Universal Studios Japan is getting ready for the opening of a brand-new expansion for the existing Super Nintendo World; the first of its kind, Donkey Kong Country will expand the existing land by 70% its current size, creative an expansive and immersive land that will perfectly compliment the existing Mushroom Kingdom and all the gamified experiences of the Super Nintendo World land.
Earlier this week, Japanese media got its first look inside the Golden Temple, which sits as the iconic centerpiece of this new expansion. This towering temple that sits at the heart of Donkey Kong Country will be familiar to fans of the franchise, having been featured in levels of popular Donkey Kong games like Donkey Kong Country Returns and Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, in both of which the Golden Temple serves as the final stage of the game.
Surrounded by lush tropical forest, guests will be able to immerse themselves in the iconic locations of the Donkey Kong games, and will even be able to enter the Golden Temple – where, hidden inside, guests will find the land’s newest and most innovative attraction, Mine Cart Madness.
“The new attraction, Mine Cart Madness, is a new and innovative coaster design that is not bound by conventional ideas and will offer an unpredictable experience that will make you seemingly jump over gaps,” says Universal Creative Producer Daniel Greer. “We are looking forward to welcoming our guests to […] a thrilling and ultra-exciting experience that is both visually and instinctively stimulating.”
Guests will hop into a mine cart to adventure with Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, as they tr to protect the precious Golden Banana from the Tiki Tak Tribe. This family coaster will bring fans of the original games right into the levels as they jump gaps and get blasted out of barrels! This state-of-the-art next generation coaster is going to be the crown jewel of Donkey Kong Country – maybe even more coveted than the Golden Banana itself! – but it will be far from the only thing featured in this new land. With plans for themed food and retail spaces within Donkey Kong Country, the overall experience will be rich with immersive detail and the familiar gamified experience fans of Super Nintendo World have already come to love.
While more information about the new area has yet to be announced, guests can look forward to experiencing the new Donkey Kong Country expansion this year, with its grand opening planned for December 11th, 2024.
This opening comes just under half a year before Epic Universe’s opening, slated for May of 2025, which will also feature its own version of Super Nintendo World and Donkey Kong Country. While it may be too early to determine what differences these two wonderfully themed parks may exhibit, Mine Cart Madness has been announced to be coming to Epic Universe as well.
Last week, Nintendo of America gave the world wide web its first thorough look at Donkey Kong Country during a Nintendo Direct dedicated specifically to the new land, in an eleven minute segment showcasing some of Donkey Kong Country’s most exciting features. Shigero Miyamoto, Representative Direcort and Fellow of Nintendo Co. greeted fans via stream, and gave viewers an incredible tour!
The segment highlighted some of the features of Donkey Kong Country, including themed foods like the DK Crush Sundae, inspired by how Donkey Kong interacts with barrels in the games!
Or if you’re not in the mood for sweet, Donkey Kong Country offers the DK Wild Hot Dog, topped with avocado sauce and chips!
Guests will also be able to find familiar faces roaming around Donkey Kong Country, with impressive mascot characters to meet and greet around the new land. The detailed environment will make for the perfect backdrop for photos with Donkey Kong himself!
Check out the full eleven-minute segment of Nintendo Direct for the full tour and more information about some of Donkey Kong Country’s most exciting features, including the world’s first look at Mine Cart Madness. The video can be found on the official Nintendo of America YouTube channel, linked below:
Don’t worry, though! Whether you’re going to be there on December 11th for the grand opening of Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios Japan, or plan to wait for the Kong to come to us here in the states with the opening of Epic Universe, you won’t find any ride spoilers in this video tour!
