb, Croatia in 2015.

Museum of Illusions now in India
With over 50 intriguing exhibits, MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS offers more eye-fooling fun than any other destination in New Delhi. The museum’s collection of interactive, immersive, and distinctly incomprehensible exhibits is based on math, science, and psychology. Visitors are prompted to learn about the tricks of perception and how the human brain works as they move through each exhibit. Imaginations can run free in the vast expanse of the Infinity Room, defy the laws of gravity in the Reverse Room, and shrink to miniature size in the Ames Room – all while capturing a coveted, baffling photo.

Also Read: You should stop saying these 6 things to your kids.

With uniquely mind-boggling backdrops – including several designed just for the New Delhi location – the museum offers photo opportunities that visitors will not find anywhere else in the area. The ability to post in Social Media inexplicable snaps has escalated the Museum of Illusions’ popularity and created a cult-like following among its fans.

Whether you are looking for a new adventure, a family excursion or, simply looking to broaden your knowledge and perspective, MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS New Delhi is the perfect place for all ages: friends, families, couples, elderly people!

Also Read: 10 Everyday Chores so that Your Kids Learn Basic Discipline

Announcing the launch of this new MUSEUM in New Delhi, Mr. Charalampos Douros, CEO, Enthoosia Group, said,?India has always been at the top of our list and we are very excited to make it happen. We believe in the value of entertainment and education and our museum is designed in a way that will encourage people to have fun while learning the mechanics behind each illusion. Our staff is highly trained, and we cannot wait to share our knowledge with you. Come and experience the world of illusions. We know you’ll love every minute of it!”

MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS New Delhi is owned and operated by Enthoosia Group, a Master Franchisor of the Museum of Illusions brand. Founded in 2018, Enthoosia holds franchise rights for 20 countries, including India.

About Enthoosia Group

Also Read: 5 Things You Should Not Wear While Grocery Shopping with Infants

Founded in 2018, The vision of Enthoosia Group is to develop and operate companies that provide memorable and exciting educational experiences while constantly evolving its activities, creating new, innovative experiences.

Learn more at www.enthoosia.com. Visit us at, museumofillusions.in.

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