Mario Kart ride at Super Nintendo World in the US has waistline limit

When Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood opens next month, it’ll come with a rider waistline limit for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. The Wall Street Journal reports that visitors may be turned away if their waistline measures 40 inches or more.

Super Nintendo World is the focal point of the outlet’s article, but it’s also mentioned that “navigating theme parks has grown tougher for plus-size visitors as parks balance accessibility with heightened safety requirements.” Other parts of Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and other locations “are equipping rides with tighter restraints to ensure that small children and others can’t wriggle out from seats.”

The Wall Street Journal has this comment from Jim Seay, president of the ride manufacturer Premier Rides, which has built roller coasters for the Six Flags, SeaWorld and Universal Studios parks:

“Our first priority is always the safety of the guests and the employees. We balance that with a very focused effort to make the rides as accessible as possible.”

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood opens on February 17, 2023. The park also has a location in Japan, with Orlando to follow in 2025.