Universal Studios Hollywood’s newest themed area Super Nintendo World just opened to the public February 17th. And while the spectacle sounds amazing, it seems there are some culinary kinks to work out. Which isn’t necessarily what you want to hear about something so highly anticipated. Several tweets from attendees have sprung up with significant complaints about their experience with the food.
Primarily with complaints of food poisoning after the fact, but also the quality in general at the Universal Studios eatery.
The park has been heavily swamped with fans excited to experience the world of Super Mario. But that might be causing issues. After waited over two hours for their food at the Toadstool Cafe, some attendees have reportedly gotten sick from their meals. It’s entirely possible in the rush to meet demand — rather than capping attendee numbers — is causing some lax behaviors in the kitchen. If there’s a rush, mistakes can be made. Food can be undercooked or improperly prepared.
Failing Food = Bad First Impression
Harsh comparisons are being made between the appearance and care taken with the US park compared to Japan. Many are disappointed the food isn’t cuter and better-prepared. A prime example of this is the Princess Toadstool-themed dessert. Japan’s Super Nintendo Land presents guests with a small cake reminiscent of the one Peach makes for Mario in “Super Mario 64.” Complete with raspberries and super stars in a delicate cream, it’s adorable. But the US park gives guests the Princess Peach Cupcake, which is, for lack of a better word, completely uncreative.
A massive funfetti cupcake suffocating under an even more massive amount of pink frosting does not an impressive dessert make. If people wanted a garden variety cupcake, they could buy a pack at the market. The amount of frosting alone would be enough to make people sick if they were to eat all of it.
The consensus on the food currently is that the wait times are too long for food that’s mediocre. For theme parks, having good food is an important part of the attraction. Either Super Nintendo Land needs to step it up or re-evaluate a failing menu.
