Octie Appetie: Japan 2024 Trip Part 25: Universal Studio Japan

Previously:

Japan 2024 Trip Part 24: Kobe Beef From Steakland Kobe-Kan Restaurant

Last day in Osaka before flying back to Sydney at night, we maximised our time to have some fun at Universal Studio Japan before going back to reality. I had to take my parent to the airport as they left earlier that day. And I was actually worried that if we got to USJ too late, we won't get that area timed entry for Nintendo World access. So, for breakfast we grabbed something quick and easy, just a melon pan bread and a bottle of cold coffee, these will do for now.

For our entry ticket, we bought it from Klook website. However, we were a little too late when we purchased our pass, because there was this package in Klook where you can get entry pass plus timed entry e-ticket to Nintendo World to secure and guarantee your entry to the new Super Mario World but they were gone very quick. It was nearly two months in advance when we bought our tickets though.

Without that timed entry e-ticket, we have to be in the theme park early so we could retrieve an area timed entry ticket on time. Because you need to scan your pass first then download their apps to be able to get a time slot for that area timed entry. Unfortunately, it was nearly 11am when we arrived and as soon as we were there, I immediately downloaded the apps to acquire that special entry for Nintendo World. My heart was dropped when I saw the time given. They gave us entry at 5:50. Damn!!!!! We booked our airport transfer to come and pick us up at the hotel at 6pm. We were contemplating to postpone the pickup until like 7pm or so. But then Nintendo World is located in a very far far away from the main gate. It's like the other end of the world. Although it will take less than half an hour train journey back to our hotel from USJ, but it will at least take easily another half an hour from Super Mario World walking back to the train station. By that mean, we only have like 10 minutes to explore that amazing world. Oh man!!! I don't think so.

After lots of thinking and blaming and disappointing, we decided to give it a miss. I vowed myself that I will make it to Nintendo World next time we're here. And I guarantee, I won't do it on the same day as flying out day. With that, we can have a whole full day exploring the park and we won't miss anything no more.

Actually, there is another way to secure your entry to Nintendo World is by purchasing their express pass. But the cost is more expensive than entry ticket and my daughter won't be using it to fullest as so many rides that she still doesn't meet the height requirement. If you use that express pass, then it is definitely worth to buy.

SING cocoa churritos 350yen

Limited edition Mario cart popcorn bucket 5,300yen

Butterbeer (non-alcoholic) 700yen

It was a surprisingly amazing drink. It was sweet and caramelly with creamy foam on top. It looks like ordinary beer and the texture is pretty much similar, but this drink has zero alcohol content in it. It made from butterscotch, sugar and water. They come in both cold and hot version. You can also get them served in a beer stein to take home as a souvenir. I totally recommend trying this drink while you're here.

For lunch, although at that time was around 2:30pm which is passed the peak hour already, most of restaurants were still packed with people. We obviously picked the one with the least queue. I mean the theme food here in USJ, they all look very cute and appealing. So, it won't make much difference, I can try anything.

Minion curry for kids 1,100yen

Minion fried chicken meal 2,100yen

Overall, the food in Happiness Cafe was pretty decent with restaurant quality standard and they tasted wonderful and flavoursome. The food came as a set with some salad and soup while for the kid meal set, it also comes with a cup of sweet pudding.

Fluffy's fromage and strawberry mousse 950yen

Now comes down to the highlight, Mario's and Luigi's cap pancake sandwich. Do you know how long did I queue to get these goodies? Nearly 40 minutes. Yes, 40 minutes until I can get to enjoy these phenomena. Look at the looooooooooooong line there!! I endured.. To satisfy my craving.

Luigi's cap grape no bake cheesecake and Mario's cap strawberry shortcake 800yen each

Yuhuu!!! Finally, the aforesaid are on my hands. There are a few mushroom-like table inside the shop to be used for taking pictures only, we are not allowed to eat in. I really can't wait to try them. Their pancake is rather thin but soft. For the strawberry shortcake, fresh whipped cream, strawberry jam and fresh strawberry are sandwiched in between those red pancakes. While the green Luigi's, it comes with some cream cheese and fresh muscat grapes. They were equally good, but I slightly prefer the Luigi's one as it is more tang and richer. On the other hand, Mario's cap is going to one direction only which is sweetness especially with that extra jam in the middle.