The hugely popular Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan is gearing up for an exciting expansion featuring a brand-new Donkey Kong Country area inviting guests to enter the world of the popular video game franchise, complete with a state-of-the-art roller coaster attraction, interactive experiences, food and drink, and of course, a tonne of exclusive merchandise!
UPDATE: Nintendo has confirmed in its November 11th Direct that Donkey Kong Country officially opens on December 11, 2024, at Universal Studios Japan. More updates to follow!
The new Donkey Kong area draws inspiration from the “Donkey Kong Country” video game series which debuted in 1994 with “Donkey Kong Country” and has since expanded to include five mainline games. Gamers were first introduced to the iconic gorilla and Mario in the 1981 arcade classic “Donkey Kong.”
Table of contents
- Donkey Kong Country
- Mine Cart Madness Attraction
- Food and Beverage
- Merchandise
- Accessing Donkey Kong Country
- Universal Express Pass – Donkey Kong Special
- Initial Announcement
Donkey Kong Country
Entering through a warp pipe in Super Nintendo World, Donkey Kong Country will transport guests into the lush jungle world where Donkey Kong and his friends live. Fans of the popular video game franchise will recognise many familiar sights and sounds including Donkey Kong’s house, DK Bongo’s, Funky Kong’s plane, and the mysterious Golden Temple towering above the land.
The expansion is located adjacent to the Mario World-themed area, with guests entering Dong Kong Country via a DK warp tube. As seen in the new area map below, the expansive Donkey Kong new area is approximately 1.7 times larger than the entirety of the Super Mario Bros area of Super Nintendo World!
Mine Cart Madness Attraction
Donkey Kong Country will feature Mine Cart Madness, a thrilling new state-of-the-art rollercoaster developed in cooperation with Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto. The up-and-coming family coaster will have you jumping out of barrels, dodging and jumping over obstacles while racing through the wild jungle to protect the Golden Banana from the Tiki Tak Tribe!
As guests navigate the detailed queue, they’ll encounter giant footprints and ancient artifacts scattered throughout the Golden Temple. Sharp-eyed visitors can spot easter eggs referencing Donkey Kong’s history, going back to his debut in the arcade game Donkey Kong. Can you find the hidden Pikmin?
Murals along the queue introduce the attraction’s story, showing characters reverently holding bananas—could these be the legendary golden bananas? Up ahead, impressive animatronics of Cranky Kong and Squawks urge guests to defend the golden bananas from intruders in the Golden Temple.
Guests board mine carts to embark on their adventure to protect the golden bananas. Ascending to the temple’s peak, they enter a massive cannon and are launched into an exciting jungle journey. But beware—the track seems to have some problems… are you bold enough for this adventure?
We got a first look inside Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios Japan! Here’s a preview of Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness and the queue!
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See AlsoExplore Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios Japan“SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™” AREA EXPANSION World’s First*1 Area Featuring Donkey Kong “DONKEY KONG COUNTRY™” Officially Opens on December 11, 2024! Special preview of select areas of the iconic “The Golden Temple” and New Ride Attraction held today! | News | SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ Area Expansion…DONKEY KONG COUNTRY™ Officially Opens at Universal Studios Japan on December 11, 2024!
Ride Overview:
- Experience time: Approximately 2 minutes
- Capacity: 4 people per vehicle
- Height restriction: 107cm or taller
- *Those over 107cm and under 122cm must be accompanied by a guardian
Food and Beverage
Worked up an appetite and in the mood for something sweet while exploring the lush jungles of Donkey Kong Country? Jungle Beat Shakes is the place for you! Located inside an iconic barrel from the Donkey Kong franchise, guests can purchase the land’s signature dessert drink, the DK Crush Sundae!
The DK Crush Sundae drink – available with Tropical Banana Flavor – is available as a single item or with a collectable DK barrel mug and a Donkey Kong Country spoon featuring classic artwork of the character.
After something a little more substantial? Check out the DK Wild Hot Dog — Avocado & Cheese Sauce available at the cart next to Donkey Kong’s tree house with a “KONG” sign above the door.
Merchandise
Starting Wednesday, November 13th, advance sales of new merchandise will begin at One-Up Factory, including ticket holders designed with Donkey Kong’s trademark red tie and the barrel from the game, and eye-catching straps in vibrant, colourful colours that perfectly match the tropical vibes of the area.
The new Donkey Kong Country area will greatly expand the “play experience” established within Super Nintendo World with even higher interactivity. Using Power Up Bands, guests will be able to participate in interactive mini-games and collect the letters K, O, N, and G – just like in the game!
Speaking of interactivity, in addition to being able to use Power-Up Bands from Super Nintendo World can also be used in the new area, new Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong bands will be introduced! There are plenty of hidden secrets to uncover with the Power-Up Band, so be sure to explore.
Accessing Donkey Kong Country
To enter Donkey Kong Country once it opens, you will need a Super Nintendo World “Area Admission Guaranteed Ticket” or “Area Admission Numbered Ticket/Lottery Ticket.”
- Distribution of “area admission tickets” may end early depending on the situation on the day
- You may be able to enter without an “area admission guaranteed ticket” or “area admission numbered ticket/lottery ticket” depending on crowd levels
- Even if you enter with an “area admission numbered ticket” or “area admission guaranteed ticket,” attraction registration may be closed or suspended.
Universal Express Pass – Donkey Kong Special
A special ticket is now on sale that includes guaranteed admission to the Super Nintendo World area. The pass includes Express Pass access to Mine Cart Madness, plus a choice of one of the following three options: Mine Cart Madness Ride Photo, Yoshi’s Adventure Ride Photo, Voucher for Super Nintendo World Merch worth ¥2,200 (that can be used anywhere in the Park.)
Express Passes for January 1-13, including those covering ‘Donkey Kong Country – Mine Cart Madness,’ will be available for purchase on Klook on November 13th 2024, at 12:00 pm (JST).
- Sales period: November 13, 2024 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm JST
- Applicable use date: December 11th (Wed) – December 31st (Tue), 2024
*Excluding the NO LIMIT! Countdown 2025 period - Sales price: ¥4,200 to ¥8,400(tax included)
- Sales location: Universal Studios Japan Official Website or Klook
Initial Announcement
Universal Studios Japan announced the opening of Donkey Kong Country during a press event on December 5, 2023, attended by USJ LLC President CEO, JL Bonnier, Taku Murayama (Vice President Chief Marketing Officer), and Vice President Chief Creative Officer, Brian Robinson.
“We have great confidence in the quality of the new area thanks to our strong collaboration with Nintendo Representative Director Fellow Shigeru Miyamoto and everyone at Nintendo who is talented. Nintendo, which has continued to bring innovation to society, and Universal. In collaboration with Destination & Experience and Universal Studios Japan, we are preparing a theme park experience that will amaze the world. We are looking forward to the day when we can deliver a scaled-up experience to everyone.”
– JL Bonnier, President and CEO of US
For more on Super Nintendo World check out our guide to visiting and watch our massive video below!
Information and photos from Nintendo and Universal Studios Japan.
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s23) Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2023 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© Nintendo
TM & © 2023 Sesame Workshop
© 2023 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
© 2023 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. EJ3110902
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
More on Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan Guidebook
Are you planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan? If so, you need our digital guidebook! Our guidebook is the most comprehensive resource available, covering everything you need to know about the park, including Super Nintendo World, Express Pass, hotels, restaurants, attractions, shows, seasonal events, and more! With our guidebook, you’ll be an expert on Universal Studios Japan before you even set foot in the park. You’ll know what to expect, where to go, and what to do. You’ll also be able to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time at the park.
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Stress-Free Japan: Book with Klook
Make the most of your trip to Japan with these exclusive offerings from our trusted affiliate partner, Klook. From making bullet train reservations with ease to fully private tours, save yourself time and money on your trip. I’ve used Klook since 2016, and it is my go-to booking platform for anything in Japan!
- Japan Shinkansen & Train Tickets
- JR Pass for All of Japan
- Klook Pass Greater Tokyo
- Asakusa Kimono Rental & Photo Shoot (Kimono Rental Ange)
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Book Your Flight
I use Google Flights & Momodo to find affordable flights. Another great way is to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights to get notifications of cheap fares, which happens often in Japan. You’ll sometimes stumble on cheap flights to Kansai International Airport.
Buy Your Shinkansen Tickets (Bullet Train)
Getting around Japan by the world-renowned bullet train, known as the Shinkansen, is incredibly fast, reliable, and affordable for visitors. You can travel from Tokyo to Osaka in just over 2 hours. Get the JR Rail Pass to save a ton of money on the bullet train for your trip.
Book Your Hotel
Universal Studios Japan has affordable accommodations that are steps away from the park and have easy access to Osaka. I recommend checking prices through Booking.com followed by the hotels directly. Sometimes, you’re able to score some incredible deals. Here’s a short list of hotels at Universal Studios Japan I recommend.
- The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan – You’re directly in front of the Park gates and have instant access to Universal CityWalk Osaka. The rooms are gorgeous, with restaurants and even a Lawson (Japanese convenience store).
- The Singulari HOTEL & SKYSPA – Attached to the train station is a fantastic hotel for those who want a comfortable, clean, and stylish place to sleep. After a long day at Universal Studios Japan, the rooftop sento (public bath) is excellent for unwinding and relaxing.
- Hotel Universal Port – This is an excellent hotel for the Minion fan in your family, only a 5-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan. It also boasts the largest breakfast buffet in Japan, a must during your visit.
Buy Your Tickets & Express Pass
In advance, save time and stress by buying your tickets and Express Pass for Universal Studios Japan.
Stay Connected
Universal Studios Japan only offers free Wi-Fi at the park’s entrance. That’s not enough to stay connected and share your day with everyone back home on Instagram to give them FOMO. Here’s how you can stay connected while travelling in Japan.
- Pocket Wi-Fi – If you’re travelling with a group or have multiple devices, this is your best and most affordable way to stay connected to the internet. Pick up and drop off at the airport. Easy.
- Japan SIM Card – If you have an unlocked phone and need a Japanese phone number, this is the best and easiest way.
Get Yourself Travel Insurance
While travelling aboard, having travel insurance protects you against injury, cancellations, illness, and other things you can never predict. Whenever I travel, I always budget for travel insurance to protect myself. I’ve used it, and I’m so glad I had it. My recommended companies are SafteyWing and World Nomads for travel insurance.
Learn More about Universal Studios Japan
Don’t forget to study our in-depth destination guide on Universal Studios Japan for more information on this beautiful park in Osaka.
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